Crockpot Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe

If you love classic comfort food but want to keep things easy and hands-off, wait until you try this Crockpot Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe. It’s my go-to for family dinners or holidays because it takes the stress out of mashed potatoes — no boiling pots or standing by the stove. Plus, the slow cooker gently infuses the potatoes with garlic flavor, making them totally addictive. Stick around and I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to nail it every time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together in a simple but satisfying way. Baby potatoes work great here because they cook evenly and mash easily. Butter, sour cream, and milk bring that creamy richness you expect in mashed potatoes, while garlic and herbs bump up the flavor.

• Cooking spray: Keeps your crockpot from sticking and helps cleanup.
• Baby potatoes: Quartered for quick and even cooking—no peeling fuss!
• Butter: Use unsalted if you want more control over saltiness.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives the best aromatic punch.
• Water: Just a little to help steam the potatoes inside the crockpot.
• Kosher salt: Enhances the natural potato flavor.
• Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a subtle heat and depth.
• Sour cream: Adds tangy creaminess that elevates the mash.
• Milk: Use whole or 2% for a smooth, creamy result.
• Dried oregano and rosemary: These herbs add a touch of earthiness.
• Chives: Fresh chives on top add color and a mild onion flavor.

Variations

One of my favorite things about this Crockpot Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe is how easy it is to customize. Depending on the season or your taste, you can switch up the herbs or add mix-ins to make it your own.

• Cheesy Mashed Potatoes: I love stirring in sharp cheddar or parmesan just before serving for a rich twist.
• Herb Swap: Sometimes I swap rosemary and oregano for thyme or parsley to give it a fresher vibe.
• Garlic Intensity: You can add more cloves if you’re a garlic lover like me, or roast the garlic first for a mellow sweetness.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use a plant-based butter and milk substitute—coconut or oat milk work surprisingly well here.

How to Make Crockpot Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Load the Crockpot

First things first, spray the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray so the potatoes don’t stick later. Then toss in those quartered baby potatoes, butter, minced garlic, and a splash of water. Season everything generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Give it a good stir so all ingredients are evenly distributed. Cover the lid and cook on high for about 3 hours or until the potatoes are fork-tender. I find that checking at the 2.5-hour mark helps avoid overcooking, but slow cookers vary so adjust as needed.

Step 2: Mash and Flavor

Once the potatoes are soft, add the sour cream, milk, dried oregano, and rosemary right into the crockpot. Now comes the fun part—mashing! Use a potato masher and start pressing down until everything is smooth with just the right amount of lumps (or no lumps if you prefer ultra creamy). Taste and adjust salt and pepper here too. The warmth helps the dairy blend right in and makes stirring effortless.

Step 3: Garnish and Serve

Finish off with a sprinkle of fresh chives on top. Not only do they add a lovely pop of color, but they also bring a mild onion kick that pairs perfectly with the garlic and herbs. Serve these warm, straight from the crockpot for maximum cozy vibes.

How to Serve Crockpot Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Garnishes

I almost always add fresh chives as my garnish because they are so simple yet pack a great flavor boost and look beautiful on top. Sometimes I’ll toss on a little shredded cheddar or crispy bacon bits for an extra touch when serving to friends. A drizzle of good olive oil or a sprinkle of smoked paprika can be fun to experiment with too.

Side Dishes

This mashed potato recipe pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, grilled steak, or pork chops. For a veggie side, I love steamed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts with a touch of balsamic glaze to balance all the creamy richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to pipe the mashed potatoes into a pretty swirl on plates using a large star tip. You can also scoop them into a baking dish, sprinkle with extra cheese, and broil for a few minutes to create a golden crust on top—always a crowd-pleaser!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover mashed potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge, and they keep well for about 3-4 days. When I do this, I find stirring in a little milk before reheating helps bring back that creamy texture that can firm up overnight.

Freezing

Freezing works if you want to prep ahead or save leftovers. I spoon the mashed potatoes into freezer-safe bags or containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

Reheating can be done gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk and a bit of stirring to bring back creaminess. I usually cover the dish to keep moisture in and heat slowly to avoid drying out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Crockpot Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe takes a simple classic and makes it foolproof and flavorful without hovering over the stove. It’s been a staple for busy weeknights and special meals alike in my house. Once you give it a try, I’m confident it’ll earn a permanent spot in your recipe lineup too. So go ahead—pull out that slow cooker and enjoy comfort mashed potatoes made easy and delicious!

Print