These slow cooker mashed potatoes are an easy, hands-off way to prepare a comforting side dish. The slow cooking process allows the flavors of garlic, butter, and vegetable broth to fully penetrate the potatoes, resulting in a delectable and flavorful side dish that pairs well with a multitude of main courses.
The ingredients required for this recipe are quite common, and you will likely already have most of them in your pantry. However, you might need to pick up yukon potatoes and vegetable broth from the supermarket if they're not a usual part of your grocery list. It's also worth noting that yukon potatoes are preferred for their creamy texture and ability to hold up well during the slow cooking process.
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes
Yukon potatoes: These are moist, yellow-fleshed potatoes that have a slightly sweet flavor. They are ideal for mashing due to their creamy, buttery texture.
Vegetable broth: Adds a depth of flavor to the potatoes. You can also use chicken broth if preferred.
Kosher salt: This type of coarse salt helps to enhance the natural flavors of the other ingredients.
White pepper: A milder version of the common black pepper, it adds a subtle heat to the dish.
Garlic: Infuses a savory depth that complements the potatoes well.
Butter: Adds a rich, creamy texture and flavor.
Sour cream: Gives the mashed potatoes a tangy flavor and creamy consistency.
Parsley: Used as a garnish, it adds a pop of color and a hint of fresh flavor.
One reader, Gilemette Markham says:
This slow cooker mashed potatoes recipe is a game-changer! The potatoes turn out incredibly creamy and flavorful. The convenience of using a slow cooker makes it a perfect side dish for any meal. Plus, the added garlic and sour cream give it an extra kick. It's a must-try for all potato lovers!
Essential Techniques for Perfect Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes
How to cook the potatoes: The potatoes should be cooked in the slow cooker with vegetable broth, salt, and pepper on high for 3 hours until they are tender.
How to add in the garlic, butter, and sour cream: After the potatoes are cooked, add in the garlic, butter, and sour cream to the slow cooker.
How to mash the potatoes: Use a potato masher or hand mixer to mash the potatoes until they reach the desired consistency.
How to garnish with parsley: Sprinkle the mashed potatoes with parsley for a fresh and colorful garnish.
How To Make Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes have a creamy texture that goes hand-in-hand with a sweet, buttery flavor. Enhance the flavor of mashed potato by using a slow cooker.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 5lbsyukon potatoespeeled and cut into 2″ chunks
- 1cupvegetable broth
- 1tspkosher salt
- ½tspwhite pepper
- 3clovesgarlicminced
- ⅓cupbutter
- ½cupsour cream
- parsleyoptional for garnish
Instructions
-
Add the potatoes, broth, salt, and pepper to a 3-quart slow cooker and cook on high for 3 hours.
-
Add in the garlic, butter and sour cream.
-
Mash with a potato masher or hand mixer and garnish with parsley if desired.
Nutrition
- Calories: 211.64kcal
- Fat: 7.21g
- Saturated Fat: 4.40g
- Trans Fat: 0.21g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 1.83g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.36g
- Carbohydrates: 33.78g
- Fiber: 4.28g
- Sugar: 1.79g
- Protein: 4.20g
- Cholesterol: 18.54mg
- Sodium: 177.71mg
- Calcium: 40.30mg
- Potassium: 827.21mg
- Iron: 1.66mg
- Vitamin A: 70.13µg
- Vitamin C: 40.62mg
Pro Tip for Achieving Creamy Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes
When mashing your potatoes, it's important to not overwork them. Over-mashing can lead to a gluey, starchy texture. To avoid this, use a hand masher or mixer and gently mash until you reach your desired consistency. Also, adding the butter and sour cream while the potatoes are still hot will help them melt more evenly, resulting in a creamier texture.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes
Prep ahead: Chop the potatoes and garlic the night before and store them in the refrigerator. This will save time on the day of cooking.
Use a food processor: Consider using a food processor to mash the potatoes quickly and evenly, saving time and effort.
Multi-task: While the potatoes are cooking in the slow cooker, use the time to prepare other dishes or set the table to maximize efficiency.
Keep it simple: Stick to basic seasonings and ingredients to streamline the cooking process and reduce prep time.
Organize your workspace: Before starting, make sure all your ingredients and tools are easily accessible to avoid wasting time searching for items during the cooking process.
Substitute Ingredients For Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes Recipe
yukon potatoes - Substitute with russet potatoes: Russet potatoes have a similar texture and starch content, making them a suitable substitute for Yukon potatoes in mashed potatoes.
vegetable broth - Substitute with chicken broth: Chicken broth adds a savory flavor and richness to the mashed potatoes, similar to vegetable broth.
kosher salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt provides a similar level of salinity and enhances the overall flavor of the mashed potatoes.
white pepper - Substitute with black pepper: Black pepper can be used as a substitute for white pepper, providing a familiar peppery flavor to the mashed potatoes.
garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used as a substitute for fresh garlic, providing a milder and evenly distributed garlic flavor in the mashed potatoes.
butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can be used as a healthier alternative to butter, adding richness and a smooth texture to the mashed potatoes.
sour cream - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt can be used as a creamy substitute for sour cream, adding a tangy flavor and smooth consistency to the mashed potatoes.
parsley - Substitute with chives: Chives can be used as a substitute for parsley, adding a mild onion flavor and vibrant color to the mashed potatoes.
Best Presentation Ideas for Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Elevate the plating: Arrange the mashed potatoes in a circular motion using a ring mold for a clean and elegant presentation. Smooth the top with a spatula for a polished finish.
Incorporate a drizzle: Create a beautiful design on the plate using a drizzle of balsamic reduction for a touch of sophistication and depth of flavor.
Garnish with finesse: Sprinkle freshly chopped chives over the mashed potatoes to add a pop of color and a hint of onion flavor, enhancing the overall visual appeal.
Utilize negative space: Embrace the concept of negative space on the plate to allow the mashed potatoes to be the focal point, creating a visually striking and balanced presentation.
Add a touch of luxury: Finish the dish with a delicate shaving of truffle to impart a luxurious aroma and elevate the overall dining experience.
Essential Tools for Making Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes
- Slow cooker: A countertop electrical cooking appliance used for simmering, which allows for the slow cooking of food at low temperatures.
- Potato masher: A kitchen tool used to mash cooked potatoes and other soft foods.
- Hand mixer: A handheld kitchen appliance used to mix, beat, and whip ingredients.
Storing and Freezing Leftover Mashed Potatoes
Let the mashed potatoes cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent them from becoming watery or mushy.
For storing in the refrigerator, transfer the cooled mashed potatoes to an airtight container. They will keep well for up to 4 days.
When ready to reheat, place the desired amount of mashed potatoes in a microwave-safe dish and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval, until heated through. You can also reheat them in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally.
If the reheated mashed potatoes seem dry, add a splash of milk or cream to help restore their creamy texture.
For freezing, transfer the cooled mashed potatoes to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn.
Label the container or bag with the date and amount of mashed potatoes for easy reference.
Mashed potatoes can be frozen for up to 2 months.
To reheat frozen mashed potatoes, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator. Then, reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop, as described above, until heated through.
If the texture of the reheated mashed potatoes seems grainy or watery, try adding a little butter, sour cream, or cream cheese to help smooth them out and restore their creamy consistency.
How To Reheat Leftover Mashed Potatoes
Microwave: transfer the mashed potatoes to a microwave-safe bowl and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds, until heated through. Add a splash of milk or cream if needed to restore creaminess.
Oven: preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the mashed potatoes to an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes to allow the top to slightly brown and crisp up. Stir in a bit of butter or sour cream to revive the texture.
Stovetop: place the mashed potatoes in a saucepan over low heat. Stir frequently, gradually adding milk or broth to maintain moisture and prevent sticking. Heat until warmed through, about 5-10 minutes. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
Slow cooker: transfer the mashed potatoes back to the slow cooker and heat on low for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally. This method is ideal for larger quantities and helps maintain the original texture. Add a splash of cream or milk if the potatoes become too dry.
Sous vide: place the mashed potatoes in a vacuum-sealed bag or ziplock bag with the air removed. Submerge the bag in a water bath set to 140°F (60°C) for about 30 minutes, or until heated through. This method ensures even heating and preserves the original texture.
Interesting Fact About Mashed Potatoes
Yukon potatoes are a type of potato known for their buttery texture and rich flavor. They are a great choice for mashed potatoes due to their creamy consistency and thin skin, which makes them easy to mash.
Is Making Mashed Potatoes in a Slow Cooker Cost-Effective?
This slow cooker mashed potatoes recipe is highly cost-effective for a household. The use of affordable ingredients like potatoes, vegetable broth, and butter makes it a budget-friendly option. The dish yields a large quantity, making it suitable for a family of four. The approximate cost for this recipe is around $10, making it an economical choice. Overall Verdict: 9/10
Are Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes Healthy or Unhealthy?
This slow cooker mashed potatoes recipe, while undeniably delicious, may not be the healthiest option. The inclusion of butter and sour cream adds significant amounts of saturated fat, which can contribute to heart disease and other health issues when consumed in excess. Additionally, the recipe lacks any vegetables or fiber-rich ingredients that could provide nutritional balance.
However, with a few tweaks, this recipe can be made more nutritious without sacrificing flavor:
- Replace some of the potatoes with cauliflower or parsnips for added vitamins and fiber
- Use low-fat or Greek yogurt instead of sour cream to reduce saturated fat content
- Incorporate herbs like rosemary or thyme for extra flavor and antioxidants
- Opt for a lower-sodium vegetable broth to control salt intake
- Add roasted garlic for a more complex flavor profile and potential immune-boosting benefits
By making these adjustments, you can transform this comforting side dish into a more well-rounded and health-conscious choice. Remember, moderation is key, and even with these modifications, it's essential to enjoy mashed potatoes as part of a balanced diet.
Editor's Opinion on This Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes Recipe
This slow cooker mashed potatoes recipe is a convenient and delicious way to prepare a classic side dish. The use of vegetable broth adds depth of flavor, while the garlic and sour cream provide a creamy and rich texture. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a comforting and satisfying dish. However, I would recommend adjusting the cooking time to prevent the potatoes from becoming overcooked. Overall, this recipe offers a convenient and flavorful twist on traditional mashed potatoes.
Enhance Your Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes Recipe:
This slow cooker mashed potatoes recipe guarantees a hassle-free cooking experience, ensuring creamy and flavorful results. The use of yukon potatoes promises a buttery texture, while the addition of vegetable broth infuses depth of flavor. The incorporation of garlic and butter elevates the taste, and the inclusion of sour cream adds a rich and creamy consistency. With the convenience of a slow cooker, this recipe offers a hands-off approach, making it perfect for busy individuals. Trust in the simplicity and reliability of this recipe for a delicious and comforting side dish.
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