If you’re looking for a way to elevate your mashed potatoes, this slow cooker recipe with cream cheese is a game-changer. It’s all about creamy, dreamy texture and rich flavor that makes these mashed potatoes unforgettable. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a holiday feast, this dish is simple, delicious, and sure to be a hit at your table.
Steps
- Peel and cut the potatoes into 1-inch pieces.
- Place the potato chunks in a 4-quart slow cooker and add the chicken broth, onion powder, and garlic powder.
- Cover and cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 6-7 hours until the potatoes are easily pierced with a fork.
- Once the potatoes are tender, mash them using a hand masher or hand mixer until smooth.
- Mix in the melted butter, sour cream, chopped parsley, and cream cheese if desired.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, and add warm milk or cream to achieve the preferred consistency.
- Serve immediately or keep the mashed potatoes on the warm setting until ready to serve.
Ingredients
- 5 pounds of red, yellow, or white potatoes
- ¾ cup of chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon of onion powder
- ½ teaspoon of garlic powder
- ¼ cup of melted butter
- ¼ cup of sour cream
- 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons of cream cheese (optional)
- Warm milk or cream, as needed
- ½ teaspoon of salt, or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon of black pepper, or to taste
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1950 | Carbohydrates: 280g | Protein: 60g | Fat: 70g | Saturated Fat: 40g | Cholesterol: 180mg | Sodium: 1420mg | Potassium: 9660mg | Fiber: 50g | Vitamin A: 2500IU | Vitamin C: 276mg | Calcium: 800mg | Iron: 74mg
FAQ
- Do I need to pre-boil the potatoes before adding them to the slow cooker?
- No, there’s no need to boil the potatoes beforehand. Simply peel, chop, and season them before placing them in the slow cooker.
- What types of potatoes are best for crockpot mashed potatoes?
- Red or Yukon gold potatoes are recommended for their smooth texture and buttery taste. Russet potatoes can also be used if peeled, as their skins are thicker.
- Can I make these mashed potatoes ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare them in advance and keep them warm in the slow cooker until you’re ready to serve.
- How can I customize the flavor of these mashed potatoes?
- You can mix in ingredients like shredded cheddar cheese, roasted garlic, bacon bits, green onions, or chives to alter the flavor to your liking.
- What should I do if the potatoes are done cooking before I’m ready to serve them?
- If the potatoes are ready early, you can mash them and keep the slow cooker on the warm setting until serving time.
- How should I store and reheat leftover mashed potatoes?
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat them using the oven, stovetop, microwave, or slow cooker, and consider adding a bit more milk and butter if needed.
Tips
- Ensure that the potatoes are extremely tender before mashing them, as slow cookers can vary in their cooking times. This will ensure a smooth and creamy texture.
- Minimize heat loss and extended cooking times by quickly closing the lid after checking the potatoes for doneness.
- If the potatoes finish cooking early, you can mash them and switch the slow cooker to the warm setting to keep them ready for serving.
- Enhance the flavor of your mashed potatoes by mixing in ingredients like shredded cheddar cheese, roasted garlic, bacon bits, green onions, or chives before serving.
Equipment
- Slow cooker (4-quart size recommended)
- Potato masher or hand mixer
