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Best Easy Crockpot Mashed Potatoes for a Crowd

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These incredibly creamy, buttery crockpot mashed potatoes are completely hands-off and perfect for feeding a crowd. The secret is cream cheese, which adds richness and tang while keeping the potatoes from getting watery or gluey.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 5 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, cut into cubes
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened and cut into cubes
  • 1 cup whole milk, warmed
  • 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • Optional: 1/2 cup sour cream for extra tang and creaminess
  • Optional: 2-3 cloves garlic, minced for garlic mashed potatoes

Instructions

  1. Prep the potatoes: Peel all 5 pounds of russet potatoes. Cut them into uniform 1-inch chunks. Rinse the cut potatoes in cold water until the water runs clear.
  2. Layer in the crockpot: Place the potato chunks in your crockpot. Dot the top with the cubed butter and cream cheese. Don’t stir yet. Sprinkle with the salt and pepper.
  3. Cook on low: Cover and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours. The potatoes are done when a fork slides through them with absolutely no resistance.
  4. Warm the milk: About 15 minutes before the potatoes are done, warm your milk in a small saucepan or in the microwave until warm to the touch, not boiling.
  5. Mash the potatoes: Using a potato masher, mash the potatoes right in the crockpot in a gentle, folding motion. Pour in the warm milk gradually, mashing and stirring as you go, until you reach your desired consistency.
  6. Taste and adjust: Taste your mashed potatoes and adjust the seasoning. If they seem too thick, add a splash more warm milk. If they’re too thin, let them cook uncovered for 10-15 minutes to thicken up.
  7. Keep warm until serving: Switch your crockpot to the ‘keep warm’ setting. Your mashed potatoes will stay perfectly warm and creamy for up to 2 hours.

Notes

Don’t skip rinsing the cut potatoes to remove excess starch. Resist the urge to peek while cooking. Make sure cream cheese is softened to room temperature. Warm the milk before adding to avoid shocking the potatoes. Don’t over-mash to prevent gluey texture. These potatoes taste even better the next day.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot mashed potatoes, slow cooker mashed potatoes, mashed potatoes for a crowd, easy mashed potatoes, creamy mashed potatoes, holiday side dish, Thanksgiving mashed potatoes

Find it online: https://breezybake.com/best-easy-crockpot-mashed-potatoes-for-a-crowd/