If you’re looking for a hassle-free side dish that pairs beautifully with any main course, crockpot mashed potatoes are the answer. This recipe delivers creamy, flavorful potatoes with minimal effort. Simply set it and forget it, and enjoy rich, buttery mashed potatoes that everyone will love. Perfect for holidays or weeknight dinners, these mashed potatoes will become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds of potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet)
- 1 cup of chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup of milk
- 1/4 cup of butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: garlic powder, chives, or sour cream
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe makes about 6 servings. Preparation time is approximately 15 minutes, and cooking time in the crockpot is about 4 hours on high or 6 hours on low.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1/6 of the recipe) contains approximately 180 calories, 3g protein, 28g carbohydrates, 7g fat, and 2g fiber. This nutritional breakdown is based on the ingredients listed without optional additions.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- Peel and chop the potatoes into even chunks.
- Place the potatoes in the crockpot.
- Add the chicken or vegetable broth to the pot.
- Cut the butter into small pieces and add it to the potatoes.
- Season with salt, pepper, and any optional spices.
- Cover the crockpot and cook on high for 4 hours or low for 6 hours.
- Check the potatoes for tenderness with a fork.
- Once tender, drain any excess liquid if necessary.
- Add milk to achieve desired creaminess.
- Mash the potatoes with a masher or electric mixer until fluffy.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute the milk with cream for a richer taste or use plant-based milk for a dairy-free version. Additionally, swap butter for olive oil or vegan butter for a healthier option.
Serving and Pairings
These crockpot mashed potatoes are perfect alongside roasted meats, gravies, or as a base for shepherd’s pie. They also pair well with green beans or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess. These mashed potatoes can be frozen for up to 2 months; just thaw before reheating.
Cooking Mistakes
- Using too much liquid can lead to soupy potatoes.
- Not checking for tenderness can result in undercooked potatoes.
- Over-mixing can make mashed potatoes gummy.
- Skipping seasoning will lead to bland flavor.
- Using cold milk can cool down the mixture.
Helpful Tips
- Choose starchy potatoes for the best texture.
- Experiment with different herbs for varied flavors.
- Let the potatoes sit for 10 minutes before mashing to improve consistency.
- Add cream cheese for extra creaminess.
FAQs
Can I use frozen potatoes for crockpot mashed potatoes?
Yes, frozen potatoes can be used, but ensure they are thawed and chopped before adding them to the crockpot for even cooking.
How can I make these mashed potatoes vegan?
To make vegan crockpot mashed potatoes, substitute butter with olive oil or vegan butter and use plant-based milk.
What type of potatoes work best?
Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes are ideal for creamy mashed potatoes due to their starch content.
Can I add cheese to the mashed potatoes?
Absolutely! Adding shredded cheese like cheddar during the mashing process enhances flavor and creaminess.
How do I prevent browning of the potatoes?
To prevent browning, keep cut potatoes submerged in water until ready to cook, or add a splash of lemon juice to the water.
Conclusion
Crockpot mashed potatoes are a simple yet delicious side dish that brings comfort to any meal. With minimal preparation and rich flavor, they are a perfect addition to your culinary repertoire. Whether for a holiday feast or a weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to impress.
Crockpot Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients
- 2 pounds of potatoes Yukon Gold or Russet
- 1 cup of chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup of milk
- 1/4 cup of butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: garlic powder chives, or sour cream
Instructions
- Peel and chop the potatoes into even chunks.
- Place the potatoes in the crockpot.
- Add the chicken or vegetable broth to the pot.
- Cut the butter into small pieces and add it to the potatoes.
- Season with salt, pepper, and any optional spices.
- Cover the crockpot and cook on high for 4 hours or low for 6 hours.
- Check the potatoes for tenderness with a fork.
- Once tender, drain any excess liquid if necessary.
- Add milk to achieve desired creaminess.
- Mash the potatoes with a masher or electric mixer until fluffy.
Nutrition
