The first time I made Crock-pot Mashed Potatoes using my crock-pot/slow cooker I was hooked and quickly said "I'll never make mashed potatoes any other way!" So easy and so delicious. Seriously the easiest and best way to make mashed potatoes!
I had just made Crock-pot Mashed Potatoes for my family, and after having told other family members and friends about how easy they are to make, and how delicious, I was then asked for the recipe. Sometimes I tend to cook using an -a bit of this and a bit of that- method, and measurements are more of a guesstimation, as it is with this dish. So, I put together a recipe, it can easily be tailored and tweaked, and additional ingredients can be added.
I simply tossed chopped red potatoes into a greased crock-pot, placed the lid on and cooked them until tender, then I added some butter, milk, salt and pepper, and mashed everything all together. That's about it basically! I used my small crock-pot [pictured above] for the recipe below, I would double the recipe and use a large crock-pot for a larger serving.
I really love that these crock-pot mashed potatoes are practically no-fuss, require only a little attention, and are much less mess then the old way I use to make mashed potatoes, and these are far better than any boxed type. It's one less thing to worry about when preparing a meal, especially when it is a large gathering like Thanksgiving or during the Holidays. And just one pot to cook and serve in, too!
I hope you will give this method a try, and you will also see that it really is the easiest and best way to make mashed potatoes.
Crock-pot Mashed Potatoes
4-6 servings
Ingredients:
2 lbs red potatoes, chopped -skins on is my preferred method
1/2 to 1 cup whole milk, cream, or half and half
4 Tbsp butter
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
Optional Ingredients:
fresh minced garlic or shallots
fresh parsley finely chopped
dried herbs -basil, oregano, thyme parsley
sour cream or plain yogurt
grated cheese-cheddar, monterey jack, parmesan
cooked bacon bits or pieces
Directions:
Add chopped potatoes to a greased crock-pot/slow cooker. Do NOT add water! Cover with lid and cook on high 2-3 hours, or on low 5-6 hours. When fork tender, add butter, milk, salt and pepper. Mash with a masher or use electric mixer. Add any optional ingredients, combine well.
No need to mash completely, leave a bit of texture to the potatoes. Leave at low on the ready in the crock-pot until ready to serve. Serve as is, or with gravy, cheese, bacon, sour cream or other toppings.
Enjoy!...