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    Hungry Healthy Happy » Recipes » Potatoes

    Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes

    Published: Nov 23, 2020 by Dannii · This post may contain affiliate links · 18 Comments

    117 shares
    • 67
    Jump to Recipe
    Diet: Gluten Free / Vegetarian
    Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes with a text title overlay.

    These are without doubt the best mashed potatoes we have ever made, and they are SO simple too. Creamy and fluffy mashed potatoes, cooked in the slow cooker with very little effort. What could be better than that? Looking to save some space on the hob (stove top) at Christmas or when making a Sunday roast? Then slow cooker mashed potatoes are the perfect side dish.

    A bowl of mashed potato surrounded by whole potatoes, butter, garlic and rosemary.

    You can't beat mashed potatoes when it comes to a comforting side dish. Whilst cooking them the traditional way isn't hard or time consuming, our slow cooker no boil method is space saving, really simple and gives the most incredible flavour from being cooked with rosemary for 4 hours. Great for cooking mash for a crowd.

    If you are looking for some other mash recipes, then why not try our Root Vegetable Mash, Carrot and Swede Mash, Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes, or Microwave Mashed Potatoes?

    Jump to:
    • Why you will love it
    • Ingredients needed
    • How to make mashed potatoes in the slow cooker - Step by step
    • Health benefits of potatoes
    • Flavour options
    • Serving suggestions
    • Storage
    • FAQs
    • Extra tips
    • More potato recipes
    • Recipe
    • Feedback

    Why you will love it

    • The BEST creamy mashed potatoes
    • Saves room on the hob (stove top)
    • So easy to make - just add everything and cook
    • Different flavour options
    • Can be prepped in advance
    • Lots of ways to use leftovers

    Ingredients needed

    All the ingredients needed to make this recipe laid out on a stone surface with text overlay.
    • Potatoes - you can use any potatoes to make our slow cooker mashed potatoes, however starchy and fluffy potatoes work the best. King Edwards, Maris Piper, Russets, Yukon golds, Desirée or Rooster (which is what we used) work really well for making the perfect mashed potato.
    • Vegetable stock - because we cooked our potatoes in stock, they really absorb the flavour of it (it pretty much all soaks up during cooking). Which is why you should try and use the best quality stock as possible - you really will taste the difference. If you are making this for young kids, then you can use a reduced salt stock.
    • Milk - we used whole milk as it makes it all nice and creamy. However you could use skimmed or semi skimmed, or even swap it for a dairy free version.
    • Garlic cloves - these add so much flavour to the potatoes, as they are cooked with them for the whole 4 hours. We just used 2 and it has a subtle hint of garlic, but you could add more if you love garlic.
    • Rosemary - in our opinion, this is really the ingredient that makes the potatoes stand out from all other mashed potatoes. Just 3 sprigs of rosemary added to the slow cooker and cooked for the whole time really infuses the potatoes with the most incredible flavour. You could swap it for thyme instead.
    • Creme fraiche and butter - these both add lots of creaminess to the potatoes. We used reduce fat creme fraiche to keep it lighter and salted butter for extra flavour. You could swap the creme fraiche for double cream or even Greek yoghurt.
    • Cheese - another way to add some extra cheesiness. We used a reduced fat mature cheddar, but you can use any cheese that melts well, or even add a couple of heaped tablespoons of cream cheese.

    A full ingredients list with measurements is in the recipe card below.

    How to make mashed potatoes in the slow cooker - Step by step

    One: Add the potatoes, stock, garlic and rosemary to the slow cooker and cook on high for 4 hours or low for 7 hours. Stir 3 times during cooking.

    Chopped potatoes and sprigs of rosemary in a slow cooker.

    Two: Mash the potatoes until the desired consistency is achieved.

    Cooked potatoes in a slow cooker.

    Three: Add the rest of the ingredients and mix well.

    Mashed potatoes, pats of butter and grated cheese in a slow cooker.

    Health benefits of potatoes

    Whilst we do love a good sweet potato mash, you just can't beat chips made with white potatoes. White potatoes have so many nutrients in them, they really shouldn't get a bad reputation.

    They are low in fat, sodium and cholesterol, they have nearly half of your daily vitamin C and they are a great source of potassium - even more than a banana. They are full of fibre and magnesium, and they are filling too. On top of this, they are also suitable for almost any diet, from vegan to gluten free. I am not sure what more you could want?

    A potato masher in some potatoes.

    Flavour options

    All the flavour in these slow cooker mashed potatoes comes from the garlic and rosemary that are cooked with the potatoes. Then you have some flavour from the mature cheddar that is stirred in at the end. However, there are a few other flavour options as well.

    You could swap the rosemary for thyme, or if you wanted a summer version to these, then you could add basil and lemon. Parmesan is also a good alternative to cheddar.

    If you like a kick of heat in your food, then you can stir in some dried red chilli flakes. Want to make them really indulgent? When you add the cheese, stir in some cooked chopped bacon. Next. Level. Potatoes.

    Serving suggestions

    Sl0w cooker mashed potatoes are such a versatile side dish, you can serve them with pretty much anything. However, here are some of our favourite recipes that go perfectly with it:

    • Homemade Fish Fingers
    • Stuffed Chicken Breast
    • Honey and Lime Chicken
    • Peri Peri Chicken
    • Halloumi and Vegetable Skewers
    • Lemon and Rosemary Chicken
    • Sausage and Lentil Stew
    • Easy Italian Chicken
    • Chicken Kiev

    Storage

    You can store any leftover mashed potatoes in an air tight container in the fridge and they will keep for up to 5 days. We wouldn't recommend freezing mashed potatoes. Once they are defrosted, they tend to go a bit gritty.

    A spoon pulling out some mashed potato from a bowl.

    FAQs

    Are slow cooker mashed potatoes healthy?

    With all the health benefits of potatoes that are mentioned above, this is a nutritious side dish. We have added creme fraiche, butter and cheese to make these super creamy potatoes, however this whole recipe serves 8 so when portioned out there isn't much in each portion.

    Can you prepare them in advance?

    Yes, which makes them perfect for big events like Christmas Day or Thanksgiving. You can prep them and put them in the slow cooker and then they can stay in there for a couple of hours before you start cooking them. Also, once they are cooked they can stay warm in the slow cooker for an hour or so, until you are ready to serve them. No last minute mashing whilst you are trying to carve the turkey.

    What to use to mash potatoes?

    We use a really sturdy potato masher to mash our potatoes, as we are fine with a few smaller lumps. However, if you like your mashed potatoes super smooth, then get yourself a potato ricer. This gives you really smooth and creamy potatoes, and makes sure that they aren't overworked like they would be with a masher, which is key if you are going to use leftovers to make gnocchi.

    What to do with leftover mashed potato

    Whilst leftovers of this side dish is rare in our house, if you do have any leftovers then there are a few really good options to make sure that nothing goes to waste. You can make leftover mashed potato cakes by mixing them with an egg and a little flour, then forming in to patties and frying. Or, you can make our Leftover Mashed Potato Gnocchi.

    How can you make vegan slow cooker mashed potatoes?

    Yes, you definitely can make these vegan and they will be just as delicious. Firstly, make sure that the vegetable stock is vegan - you could just mash the potatoes and serve them as they are. But, if you want to make them creamy and vegan, then use an alternative to the creme fraiche, butter and cheese.

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    Extra tips

    • Cut all the potatoes to the same size to ensure that they all cook the same.
    • If you prefer chunky mashed potatoes, then don't over mash them. We like ours really creamy and fluffy.
    • We find using a potato masher is fine, however if you like really smooth potatoes then you can use a potato ricer.
    • Add salt and pepper at the end to season, that way you can taste them and add more if you prefer.
    • You don't have to peel the potatoes, and leaving the skin on will save even more time. Cooking them low and slow will break down the skins, but still keep the fibre.
    • When you are stirring the potatoes, if you find that they are drying out then you can add a little more stock. Different slow cookers will cook at different rates.

    More potato recipes

    • Tuna Stuffed Baked Potato
    • Roasted Sweet Potato Salad
    • Super Greens Loaded Potato Skins
    • Patatas Bravas

    If you’ve tried these slow cooker mashed potatoes, let us know how you got on in the comments below.
    Tag us in your creations on Instagram @hungryhealthyhappy - Use the hashtag #hungryhealthyhappy too.

    Recipe

    A bowl of Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes with sprigs of rosemary on top.

    Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes

    These are without doubt the best mashed potatoes we have ever made, and they are SO simple too. Creamy and fluffy mashed potatoes, cooked in the slow cooker with very little effort.
    A circular logo saying GF.
    Gluten Free
    An illustration of a v-shaped plant.
    Vegetarian
    5 from 17 votes
    Author: Dannii
    Pin Print Save recipe Recipe saved!
    Course: Side Dish
    Cuisine: British
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Cook Time: 4 hours
    Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes
    Allergens:
    An illustration of a carton of milk.
    Dairy
    Servings: 8 servings
    Calories: 200kcal
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients

    UK Metric Measures - US Customary Measures
    • 1.5 kg Potato - peeled and chopped
    • 375 ml Vegetable stock
    • 150 ml Whole milk
    • 2 Garlic clove
    • 3 springs Fresh rosemary
    • 3 tablespoon Reduced fat creme fraiche
    • 40 g Butter
    • 60 g Cheddar cheese - grated
    • 1 pinch Sea salt and black pepper

    Instructions

    • Put the chopped potatoes into the slow cooker.
      1.5 kg Potato
    • Add the stock, garlic and salt and pepper and rosemary.
      375 ml Vegetable stock, 2 Garlic clove, 1 pinch Sea salt and black pepper, 3 springs Fresh rosemary
    • Mix well and cook on high for 4 hours, stirring three times during cooking.
    • Remove the rosemary springs and mash until you've achieved your desired consistency.
    • Add the milk, butter, creme fraiche and cheese and stir until the butter and cheese have melted.
      150 ml Whole milk, 40 g Butter, 60 g Cheddar cheese, 3 tablespoon Reduced fat creme fraiche

    Notes

    • Cut all the potatoes to the same size to ensure that they all cook the same.
    • If you prefer chunky mashed potatoes, then don't over mash them. We like ours really creamy and fluffy.
    • We find using a potato masher is fine, however if you like really smooth potatoes then you can use a potato ricer.
    • Add salt and pepper at the end to season, that way you can taste them and add more if you prefer.
    • You don't have to peel the potatoes, and leaving the skin on will save even more time. Cooking them low and slow will break down the skins, but still keep the fibre.
    • When you are stirring the potatoes, if you find that they are drying out then you can add a little more stock. Different slow cookers will cook at different rates.

    Nutritional Information

    Serving: 1portion | Calories: 200kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 19mg | Sodium: 294mg | Potassium: 826mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 350IU | Vitamin C: 37mg | Calcium: 106mg | Iron: 2mg
    DisclaimerThe nutritional information provided is approximate and is calculated using online tools. Information can vary depending on various factors, but we have endeavoured to be as accurate as possible.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Sara

      February 18, 2021 at 8:57 am

      Looks delicious and I definitely want to try it, but I've got two questions: do you mash the potatoes in the CrockPot? and do you add milk, butter and cheese once the CrockPot has ended cooking or while the heat is still on? Thanks for clarifying :-)

      Reply
      • Dannii

        February 18, 2021 at 3:43 pm

        Yes, I mash everything in the slow cooker. The milk, butter and cheese is step 3, after the potatoes have cooked.

        Reply
        • Sara

          February 18, 2021 at 5:00 pm

          Thanks :-)

          Reply
    2. Stephanie

      November 24, 2020 at 12:59 pm

      5 stars
      Mashed potatoes are my favorite side dish, so I just had to try it in the slow cooker. These are delicious and I can't wait to make them again. They are so easy!

      Reply
    3. Ashley

      November 24, 2020 at 12:17 pm

      5 stars
      OH love this idea!! I've never made mashed potatoes in a slow cooker, but this sounds like a great year to try it! Thanks for the recipe!

      Reply
    4. Danielle Wolter

      November 24, 2020 at 11:31 am

      5 stars
      This just made my day. What an easy simple way to cook potatoes while you are doing all the other stuff!

      Reply
    5. Amanda Wren-Grimwood

      November 24, 2020 at 10:47 am

      5 stars
      Such a great idea and I love that you can leave the skins on too.

      Reply
    6. Helen @ family-friends-food.com

      November 24, 2020 at 10:40 am

      5 stars
      These potatoes look so delicious - I love rosemary! Great to be able to make them without having to use space on the stove.

      Reply
    7. Angela

      November 23, 2020 at 8:13 pm

      5 stars
      So delicious and creamy!

      Reply
    8. Katie

      November 23, 2020 at 7:58 pm

      5 stars
      Looks delicious! Can't wait to try this.

      Reply
    9. Michelle

      November 23, 2020 at 6:48 pm

      5 stars
      Perfectly creamy, and I love that it frees up the stove-top for all of the other cooking!

      Reply
    10. Shanna

      November 23, 2020 at 5:44 pm

      5 stars
      I can't wait to try this on Thanksgiving. They look so creamy and yummy.

      Reply
    11. Erika

      November 23, 2020 at 5:17 pm

      5 stars
      These mashed potatoes look so creamy and delicious! Love the slow cooker version too!

      Reply
    12. Gina

      November 23, 2020 at 12:23 pm

      5 stars
      I've never really thought to make mashed potatoes in the slow cooker but this method seems super easy and love that it frees up stove space!

      Reply
    13. Chris Collins

      November 23, 2020 at 10:16 am

      5 stars
      I'm always looking for new potato recipes so this is a winner for me! Thanks for sharing :)

      Reply
      • Charla

        November 23, 2020 at 10:53 am

        5 stars
        I have always roasted my potatoes to but love the idea of slow cooking mashed potatoes instead

        Reply
    14. Shashi at Savory Spin

      November 23, 2020 at 10:13 am

      I adore potatoes - they are my comfort food - and your mashed potatoes are potatoes done right!

      Reply
    15. Kylie

      November 23, 2020 at 8:56 am

      5 stars
      Yum! This is perfect for when you've already got the oven on, the stove filled with things and no space left for the spuds!

      Reply

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    My name is Dannii. Here you will find easy family recipes with a healthy twist.
    Established in 2011, Hungry Healthy Happy has become one of the UK's most popular food blogs, with two successful recipe books published.

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