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Creamy, cheesy crock pot mashed potatoes are the perfect accompaniment to any meal. They are SO easy to make – especially for busy holidays!

Crock pot mashed potatoes are an easy take on everyone’s favorite version of potatoes – Mashed Potatoes!! If you’re a fan of these, you’ll also love our Mashed Sweet Potatoes and Loaded Mashed Potatoes!

Close up image of crock pot mashed potatoes in white bowl.
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We love them!

We all love potatoes, especially Mashed Potatoes.

Throw them in the crock pot, and we love them even more! Here’s why:

  • Great for busy holidays. When there is a lot of food to make for days like Thanksgiving and Christmas, it’s great to have sides made in the slow cooker.
  • Delicious. The cheese adds so much delicious flavor, and the garlic adds a great depth of flavor, and they simply taste amazing!
  • Simple. The slow cooker does most of the work, and we love it!

These Crockpot Mashed Potatoes would be super fun for a Thanksgiving side dish, but they’re easy enough to make for a weeknight dinner

Ingredients

  • russet potatoes – We us Russet Potatoes, but Yukon Golds will also work in this recipe. Stay away from waxier potatoes like red potatoes.
  • minced garlic
  • chicken broth
  • bay leaf
  • milk – we recommend 2% or higher
  • butter
  • sour cream
  • salt and black pepper
  • sharp cheddar cheese – or your favorite cheese

How to Make Mashed Potatoes in CrockPot

  1. PREP. Peel and chop the potatoes into one-inch pieces.
  2. COOK. Add the potatoes and garlic to a slow cooker, and pour the chicken broth over the top. Add the bay leaf and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours.
  3. MASH. Drain the potatoes, reserving the cooking liquid. Mash the potatoes (with a potato masher) with the milk and butter until mostly smooth (they should be tender and easy to mash). Add cooking liquid as needed to achieve desired consistency.
  4. SEASON + SERVE. Stir in the sour cream, salt, pepper, and cheese. Serve warm and enjoy!

Make them on the Stove Top

Add the cubed potatoes, chicken broth, garlic, and bay leaf to a large pot. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, and cook for 15-20 minutes. Complete step 2 as written.

Ingredient Tips

Don’t overdo it.

  • Over-cooking will result in a soupy mash. Check doneness by sticking a fork directly into one of the cubes. If it slides right in without resistance, they’re done.
  • Over-mixing will create a gluey texture, instead of the desired fluffy mash. Use a potato masher or potato ricer for desired texture.

For more flavor, consider adding:

  • more salt and pepper (or even garlic salt)
  • add extra cheddar cheese or Parmesan cheese (or even cream cheese)
  • top with parsley, chives or crumbled bacon
  • top with Mashed Potato Gravy

Serve these with; How to Roast a Turkey, Pot Roast Recipe, Ritz Cracker Chicken

Creamy mashed potatoes made in crock pot on spoon.

storing Tips

MAKE AHEAD Yes, keep them in the refrigerator, and when ready to serve, simply reheat them in the crockpot on the “warm” setting until heated through. You may need to add a splash of milk or broth to restore the creamy consistency.

STORE these potatoes in an air-tight container, in the fridge, for up to 5 days.

FREEZE. These mashed potatoes can be frozen, because they have some fat (butter and sour cream), which helps them keep that creamy consistency. Store in an airtight container in the freezer.

Thaw. Let the potatoes thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Crockpot Mashed Potatoes topped with shredded butter and chopped parsley.

for More Great Potato Recipes, Try:

5 from 19 votes

Crock Pot Mashed Potatoes

By: Lil’ Luna
Creamy, cheesy crockpot mashed potatoes are the perfect accompaniment to any meal. They are SO easy to make – especially for busy holidays!
Servings: 8
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 4 hours
Total: 4 hours 15 minutes

Ingredients 

  • 3 pounds russet potatoes
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 bay leaf
  • ¾ cup milk
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • ¾ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon pepper
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Instructions 

  • Peel and chop the potatoes into one inch pieces.
  • Add the potatoes and garlic to a slow cooker and pour the chicken broth over the top. Add the bay leaf and cook on low 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
  • Drain the potatoes, reserving the cooking liquid. Mash the potatoes with the milk and butter until mostly smooth. Add cooking liquid as needed to achieve desired consistency.
  • Stir in the sour cream, salt, pepper, and cheese. Serve warm and enjoy!

Video

Notes

MAKE AHEAD Yes, keep them in the refrigerator, and when ready to serve, simply reheat them in the crockpot on the “warm” setting until heated through. You may need to add a splash of milk or broth to restore the creamy consistency.
STORE these potatoes in an air-tight container, in the fridge, for up to 5 days.
FREEZE. These mashed potatoes can be frozen, because they have some fat (butter and sour cream), which helps them keep that creamy consistency. Store in an airtight container in the freezer.
Thaw. Let the potatoes thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Nutrition

Calories: 278kcal, Carbohydrates: 33g, Protein: 8g, Fat: 12g, Saturated Fat: 7g, Cholesterol: 36mg, Sodium: 803mg, Potassium: 867mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 2g, Vitamin A: 400IU, Vitamin C: 18.2mg, Calcium: 175mg, Iron: 1.8mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Head over to The Baker Upstairs to see more delicious recipes from her!

About Kristyn

My name is Kristyn and I’m the mom of SIX stinkin’ cute kids and the wife to my smokin’ hot hubby, Lo. My mom’s maiden name is Luna, and I’m one of the many crafty “Lil’ Lunas” in the fam. On this site I like to share all things creative - from recipes to home decor to gifts and home decor ideas. Welcome!

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5 from 19 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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Recipe Rating




35 Comments

  1. Dave Spitzer says:

    5 stars
    I’ve been cooking for almost 50 years and I love these potatoes in the crock pot because it frees up a burner on the stove and the fact you can start these 4 hours ahead of time and mash them in the crock pot. When done mashing keeping them covered keeps them nice and hot while bringing the rest of dinner together. I prepare a Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner for 14=16 people and these are a time saver and are delish! I double the garlic for some extra garlicky flavor. 5*****

  2. Colette says:

    5 stars
    This is a delicious no fail recipe that is perfect for large gatherings.

  3. Senara Tuiatua says:

    How would we double this? Instead of guessing I’d genuinely like to know, please and thank you!

  4. Gary Petok says:

    5 stars
    YUM!!!!!!

  5. Kayla Grable says:

    5 stars
    Love being able to make the mashed potatoes a little bit ahead and keep them warm! Must have for every holiday!

  6. Leslie says:

    5 stars
    This recipe is a terrific solution for my Thanksgiving dinner. My stove is very croded during the meal preparation. Every burner is in constant use. In the past I have prepared the potatoes on the stove, then transferred to the crockpot to stay warm. Now that I know how to do the whole thing in the crockpot, I have a free burner.

  7. Jennifer says:

    5 stars
    I love this recipe. It saves so much time on the day to have things prepped and ready to go!

  8. Kristen Gilbride says:

    5 stars
    Love this! I love that this will keep the mashed potatoes warm since they are in the crockpot 🙂