Crockpot mashed potatoes are the easiest way to get creamy, buttery potatoes on the table without hogging a burner. The potatoes simmer in broth until tender, then you mash them right in the slow cooker with butter and a little cream cheese.
A full batch feeds eight for about $6.86, roughly $0.86 a serving, and they hold beautifully on the WARM setting, which makes them perfect for Thanksgiving, potlucks and Sunday dinners.
The holiday side that cooks itself
- Cooking potatoes in broth instead of water adds flavor with no extra work.
- The slow cooker frees up the stove for everything else on a busy day.
- Cream cheese keeps them creamy for hours on the WARM setting.
Tips for the best crockpot mashed potatoes
- Do not fill the slow cooker more than two thirds full or the potatoes on top will cook unevenly.
- If the potatoes look dry while holding, stir in a splash of warm milk.
- Use a hand masher, not a mixer. Over-mixing makes potatoes gluey.
- Use an instant read thermometer and check the USDA safe minimum internal temperature chart to know exactly when meat is done.
Ingredients for crockpot mashed potatoes and easy swaps
- Russet potatoes: Russets turn light and fluffy. Yukon golds work too and give a denser, more buttery mash.
- Broth: Cooking the potatoes in broth seasons them from the inside. Use vegetable broth to keep them vegetarian.
- Cream cheese: It makes the potatoes extra creamy and helps them stay smooth while they sit on WARM.
- Butter and milk: Warm the milk first so the potatoes stay hot and absorb it more easily.
What crockpot mashed potatoes costs to make
| Ingredient | Cost |
|---|---|
| 5 lb russet potatoes | $4.00 |
| 1 cup low sodium chicken or vegetable broth | $0.40 |
| 3 cloves garlic | $0.15 |
| 1½ tsp salt | $0.03 |
| 4 tbsp butter | $0.70 |
| 4 oz cream cheese | $0.95 |
| ½ cup milk | $0.20 |
| ½ tsp black pepper | $0.03 |
| 2 tbsp chives | $0.40 |
Prices are estimates based on average US grocery prices for the amount used. Your total will vary by store and region.
Crockpot Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients
Method
- Add the potatoes, broth, garlic and salt to a 6 quart slow cooker and stir.
- Cover and cook on HIGH for 3½ to 4 hours or LOW for 6 to 7 hours, until the potatoes are very tender when pierced with a fork.
- Add the butter and cream cheese and mash right in the slow cooker with a potato masher.
- Stir in the warm milk a little at a time until the potatoes are as creamy as you like. Season with pepper and more salt to taste.
- Top with chives and serve, or keep on the WARM setting for up to 2 hours.
Notes
How to make crockpot mashed potatoes step by step
Cut evenly
Peel the potatoes and cut them into 2 inch chunks so they cook at the same rate.
Slow cook
Add the potatoes, broth, garlic and salt to the slow cooker. Cook on HIGH for 3½ to 4 hours or LOW for 6 to 7 hours, until a fork slides in with no resistance.
Mash in the pot
Add the butter and cream cheese and mash right in the slow cooker. There is no need to drain, since most of the broth gets absorbed.
Adjust and hold
Stir in warm milk until creamy, season to taste and keep on WARM for up to 2 hours.
Easy crockpot mashed potatoes variations
- Loaded: stir in cheddar, crumbled bacon and green onions.
- Garlic parmesan: add 4 extra cloves of garlic and ½ cup grated Parmesan.
- Ranch: stir in 1 tablespoon of dry ranch seasoning with the butter.
More cheap dinners like this
- Creamy Crockpot Chicken and Rice: A dump-and-go dinner of tender chicken and creamy rice that feeds four for about $1.60 a serving.
- Budget Slow Cooker Beef Stew: Chuck roast, potatoes and carrots simmer all day into a rich stew that costs about $2.40 a serving.
- Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas: Juicy chicken and charred peppers roasted on one pan in 30 minutes, about $2.10 a serving.
Want more ideas? Browse all of our crockpot recipes.
What to serve with crockpot mashed potatoes
- Slow cooker turkey breast or roast chicken
- Classic glazed meatloaf
- Green beans and dinner rolls
Storing and reheating crockpot mashed potatoes
In the fridge
Refrigerate within 2 hours in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days.
In the freezer
Freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
Reheat in the microwave or a covered pot with a splash of milk, stirring until hot.
For more detail on safe storage times, see the USDA guidance on leftovers and food safety.
Frequently asked questions about crockpot mashed potatoes
Can I make these the day before?
Yes. Refrigerate the mashed potatoes, then reheat them in the slow cooker on LOW for 2 to 3 hours with a splash of milk, stirring once or twice.
Do I need to drain the potatoes?
No. The cup of broth mostly absorbs into the potatoes and adds flavor.
How long can they stay on WARM?
Up to about 2 hours. Stir occasionally and add a little milk if they thicken.
