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Creamy Crockpot Mashed Potatoes with Cream Cheese

creamy crockpot mashed potatoes - featured image

Rich, velvety mashed potatoes cooked slowly in a slow cooker with cream cheese and butter for a foolproof, set-it-and-forget-it side dish that is perfect for gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4–5 large Russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
  • Water, enough to cover potatoes
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt (for water)
  • 8 oz block cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup heavy cream or whole milk, warmed
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Freshly cracked black pepper to taste
  • Fresh chives or green onions, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Peel the russet potatoes and rinse under cold water to remove excess starch. Cut into uniform 1-inch cubes.
  2. Place potato cubes into the slow cooker insert. Pour in enough water to completely submerge the potatoes and add the tablespoon of salt. Stir gently.
  3. Cover and cook on Low for 6 to 8 hours, or on High for 4 hours, until potatoes are very soft and a fork slides in with zero resistance.
  4. Drain the potatoes thoroughly in a colander. Let them sit in the drained pot for a minute to allow excess steam to escape.
  5. Add the softened cream cheese, butter, garlic powder, and pepper to the hot potatoes. Cover and let sit for 5 minutes to allow the dairy to melt.
  6. Mash the potatoes with a potato masher until mostly smooth. Gradually add the warm heavy cream or milk while mashing until desired consistency is reached.
  7. Taste and add more salt or pepper if needed. Stir in fresh chives if using. Serve immediately.

Notes

Use cold water to start cooking to ensure even texture. Always warm the milk or cream before adding to prevent the cream cheese from seizing. Do not overcrowd the slow cooker. If potatoes are too watery, cook with lid off for 10 minutes. If too thick, add more warm milk.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot mashed potatoes, slow cooker mashed potatoes, cream cheese mashed potatoes, easy side dish, holiday sides, comfort food