Make the best homemade cheesy garlic mashed potatoes in your slow cooker! This foolproof recipe delivers creamy, restaurant-quality results every time with minimal effort.
Why This Slow Cooker Mashed Potato Recipe Works
If you’re searching for the best slow cooker mashed potatoes recipe, you’ve found it! These ultra-creamy cheesy garlic mashed potatoes are a game-changer for busy home cooks. No more standing over a hot stove or timing multiple dishes – your crockpot does all the work.
Key Benefits:
- ⏱️ Prep Time: Only 10 minutes
- 🍴 Cook Time: 3-4 hours on high (6-7 on low)
- 👥 Serves: 8-10 people
- 💰 Cost: Under $10 total
- ⭐ Difficulty: Beginner-friendly
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Cheesy Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Essential Ingredients:
- 3 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes (best potatoes for mashing)
- 6 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Optional Garnishes:
- Fresh chives or green onions
- Crispy bacon bits
- Extra shredded cheese
- Fresh parsley
How to Make Cheesy Garlic Mashed Potatoes in a Slow Cooker
Step 1: Prepare Your Potatoes
Peel and cut potatoes into uniform 2-inch chunks for even cooking. This size ensures perfectly tender potatoes that mash easily.
Pro Tip: Yukon Gold potatoes create the creamiest mashed potatoes, but russet potatoes work well too!
Step 2: Load Your Slow Cooker
Place potato chunks in your slow cooker. Add minced garlic, chicken broth, and 1 teaspoon salt. The broth adds incredible flavor while cooking.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cooking Times:
- High Setting: 3-4 hours
- Low Setting: 6-7 hours
Potatoes are ready when fork-tender.
Step 4: Create Creamy Magic
- Drain excess liquid (save for thinning if needed)
- Add butter, cream cheese, and sour cream
- Mash with potato masher or hand mixer
- Fold in shredded cheddar cheese
- Season with salt and pepper to taste
Important: Don’t overmix! Overworking potatoes makes them gluey.
Recipe Variations and Substitutions
Healthier Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes
- Replace cream cheese with Greek yogurt
- Use low-fat milk instead of sour cream
- Reduce butter to 2 tablespoons
- Add cauliflower for extra vegetables
Loaded Baked Potato Style
Transform these into loaded mashed potatoes by adding:
- 6 strips cooked bacon, crumbled
- ½ cup chopped chives
- 1 cup extra sharp cheddar
- ¼ cup ranch dressing
Vegan Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes
- Use vegetable broth
- Replace dairy with vegan butter and cashew cream
- Add nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor
Expert Tips for Perfect Crockpot Mashed Potatoes
Getting the Right Texture
- For chunky: Use potato masher, mash lightly
- For smooth: Use hand mixer on medium speed
- For ultra-creamy: Pass through potato ricer
Prevent Common Problems
- Watery potatoes? Drain excess liquid before mashing
- Too thick? Add warm milk or reserved cooking liquid
- Lumpy texture? Ensure potatoes are fully cooked before mashing
- Gluey consistency? Avoid overmixing; stop once smooth
Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prep night before: Store cut potatoes in water, refrigerated
- Keep warm: Hold on “warm” setting up to 2 hours
- Reheat: Add splash of milk, stir every 30 minutes
Storage Guidelines
| Storage Method | Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | 3-4 days | Leftovers |
| Freezer | 2-3 months | Meal prep |
| Slow cooker “warm” | 2 hours | Serving |
Reheating Instructions
Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals with added milk
Stovetop: Low heat with butter and cream
Oven: 350°F for 20-30 minutes, covered
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 285
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Protein: 8g
- Fat: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 420mg
Based on 10 servings
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Make Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes Without Cream Cheese?
Yes! Substitute with extra sour cream, heavy cream, or mascarpone cheese for similar creaminess.
What Are the Best Potatoes for Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes?
Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal for their buttery texture. Russet potatoes create fluffier mashed potatoes, while red potatoes offer a more rustic texture.
Can I Double This Recipe?
Absolutely! Ensure your slow cooker is no more than ⅔ full. Add 1 hour to cooking time for doubled recipes.
How Do I Fix Runny Mashed Potatoes?
Drain excess liquid, then add instant potato flakes or cook uncovered on high for 15 minutes to evaporate moisture.
Can I Leave Skin On Potatoes?
Yes! Red or Yukon Gold potatoes with skin create rustic skin-on mashed potatoes. Scrub thoroughly before cooking.
Serving Suggestions
These crockpot cheesy garlic mashed potatoes pair perfectly with:
- Holiday meals: Thanksgiving turkey, Christmas ham
- Weeknight dinners: Meatloaf, roasted chicken
- BBQ spreads: Pulled pork, brisket
- Vegetarian mains: Mushroom Wellington, stuffed squash
Why This Recipe Is Perfect for Holidays
Thanksgiving and Christmas Benefits:
- Frees up stovetop space
- Stays warm during serving
- Feeds a crowd easily
- No last-minute mashing
- Consistent results every time
Final Thoughts
These slow cooker cheesy garlic mashed potatoes deliver restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving dinner or need an easy weeknight side dish, this foolproof recipe guarantees creamy, flavorful mashed potatoes every time.
The combination of sharp cheddar, roasted garlic, and cream cheese creates an irresistible side dish that’ll have everyone asking for seconds – and the recipe!