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Creamy Crockpot Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Best Holiday Side Dish

creamy crockpot garlic mashed potatoes - featured image

These creamy crockpot garlic mashed potatoes are the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it holiday side dish. Yukon Gold potatoes are slow-cooked with garlic and butter, then mashed with cream cheese and warm milk for an impossibly smooth, rich texture that frees up your stovetop and your time.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 5 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
  • 6 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces
  • 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened and cut into cubes
  • 1/2 cup whole milk or heavy cream, warmed
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted (for finishing)
  • Fresh chives or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prep the potatoes (10 minutes): Peel the potatoes and cut them into uniform 1-inch chunks. Rinse them under cold water to remove excess starch. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.
  2. Layer in the crockpot (5 minutes): Place the potato chunks in the slow cooker. Scatter the smashed garlic cloves over the top. Dot the potatoes with the pieces of butter. Pour the broth over everything, and season with the salt and pepper. Give it a gentle stir to distribute the garlic and butter.
  3. Cook on low (4-5 hours) or high (2-3 hours): Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours, or on high for 2 to 3 hours. The potatoes are ready when they’re fork-tender.
  4. Warm the milk (2 minutes): About 15 minutes before the potatoes are done, warm the milk or cream in a small saucepan over low heat or in the microwave for 30-45 seconds. Set it aside.
  5. Mash the potatoes (5 minutes): Once the potatoes are tender, remove the lid. Add the softened cream cheese cubes. Use a potato masher or hand mixer to mash the potatoes until they reach your desired consistency.
  6. Add the warm milk (2 minutes): With the mixer on low speed (or while stirring vigorously with a wooden spoon), slowly pour in the warmed milk or cream. Mix until just incorporated. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper if needed.
  7. Finish and serve (2 minutes): Drizzle the melted butter over the top and sprinkle with fresh chives or parsley. Switch the crockpot to the ‘warm’ setting, and they’ll stay perfect for serving for up to 2 hours.

Notes

Don’t skip rinsing the potatoes to remove excess starch. Cut potatoes evenly for consistent cooking. Use low heat for best garlic flavor. Always warm the dairy before adding to prevent gummy texture. Do not overmix. The cream cheese is key for stability and richness. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

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