Best Ever Creamy Garlic Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes: Effortless Comfort for Any Meal
Discover the secret to the most irresistible mashed potatoes you’ll ever make – right in your slow cooker! These aren’t just any mashed potatoes; they are a creamy, savory sensation, bursting with the delightful flavors of garlic, tangy cream cheese and sour cream, rich butter, and a hint of savory chicken broth. Perfectly tender potatoes transform into a luxurious side dish that’s ideal for busy families seeking a comforting meal without the fuss. This recipe truly redefines convenience without compromising on incredible taste.
This slow cooker mashed potato recipe is nothing short of heavenly. Imagine perfectly cooked potatoes that are not only amazingly creamy and infused with delightful notes of rich butter and aromatic garlic, but also incredibly easy to prepare. The magic lies in the method: simply combine all the ingredients in your Crockpot, let it work its wonders, and return to perfectly tender, flavorful potatoes ready for mashing. It’s a game-changer for anyone who loves comfort food but is short on time.
I often turn to these Crockpot mashed potatoes when my schedule is packed. This easy-to-make side dish shines at all sorts of gatherings, from festive holiday spreads like Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter, to straightforward weeknight family dinners. The ultimate bonus? Any delicious leftovers can be transformed the very next day into my sensational mashed potato cakes – a second delicious meal from one simple prep!
This recipe is proudly sponsored by Great American Comfort Classics, but all opinions expressed here regarding their products are genuinely my own.
Why This is Your New Go-To Mashed Potato Recipe
- Effortless Preparation: Say goodbye to hovering over a boiling pot of water! With this recipe, your slow cooker takes over most of the work, allowing you to focus on other tasks or simply relax. It’s truly a “set it and forget it” method, leading to perfectly tender potatoes every time. This hands-off approach makes it an invaluable addition to your busy cooking routine, freeing up precious stovetop space and reducing stress.
- Rich, Simple Ingredients: We use classic, wholesome ingredients for these mashed potatoes, but the slow cooking process allows their flavors to meld and deepen beautifully. The result is a profoundly flavorful dish that stands perfectly on its own, yet also serves as the ideal canvas for your favorite gravy. The combination of butter, garlic, cream cheese, and sour cream creates a flavor profile that is both decadent and familiar.
- Incredible Versatility for Any Occasion: These slow cooker mashed potatoes are wonderfully adaptable and pair seamlessly with virtually any main course. Whether you’re planning an elaborate holiday feast like Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter, or simply need a delicious and comforting side for a weeknight family dinner, this recipe is perfect. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that complements everything from roasted meats to lighter fare.
- Unrivaled Creaminess and Fluffiness: Prepare for a mashed potato experience unlike any other. These potatoes achieve a luxurious creaminess and an airy fluffiness that simply melts in your mouth with every bite. The secret lies in the combination of Russet potatoes (known for their fluffy texture when cooked), cream cheese, and sour cream, which contribute to an unbelievably smooth and rich consistency that will have everyone asking for seconds.
- Make-Ahead Marvel: Planning a big meal? These mashed potatoes are an ideal make-ahead component. You can prepare them hours in advance and keep them warm in the slow cooker on a “keep warm” setting, ensuring they are hot and ready when it’s time to serve. This feature is particularly helpful for holiday entertaining, as it minimizes last-minute kitchen scramble.
Crafting a Complete Comfort Meal: Southern Chicken & Mashed Potatoes
Just look at that plate – it practically screams “come and get some comfort food!” We’re talking about perfectly breaded, crispy chicken, alongside fluffy, buttery mashed potatoes, all generously draped with rich country gravy. It conjures images of a leisurely Sunday supper that simmered on the stove all day, right? But here’s the delightful truth: this entire meal took me approximately 45 minutes to put together, not including the wonderfully hands-off time the Crockpot spent perfecting the potatoes.
With a bit of clever planning and the help of a few convenience items, you and your family can gather around the dinner table for this wholesome, satisfying meal, even on your busiest days. Forget the drive-thru burgers and fries. I’m excited to share my secret for making a full, comforting meal a reality any night of the week.
Discovering Convenience with Great American Comfort Classics
Recently, I had the pleasure of trying some fantastic new convenience items available at my local HyVee supermarket. These are the Comfort Classics, a new line of fully cooked protein-based comfort foods under the reputable Great American brand. This exciting collection features a variety of homestyle favorites, including Country Fried Steaks, savory Meatloaf Slices, Crispy Steak Strips, delightful Chicken & Waffle Style Bites, and the star of our meal today: Southern Style Chicken Breast Fillets.
Every item in the Comfort Classics range has been thoughtfully developed with today’s savvy, busy parents in mind. They directly address the growing need for high-quality, delicious, and convenient meal solutions for families. In a world where moms and dads are juggling work, kids’ schedules, and life in general, finding time to cook from scratch isn’t always feasible. These products offer a perfect alternative to fast food, allowing families to still enjoy a warm, home-cooked meal together at the end of a hectic day, fostering connection around the dinner table.
The Comfort Classics line boasts a wonderful variety of proteins that can be effortlessly prepared in the oven, microwave, or air fryer, meaning a satisfying meal can be on the table in mere minutes! This flexibility in preparation makes them an indispensable ally for any busy household looking for delicious, easy meal options.
A Closer Look: Southern Style Chicken Fillets & Savory Gravy
The economically priced package of Southern Style Chicken Breast Fillets came with five generous pieces and a convenient packet of peppered gravy mix. I must confess a little secret: I consider myself a bit of a gravy connoisseur. Without tooting my own horn too much, I pride myself on making some pretty amazing gravy from scratch, so my initial reaction to a mix was one of skepticism. I fully expected it to fall short of my high standards.
However, I was happily proven wrong. This gravy was genuinely delicious, delivering a robust, peppery flavor that perfectly complemented the crispy chicken. It thickened beautifully and added an authentic homestyle touch to the meal, proving that convenience doesn’t always mean sacrificing quality or taste.
Essential Ingredients for the Best Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes
To create these incredibly creamy and flavorful slow cooker mashed potatoes, you’ll need a few key ingredients, each playing a vital role in achieving that perfect texture and taste:
- Russet Potatoes: The undisputed champion for fluffy mashed potatoes. Russets are starchy, which means they break down beautifully when cooked, absorbing all the delicious flavors and resulting in that light, airy texture we crave. For this recipe, we’ll peel and cube them for consistent cooking.
- Salted Butter: This is the foundation of rich flavor. I recommend using salted butter for its added depth, but if you only have unsalted, simply adjust the salt content to taste at the end. Make sure to divide it as instructed for both cooking and finishing the potatoes.
- Garlic Powder: An easy and effective way to infuse the potatoes with a savory, aromatic garlic flavor without the extra prep of fresh garlic. It blends seamlessly into the dish as it cooks.
- Chicken or Vegetable Broth: Essential for cooking the potatoes in the slow cooker, adding moisture and a layer of savory umami that water alone cannot provide. Use chicken broth for a richer flavor, or vegetable broth for a vegetarian-friendly option.
- Cream Cheese (softened and cubed): This is one of the secret weapons for ultra-creamy, incredibly flavorful mashed potatoes. When softened, it whips beautifully into the potatoes, adding a subtle tang and an unparalleled silky texture. Don’t skip this!
- Sour Cream: The other essential for boosting both fluffiness and a delightful tangy counterpoint to the richness of the butter and cream cheese. Full-fat sour cream will yield the creamiest results.
- Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Crucial for seasoning. You’ll add these at the end, allowing you to taste and adjust to your personal preference.
- Fresh Chives (Optional, but Highly Recommended): A sprinkle of freshly chopped chives before serving adds a beautiful pop of color, a fresh herbaceous note, and an elegant touch to your finished mashed potatoes.
Step-by-Step: Mastering Mashed Potatoes in a Slow Cooker (Crockpot)
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes. Start by peeling your russet potatoes thoroughly. Once peeled, cut them into uniform 1-inch cubes. Uniformity is key here for even cooking. Place the cubed potatoes in a bowl and set them aside while you prepare your slow cooker.
Step 2: Butter the Crockpot. Take a portion of one stick of butter and generously butter the inside of your slow cooker. This prevents sticking and adds a foundational layer of flavor. Cube the remaining butter from that stick and set it aside for the next step.
Step 3: Layer Ingredients. Carefully transfer the cubed potatoes into the buttered slow cooker. Distribute the reserved butter cubes (from the first stick) evenly over the potatoes. Then, sprinkle the garlic powder over everything. This layering ensures even flavor distribution as the potatoes cook.
Step 4: Add Broth and Cook. Pour the chicken or vegetable broth over the potatoes. Ensure the potatoes are mostly submerged to cook properly. Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on high for four hours, or on low for six hours. The potatoes are ready when they are fork-tender and easily pierced. Once cooked, carefully drain any excess liquid from the slow cooker, reserving a bit if you prefer a very loose consistency later.
Step 5: Mash and Enrich. With a sturdy potato masher, begin mashing the hot, drained potatoes directly in the slow cooker. Once they are partially mashed, add in the remaining full stick of cubed butter, the softened and cubed cream cheese, and the sour cream. These additions are key to achieving incredible creaminess and flavor.
Step 6: Achieve Desired Consistency. Continue to mash the potatoes until they reach your desired consistency – whether you prefer them super smooth and silky or with a few rustic lumps. Avoid over-mashing, which can lead to a gummy texture.
Step 7: Season and Garnish. Season your mashed potatoes generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir in fresh chives if you desire an extra burst of fresh, oniony flavor and a beautiful green garnish. Serve immediately or keep warm in the slow cooker.
While my slow cooker was busy transforming the potatoes into creamy perfection, I simultaneously prepared the Great American Comfort Classics Southern Style Chicken Fillets. I simply arranged them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for effortless cleanup and popped them into the oven to bake. This allowed me to add the finishing ingredients and mash my potatoes, then cover them and keep them warm in the Crockpot, all while the chicken was crisping up.
On the stovetop, mixing the gravy was equally simple. It required just water and the included packet, thickening into a rich, savory sauce in minutes. I kept it warm until everything was ready to serve.
A quick microwave session for some frozen peas completed our meal. In total, everything was ready for the table in about 25 minutes of active cooking time, with the slow cooker handling most of the potato preparation effortlessly.
We gathered our family around the table for this wonderfully simple meal. Despite its quick preparation, it tasted like one of those cherished, comforting Sunday suppers that everyone adores. It was a moment of pure culinary perfection and family togetherness.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes
Can I make mashed potatoes ahead of time and keep them in the slow cooker/Crockpot?
Absolutely! This is one of the greatest advantages of using your slow cooker for mashed potatoes. You can certainly make these delicious potatoes ahead of time and either warm them back up or keep them at serving temperature. If you plan to keep them warm for an extended period, once they are mashed and ready, switch your slow cooker to its lowest “keep warm” setting. To prevent them from drying out, you might want to add a splash of warm milk or broth just before serving and give them a quick stir.
Can you put raw potatoes in the slow cooker/Crockpot?
Yes, absolutely! The slow cooker is perfect for cooking raw potatoes. The key is to ensure they have enough liquid, such as broth or water, to simmer in and become tender. Our recipe uses broth, which not only tenderizes the potatoes but also infuses them with rich flavor as they cook.
Why do my potatoes turn black in the slow cooker?
Potatoes can sometimes turn a grayish or blackish color due to oxidation. This happens when the cut flesh of the potato is exposed to air, causing a natural chemical reaction. It’s perfectly normal and doesn’t affect the safety or taste of the potatoes, but it can be less visually appealing.
How to Stop That from Happening
Expert Tips for Perfect Mashed Potatoes
- If you prefer a more “country-style mashed potato” with a rustic appeal, consider leaving the skins on! For this approach, I highly recommend using Yukon Gold or red potatoes, as their skins are thinner and more palatable, adding both texture and visual interest to the dish.
- Storing Leftovers: Any remaining mashed potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. For longer storage, mashed potatoes freeze beautifully! Allow them to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible. They can be frozen for up to three months.
- Reheating Leftovers: To reheat, gently warm them on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess, or in the microwave. Stir occasionally until heated through.
- If you don’t have a potato masher, don’t worry! You can still achieve wonderfully creamy potatoes. A sturdy fork can work for a chunkier texture, or for smoother results, use a handheld electric mixer or even a potato ricer for an exceptionally silky puree. Just be careful not to overmix, which can lead to gummy potatoes.
- Flavor Boosts: Experiment with adding roasted garlic instead of powder for a deeper, sweeter garlic flavor. A pinch of nutmeg can also elevate the savory notes, and fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme can be added during the mashing stage for an aromatic twist.
- Cheesy Delight: For cheesy mashed potatoes, stir in shredded cheddar, Gruyère, or Parmesan cheese during the mashing process. The residual heat will melt the cheese into gooey perfection.
Where to Find Great American Comfort Classics
Great American Comfort Classics launched its exciting new line of ready-to-cook protein meals in April 2021, initially available at select Hy-Vee stores across Omaha and other neighboring Midwest states. You’ll easily spot Comfort Classics in the frozen food aisle of your supermarket.
But don’t despair if you’re not in the Midwest! Your local supermarket may carry the brand too. To find out exactly where you can purchase these convenient and delicious products, simply check the store locator on the Great American Brand’s website for more detailed information. If you’re eager to see these fantastic comfort food classics on the shelves of your preferred grocery store, I encourage you to fill out a comment card or speak directly with the store manager to request them. And for the latest news, updates, and more recipe ideas, be sure to follow Great American Comfort Classics on their official Facebook page.
Now, let’s get right to the easy-to-follow recipe for these simply divine Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes! 
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Print Recipe
The BEST Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes
Equipment
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KitchenAid Gourmet Stainless Steel Wire Masher
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KitchenAid Hand Mixer
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Crock-Pot Cook & Carry 6-Quart Oval Portable Manual Slow Cooker
Ingredients
- 5 pound bag of Russet potatoes peeled and cut into uniform 1-inch cubes
- 2 sticks of salted butter (1 cup total), divided for use in cooking and finishing, cubed
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 32 ounces (4 cups) chicken or vegetable broth
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened and cubed
- 1/3 cup sour cream (full-fat recommended for best results)
- Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper to taste
- Fresh chives chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
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Using a small portion of one stick of butter, generously butter the inside of your slow cooker. Cube the remaining butter from that first stick and set it aside.
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Place the peeled and cubed potatoes evenly into the slow cooker. Distribute the reserved butter cubes (from the first stick) over the potatoes.
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Evenly sprinkle the garlic powder over the potatoes in the slow cooker.
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Pour the chicken or vegetable broth over the potatoes. Ensure they are mostly covered. Cover with the lid and cook on high for 4 hours, or on low for 6 hours, until the potatoes are fork-tender.
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Carefully drain any excess liquid from the slow cooker, then return the tender potatoes to the cooker.
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With a sturdy potato masher, begin mashing the potatoes directly in the slow cooker until they start to break down.
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Add in the entire remaining stick of cubed butter, the softened and cubed cream cheese, and the sour cream. Continue mashing or stirring until the potatoes reach your desired creamy and smooth consistency. Be careful not to overmix.
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Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir in fresh chopped chives if desired for added flavor and garnish.
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Keep the mashed potatoes warm in the slow cooker on the “keep warm” setting until you are ready to serve. Add a splash of warm milk or broth if they thicken too much.