Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes

Slow cooker mashed potatoes are the perfect side for all your holiday feasts, y’all. These buttermilk babies are dripping in buttery goodness and got that smooth, velvety vibe. Throw in some buttermilk, and bam, you’re taking these taters to new heights. Prep this dish a day before your big dinner and watch it come together like magic.

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Why you’ll love this Recipe

• Make ahead! Don’t spend another minute fussing with another meal on Thanksgiving day. Prep your crock pot mashed potatoes a day ahead. Store them covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook.
• Versatile – Buttermilk mashed potatoes can go with just about any meal you make, and during all seasons. Perfect with these smothered turkey wings or a peppercorn crusted filet mignon.
• Holiday Favorite! – Who doesn’t look forward to mashed potatoes during large holiday meals? Pair with turkey, ham, or roast for a delicious feast.

Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes Ingredients

Yukon gold potatoes – Unlike Idaho potatoes, Yukon gold potatoes are going to be the ideal potato for mashed potatoes. They’re creamy, and buttery, and their yellow color makes for a beautiful bowl of golden potatoes.

Chicken stock – Chicken broth or vegetable stock would also be an acceptable liquid. Water can also be used, but you’ll lose some flavor if you go that route.

Kosher salt & Black pepper – For flavor! For more flavor try minced garlic or garlic powder.

Buttermilk – Buttermilk adds a lovely tang and creaminess to mashed potatoes. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make your own (see how below), or opt for sour cream or Greek yogurt instead.

Heavy cream – Another layer of delicious mashed potatoes with a velvety texture. Swap out the heavy cream for half & half or whole milk.

Unsalted Butter – A high-quality unsalted butter will give you the most buttery flavor.

Chives – For garnish. Fresh chopped parsley or green onions are also great garnishes.

How to make slow cooker mashed potatoes

In a 5-quart slow cooker, place the Yukon gold potatoes, chicken stock, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Cover and set slow cooker to medium for 2 1/2 hours, or until potatoes are cooked through and fork tender.

Turn off the slow cooker and mash potatoes with a potato masher or a sturdy whisk.

Add in the remaining salt, black pepper, buttermilk, heavy cream, and butter, stirring until well mixed and have reached your desired consistency.

Garnish with chives and serve immediately. Potatoes can be held in the slow cooker for two hours on a warm setting.

Storing Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes

Once your buttermilk mashed potatoes have cooled, you can store them right in the slow cooker insert with the lid on, or in an airtight container. Refrigerate them for 3-5 days.  You can also freeze up to 3 months as well!

To reheat: You can reheat slow cooker mashed potatoes in either the microwave or on the stovetop. You may want to add some additional buttermilk or cream to help restore the creamy texture.

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

1. Cheesy potatoes: For cheesy mashed potatoes, consider adding grated or shredded cheese. Cheddar, Parmesan, or Gruyere can all bring unique flavors to the dish. Stir in the cheese during the last hour of cooking to allow it to melt and blend with the potatoes.
2. Roasted garlic or caramelized onions: Elevate the flavor of your crock pot mashed potatoes by adding roasted garlic or caramelized onions. Roasted garlic adds a sweet and mellow taste, while caramelized onions bring a rich, savory note to the dish.
3. Texture variations: You can adjust the texture of the mashed potatoes as well. For a chunkier consistency, mash the potatoes with a fork or potato masher instead of using a blender or immersion blender. If you like a smoother texture, blend the potatoes until creamy and lump-free.

Easily Make Your Own Buttermilk

For this recipe, we are using 3/4 cup Buttermilk, to make your own follow this formula:

2 1/4 tsp vinegar or lemon juice + 3/4 cup milk = 3/4 cup buttermilk

Serving suggestions

If you want to level up the flavor of these slow cooker buttermilk potatoes, consider serving them with some of my favorite toppings like these:

• Turkey gravy
• Sawmill gravy
• Classic homemade gravy
• A sprinkle of shredded cheese
• Crispy bacon bits
• Roasted garlic cloves
• A dollop of sour cream
• Freshly grated nutmeg
• A dash of smoked paprika

Recipe variations

• Tangy: Swap the buttermilk with Greek yogurt for a tangier element.  Sour cream is also a great option.
• Garlicky: Try stirring in roasted garlic or garlic powder for a flavor-packed version like these.
• Cheesy: Add grated Parmesan or cheddar for extra cheesy potatoes.  Or add cream cheese for a delicious tangy twist.
• Sweet: Use sweet potatoes instead of Yukon Golds to make mashed sweet potatoes.

Expert Tips And FAQs

• Add whole garlic cloves to the cut potatoes as they cook. Mash potatoes and garlic together for garlic mashed potatoes.
• Store buttermilk mashed potatoes within two hours of cooking them to avoid any bacteria growth.
• Don’t add your liquid all at once – Your potatoes aren’t capable of soaking in all the liquid in one go and if you try to force them to you will end up with wet mashed potatoes. Add your liquid in small increments and thank me later.

More Of GBC Delicious Side Dish Recipes

• Southern Collard Greens Recipe (Just like your Grandma’s recipe!)
• The BEST Red Beans and Rice Recipe
• Honey Glazed Carrots
• Southern Green Beans Recipe
• Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes (With How To Video!)

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