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.
This post may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy.
Want to Save This Recipe, Boo?
Drop your email below, and this delicious recipe will slide right into your inbox! Plus, you’ll get all the latest updates and goodies from Grandbaby Cakes.
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Can I use another type of potato?
Yes! Any potato works if you’re in a pinch. Russet potatoes are a great alternative because they’re high in starch and will turn out light and fluffy. On the other hand, red potatoes can be used for a creamier and more dense result.Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can easily make this recipe dairy-free. Just use a plant-based butter alternative or olive oil. Replace the heavy cream and buttermilk with non-dairy alternatives like soy or almond milk. Just add a touch of lemon juice or vinegar to the milk to make dairy-free buttermilk.Can I use a hand blender to mash the potatoes?
Of course! While this recipe is meant to be rustic, using a hand blender to mash the potatoes is quick and efficient. Just be careful not to overmix the potatoes as they can turn gluey or gummy.
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!)
*Did you make this recipe? Please give it a star rating and leave comments below!* Post a photo of how your version of the recipe came out on Instagram (using #grandbabycakes)!!
Slow Cooker Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes
Email This Recipe
Enter your email and this recipe will arrive in your inbox! You’ll also get updates on the latest posts and more from Grandbaby Cakes.
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 pounds Yukon gold potatoes peeled*, medium dice
- 1 cup Chicken stock
- 2 1/2 teaspoons Kosher salt divided
- 3/4 teaspoon Black pepper
- 3/4 cup Buttermilk
- 1/2 cup Heavy cream
- 4 tablespoons Butter unsalted, cut into small pieces
- 2 tablespoons Chives minced
Instructions
- In a 5-quart slow cooker, place potatoes, chicken stock, and 1 teaspoon salt. Cover and set to medium for 2 1/2 hours, until potatoes are cooked through and fork tender.
- Turn off slow cooker and mash potatoes with a potato masher or sturdy whisk.
- Add in remaining salt, black pepper, buttermilk, heavy cream, and butter, stirring until well mixed.
- Garnish with chives and serve warm. Potatoes can be held for two hours on warm.
pinterest 
facebook 
twitter 
email
I made these creamy slow cooker mashed potatoes for our holiday meal, and they were a huge hit! The buttermilk added a tangy richness to the potatoes, making them incredibly flavorful and velvety smooth. The best part was being able to prep them ahead of time in the slow cooker, which made my life so much easier on the big day
Thank you so much, Sangeetha!
I love mashed potato and this recipe looks so delicious and look so easy to make.
Perfect for my steak!
Love this mashed potatoes recipe! How much flavor and desired consistency will I lose by making ahead and reheating? Thank you.
You can never go wrong with mashed potatoes! Buttermilk mashed potatoes sounds so yummy! Thanks for the recipe share!
Wow! This mashed potato dish looks incredibly delicious! Its texture looks great making this treat so enticing and tempting! An instant favorite treat! Loved it!
Mashed potatoes are always a crowd-pleaser, and the idea of making them in a slow cooker sounds incredibly convenient. I