Description
These Crock Pot Mashed Potatoes are a creamy, flavorful side dish made effortlessly in a slow cooker. Roasted garlic adds a rich, sweet depth to tender Yukon gold potatoes, combined with creamy butter, cream cheese, and a touch of Italian seasoning. Perfectly smooth and easy to prepare, they make a comforting accompaniment to any meal.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 5 pounds Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and diced into 1-inch pieces
Roasted Garlic
- 1 head garlic, sliced in half
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
Liquids & Dairy
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream, plus more as needed
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, diced
- 4 ounces cream cheese, diced
Seasonings & Garnish
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Fresh cracked pepper, to taste
- Chives, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Potatoes: Peel and dice the Yukon gold potatoes into 1-inch pieces. Place them in a large bowl of cold water to prevent browning, then transfer the potatoes to a 7-quart crock pot.
- Add Liquids and Butter: Pour in the chicken broth and 1/2 cup heavy cream, then add a few large pinches of kosher salt. Stir to combine. Scatter the diced butter evenly over the potatoes.
- Cook Potatoes: Cover the crock pot and cook on high for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are fork-tender and very soft.
- Roast Garlic: While the potatoes cook, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the head of garlic in half horizontally, drizzle the cut sides with olive oil, and wrap it tightly in foil. Roast for 1 hour. Let cool, then squeeze the roasted garlic out of the skins and mash with a fork. Set aside.
- Combine Ingredients: Once the potatoes are cooked, add the roasted garlic, Italian seasoning, diced cream cheese, and additional salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste.
- Mash Potatoes: Use an electric mixer to mash the potatoes and thoroughly combine all ingredients. Add more heavy cream as needed to reach your desired consistency and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the mashed potatoes with fresh chives. Serve hot alongside dishes like a braised chuck roast for a complete meal.
Notes
- Use Yukon gold potatoes for their creamy texture and buttery flavor, ideal for mashing.
- Adjust the amount of heavy cream based on your preferred consistency—use less for thicker potatoes, more for creamier.
- Roasted garlic adds a mellow sweetness and depth but can be omitted if desired.
- Be sure to season with salt and pepper gradually and to taste before serving.
- These mashed potatoes can be kept warm in the crock pot on the ‘keep warm’ setting for up to 1 hour before serving.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth.
