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Did you know you can make the creamiest mashed potatoes ever right in your slow cooker? It’s a total game-changer! No boiling, no mess, just perfectly fluffy, flavorful mashed potatoes made with minimal effort. The slow cooker does all the work, and you’re left with a comforting side dish everyone will love. I’m all about easy, healthy comfort food, and these slow cooker mashed potatoes are the ultimate cozy classic.
Whether you’re prepping for a weeknight dinner, hosting Thanksgiving, or planning your holiday menu, this recipe is a lifesaver. It’s simple, hands-off, and guaranteed to please every mashed potato lover at the table.
For more lightened-up mashed potato recipes, try my cottage cheese mashed potatoes or cauliflower mashed potatoes next.
Table of Contents
- Why You Will Love Crockpot Mashed Potatoes
- Ingredients Needed
- Substitutions & Variations
- What Potatoes to Use For Mashed Potatoes
- How To Make Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes
- Serving Suggestions
- Expert Tips For The Best Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes
- Storage & Make Ahead Instructions
- Frequently Asked Questions
- More Healthy Potato Recipes to Try!
- SLOW COOKER MASHED POTATOES Recipe
Why You Will Love Crockpot Mashed Potatoes
- No Boiling Required: This recipe is super easy because you don’t have to boil the potatoes beforehand. It’s such a game-changer for effortless mashed potatoes!
- Easy Comfort Food: This recipe requires minimal prep. The slow cooker does most of the work!
- Creamy & Fluffy: These mashed potatoes have an incredibly creamy texture! Plus, they are light and fluffy.
- Versatile: These Crockpot mashed potatoes are perfect for holiday dinners, meal prep, or cozy comfort food anytime.
- Lightened Up: These slow cooker mashed potatoes are a lighter option made without heavy cream! We used light butter and Greek yogurt for creaminess without heaviness.
Ingredients Needed
- Potatoes: The base of these creamy mashed potatoes. We love using Yukon Gold potatoes for their naturally buttery flavor. Want to switch it up? Try our slow cooker mashed sweet potatoes next!
- Chicken Broth: Cook the potato chunks in the slow cooker with low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth.
- Seasonings: Season these mashed potatoes with garlic powder and onion powder for the ultimate flavor.
- Greek Yogurt: Adds creaminess without using heavy cream, and reduces the amount of butter.
- Milk: Use your milk of choice for this recipe. It helps thin the mashed potatoes to the perfect creamy consistency.
- Light Butter: For added flavor and creaminess.
- Salt & Pepper: Season your mashed potatoes with salt and pepper to taste.
Find the full measurements in the recipe card below.
Substitutions & Variations
- Greek Yogurt Swap: You can substitute the Greek yogurt with whipped cottage cheese, or skip the yogurt entirely and just add enough milk to reach your desired creaminess.
- Milk to Use: You can use any dairy or plant-based milk for your preferred texture and flavor. Start with 1/4 cup of milk and add more as needed until the potatoes reach your desired creaminess.
- Cheesy Twist: Stir in 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese or shredded cheddar cheese for extra indulgence.
- Add Herbs: Add fresh parsley, rosemary, thyme, dill, or chives for a burst of fresh, herby flavor.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use plant-based milk and vegan butter for a dairy-free version of these slow cooker mashed potatoes.
What Potatoes to Use For Mashed Potatoes
We love using Yukon Gold potatoes to make these slow cooker mashed potatoes because of their naturally creamy texture. However, there are plenty of other great options to choose from depending on your preference.
- Yukon Gold (Our Favorite): Yukon Gold potatoes are naturally creamy and buttery! They make incredibly smooth and fluffy mashed potatoes. They’re perfect for a classic, creamy texture.
- Small Red or Small Yukon Gold: Leave the skins on for a rustic, textured mash with a slightly earthy flavor.
- Russet: Russet potatoes are fluffier and slightly drier. They absorb the flavors beautifully and create light and airy mashed potatoes.
- Fingerling or Baby Potatoes: These small and tender potatoes make a hearty, textured mash.
How To Make Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes
Step 1: Peel and cut the potatoes into 1-inch chunks for even cooking.
Step 2: Place the potato chunks in the slow cooker and pour in 1 cup of broth. Sprinkle the garlic powder and onion powder over the top. Do not add the salt and pepper yet.
Step 3: Cover with the lid and cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 6-7 hours, until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Step 4: Drain any excess liquid if necessary. Then, add the 0-fat Greek yogurt and light butter. Add salt and pepper to taste, adjusting for your preference.
Next, pour in 1/4 cup of milk, adding more if needed, until the desired consistency is reached.
Thoroughly mash with a potato masher until smooth and creamy.
Step 5: If serving later, switch the slow cooker to the “Keep Warm” setting for up to 2 hours to maintain a perfect creamy texture without overcooking. When ready to serve, transfer the mashed potatoes to a serving dish and garnish with chopped chives or parsley, if desired.
Serving Suggestions
These slow cooker mashed potatoes make the perfect side dish for any occasion. For a classic Thanksgiving or holiday meal, serve them with oven-roasted brined turkey breast, air fryer turkey breast, homemade chicken gravy, cranberry sauce, healthy pumpkin pie, turkey stuffing meatballs, slow cooker chicken and gravy, or turkey stuffing meatloaf.
For a cozy everyday dinner, pair them with slow cooker chicken with mushroom soup, Italian turkey meatloaf, turkey mushroom meatloaf, Crockpot Marry Me Chicken, or our French onion chicken skillet.
Expert Tips For The Best Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes
- Even Cooking: Chop the potatoes into even-sized 1-inch chunks so they cook evenly and mash perfectly.
- Season After Mashing: Add salt and pepper after mashing to control the flavor and avoid over-seasoning the mashed potatoes.
- Add Milk: After cooking, stir in 1/4 cup of milk and add more, a little at a time, until the potatoes reach your desired creamy consistency.
Storage & Make Ahead Instructions
Storage: Store leftover slow cooker mashed potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Keep Warm: After mashing, use your slow cooker’s “Keep Warm” setting for up to 2 hours. Stir occasionally to maintain the creamy texture.
Make Ahead: Cook the potatoes a day ahead and reheat them in the slow cooker or a saucepan with a splash of milk to retain the creaminess.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Cook Mashed Potatoes in a Slow Cooker?
Yes, you can cook mashed potatoes in a slow cooker, and it’s a game-changer! It’s such an easy way to make perfectly creamy mashed potatoes, without any boiling required.
Can I Freeze These Mashed Potatoes?
Yes, you can freeze leftover slow cooker mashed potatoes! Store them in an airtight, freezer-safe container for 2-3 months. Reheat them with a splash of milk to bring back their creaminess.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time for a Holiday Dinner?
Yes, you can make these slow cooker mashed potatoes ahead of time. Cook the potatoes in advance, then reheat them with a splash of milk to bring back their creamy texture. If you’re serving them later the same day, once mashed, simply switch your slow cooker to the “Keep Warm” setting for up to 2 hours.
More Healthy Potato Recipes to Try!
- Air Fryer Baked Sweet Potatoes
- Healthy Mississippi Mud Potatoes
- Cheesy Smashed Potatoes Recipe
- Air Fryer Parmesan Potatoes
- Air Fryer Red Potatoes
- Oven-Roasted Sweet Potatoes
- Creamy Potato Soup
Plus, don’t miss our collection of 30+ healthy Thanksgiving sides!
If you try this recipe, please be sure to leave us a comment and star rating, ★★★★★, letting us know how it turns out for you.
SLOW COOKER MASHED POTATOES
Equipment
Ingredients
- 5 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 cup 0-fat Greek yogurt
- 1/4-1 cup milk of choice
- 2-3 tablespoons light butter
- 1-2 teaspoons salt, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper, or to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives or parsley, optional
Instructions
- Prep the Potatoes: Peel and cut the potatoes into 1-inch chunks for even cooking.
- Add to Slow Cooker: Place the potato chunks in the slow cooker and pour in 1 cup of broth. Sprinkle the garlic powder and onion powder over the top (do not add the salt and pepper yet).
- Cook: Cover with the lid and cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 6-7 hours, until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Mash: Drain any excess liquid if necessary. Then, add the 0-fat Greek yogurt and light butter. Add salt and pepper to taste, adjusting for your preference. Next, pour in 1/4 cup of milk, adding more if needed, until the desired consistency is reached. Thoroughly mash with a potato masher until smooth and creamy.
- Serve: If serving later, switch the slow cooker to the “Keep Warm” setting for up to 2 hours to maintain a perfect creamy texture without overcooking. When ready to serve, transfer the mashed potatoes to a serving dish and garnish with chopped chives or parsley, if desired.
Video
Notes
- Milk: You can use any dairy or plant-based milk for your preferred texture and flavor. Start with 1/4 cup of milk and add more as needed until the potatoes reach your desired creaminess.
- Greek Yogurt Swap: You can substitute the Greek yogurt with whipped cottage cheese, or skip the yogurt entirely and just add enough milk to reach your desired creaminess.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Once you make mashed potatoes in the slow cooker you won’t want to make them any other way! No boiling required they are so easy and turn out perfectly fluffy. . They are my go to potatoes for any holiday or dinner.
Hi, want to make these, may I have an idea serving size? 1/2 cup or more? Please and thanks.
Hi Barb, I’m so happy you’re planning to make these slow cooker mashed potatoes! This recipe serves 10, and each serving is roughly about 3/4 cup to 1 cup of mashed potatoes. Let us know how it goes!
Excited to make these! Can leftovers be frozen?
Hi Maureen, I’m so glad you’re excited to make these slow cooker mashed potatoes! Yes, you can freeze leftovers! Just store them in an airtight freezer-safe container for 2-3 months. When ready to enjoy, we recommend reheating them with a splash of milk to make them creamy again.