Decadent Slow Cooker Loaded Mashed Potatoes

As the crisp autumn air turns into the biting chill of winter, and snowflakes begin to dance outside our windows, there’s a universal craving for foods that warm us from the inside out. For many, that ultimate comfort food comes in the form of creamy, fluffy, and utterly delicious mashed potatoes. But not just any mashed potatoes – we’re talking about the kind that are loaded with savory goodness, and even better, made effortlessly in your slow cooker. Forget the frantic mashing over a hot stove; our Loaded Crock Pot Mashed Potatoes Recipe promises a dish that’s as convenient as it is comforting, perfect for feeding a hungry crowd or simply indulging in a hearty weeknight meal.

Effortless Comfort: The Ultimate Slow Cooker Loaded Mashed Potatoes

Imagine being able to prepare a rich, creamy, and flavorful side dish in the morning and have it perfectly ready by dinner time, piping hot and waiting to be devoured. That’s the magic of this slow cooker mashed potatoes recipe. It’s an ideal solution for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or any occasion when you need a fantastic dish that doesn’t demand constant attention. These aren’t just mashed potatoes; they’re an experience, packed with all the beloved fixings – crisp bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and fresh green onions – making every spoonful a pure delight.

Why Choose the Slow Cooker for Your Mashed Potatoes?

The slow cooker isn’t just for roasts and stews; it’s a game-changer for mashed potatoes. This method offers several compelling advantages:

• Hands-Off Cooking: Once the potatoes are prepped and in the crock pot, you can set it and forget it. No standing over a boiling pot, no worrying about scorching.
• Consistent Results: The gentle, even heat of a slow cooker cooks potatoes perfectly tender every time, making them incredibly easy to mash to your desired consistency.
• Frees Up Stove Space: Especially crucial during holidays like Thanksgiving or Christmas, using a slow cooker for your mashed potatoes leaves valuable stovetop burners free for other dishes.
• Keeps Warm Beautifully: The “keep warm” setting on most slow cookers is fantastic for mashed potatoes, ensuring they stay hot and creamy for hours without drying out, making it perfect for entertaining.
• Portability: If you’re heading to a potluck or family dinner, your slow cooker acts as a convenient, self-contained serving dish that keeps your mashed potatoes warm on the go.

Unpacking the Flavor: Key Ingredients for Loaded Mashed Potatoes

Creating truly epic loaded mashed potatoes starts with quality ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each component is essential for that irresistible taste and texture:

• Potatoes: The foundation of our dish! We typically opt for Russet potatoes due to their high starch content, which makes them incredibly fluffy and absorbent, perfect for mashing. However, Yukon Gold potatoes are an excellent alternative, offering a naturally buttery flavor and a creamier texture. You could also use red potatoes for a slightly waxier texture, especially if you plan to leave the skins on.
• Chicken Stock or Vegetable Stock: This isn’t just liquid; it’s flavor! Using stock instead of water infuses the potatoes with savory notes as they cook. Chicken stock adds a robust background flavor, while vegetable stock keeps the recipe vegetarian-friendly. You could even use milk or cream for an extra rich base.
• Sour Cream: The secret to that tangy, creamy luxuriousness. Sour cream adds a delightful richness and a subtle zest that balances the other savory components. Don’t be shy with it – the amount you use can be adjusted to achieve your preferred level of creaminess.
• Bacon: Because everything’s better with bacon! Crispy, smoky bacon bits are a non-negotiable for “loaded” mashed potatoes. We recommend cooking it until perfectly crisp to provide a wonderful textural contrast.
• Green Onions (Scallions): These provide a fresh, mild oniony bite and a beautiful pop of color, cutting through the richness of the cheese and sour cream. Chop them finely for even distribution.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp or mild, cheddar cheese melts beautifully into the warm potatoes, adding a salty, savory, and undeniably cheesy flavor that screams comfort. Shredded cheddar works best for quick melting.
• Salt and Pepper: The essential seasoning duo. Remember to season generously and taste as you go, adjusting to your preference. Freshly ground black pepper adds a superior flavor.

Optional Flavor Enhancers: Consider a touch of garlic powder or onion powder for added depth, a dollop of cream cheese for extra richness, or fresh chives for a milder onion flavor.

Essential Equipment for Your Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes

While the beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, having the right tools can make the process even smoother:

• Crockpot (Slow Cooker): A 6-quart or larger slow cooker is ideal for this recipe, especially if you’re feeding a crowd. Look for one with a digital timer that automatically switches to a “warm” setting after cooking. This ensures your potatoes never overcook and are always ready at the perfect temperature.
• Mix ‘n Chop or Potato Masher: While a Mix ‘n Chop is great for breaking up ground meats, a sturdy potato masher is essential for achieving the perfect mashed potato texture. For exceptionally smooth potatoes, a potato ricer can also be used after cooking.
• Sharp Knife and Cutting Board: For safely peeling and cubing your potatoes.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient measurement.
• Kitchen Spoon or Stirring Utensil: A large, heat-resistant spoon is perfect for stirring and serving.

Step-by-Step: Crafting Your Loaded Crock Pot Mashed Potatoes

Making these indulgent mashed potatoes is surprisingly simple. Follow these steps for a guaranteed crowd-pleaser:

1. Prepare the Potatoes: Begin by peeling your potatoes and cutting them into uniform 1-inch to 1.5-inch cubes. Uniformity is key to ensuring they cook evenly in the slow cooker. Place all the cubed potatoes into the slow cooker bowl.
2. Add the Liquid: Pour the chicken stock (or vegetable stock) over the potatoes. Ensure there’s enough liquid to help the potatoes steam and cook through, preventing them from drying out.
3. Cook to Perfection: Cover your slow cooker and cook on the LOW setting for 6-8 hours, or on the HIGH setting for 3-4 hours. Cooking times can vary between slow cooker models, so always check for tenderness with a fork at the minimum suggested time. The potatoes should be easily pierced.
4. Mash and Flavor: Once the potatoes are fork-tender, it’s time to mash! Use a potato masher directly in the slow cooker bowl. Add the sour cream, starting with ½ cup, and then incorporate salt and pepper to taste. Continue mashing and stirring, adding more sour cream a tablespoon at a time if you desire a creamier consistency. Avoid over-mashing, as this can lead to gummy potatoes.
5. Load Them Up: Once mashed to your liking, smooth out the top of the potatoes with your spoon. Evenly sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese, crispy bacon bits, and chopped green onions over the surface.
6. Melt the Cheese: Replace the lid on the slow cooker. Cook on HIGH for another 15 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly. The residual heat from the potatoes and the warm setting will do the rest.

Preparation, Storage, and Reheating

One of the many benefits of this recipe is its make-ahead potential and how well it stores. Here’s how to manage your delicious leftovers:

Make-Ahead: These CrockPot Loaded Mashed Potatoes are incredibly make-ahead friendly. You can cook them completely a day in advance, cool them, and then refrigerate. When ready to serve, simply reheat as directed below.

Storage: Store any leftover mashed potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure they are fully cooled before transferring to storage to prevent condensation.

Freezing: Yes, you can freeze mashed potatoes! For best results, allow the mashed potatoes to cool completely. Transfer freezer-bound leftovers to an airtight, freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags. Press out any excess air if using bags. Freeze for up to three months. Freezing in individual portions makes reheating easier.

Reheating: Reheat your leftovers using the microwave, stovetop, or even back in the slow cooker, depending on the quantity. If reheating from frozen, it’s best to thaw your loaded mashed potatoes overnight in the fridge to ensure even reheating. Add a splash of milk or stock during reheating to restore creaminess.

• Microwave: For individual servings, microwave on medium power, stirring occasionally until heated through.
• Stovetop: For larger quantities, place in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. Add a tablespoon or two of milk or broth to prevent sticking and restore moisture.
• Oven: Spread mashed potatoes in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through. Uncover for the last 5-10 minutes if you want the cheese topping to crisp slightly.
• Slow Cooker: For a whole batch, return them to the slow cooker on the “warm” setting, stirring occasionally until heated.

Get Creative: Recipe Variations and Dietary Options

This slow cooker recipe is wonderfully adaptable, allowing you to tailor it to your taste preferences and dietary needs.

Substitutions:

• Different Starches: While potatoes are classic, you can explore other options. We love a Texas Roadhouse Loaded Sweet Potato for a sweeter take, or a CrockPot Loaded Mashed Cauliflower for a lower-carb alternative.
• Alternative Liquids: Broth can be used instead of stock. For richer mashed potatoes, replace some or all of the stock with whole milk, heavy cream, or even half-and-half.
• Creamy Add-ins: Instead of sour cream, consider cream cheese (softened), Greek yogurt (for a tangier, lighter option), or a combination for varied textures and flavors.
• Cheese Choices: While cheddar is traditional, experiment with Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or even a smoked Gouda for a unique twist. A sprinkle of Parmesan at the end is also delightful.

Dietary Considerations:

• Vegetarian Option: Easily make this recipe meat-free by replacing the chicken stock with vegetable stock and using a plant-based bacon alternative or simply omitting the bacon entirely.
• Vegan Option: For a fully vegan dish, follow the vegetarian guidance and additionally swap out the sour cream for a plant-based sour cream alternative and the shredded cheddar cheese for a dairy-free shredded cheese blend.
• Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free! Just ensure that your chicken or vegetable stock is explicitly labeled gluten-free, as some brands may contain hidden gluten ingredients.
• Alcohol-Free Option: This recipe does not contain alcohol, nor do we typically recommend adding it.
• Sugar-Free: The written recipe contains a minimal 2 grams of sugar per serving, primarily from natural sources.

Adjusting Serving Sizes: The base recipe yields approximately six generous servings. It’s straightforward to scale this recipe up or down to suit your needs. When scaling up for a very large crowd, you may need a larger slow cooker or to cook in batches to ensure even cooking.

Make it Spicy: For those who love a kick, finely chopped fresh jalapeños can be added to the potatoes during the mashing stage, or sprinkled on top with the cheese for a Jalapeño Popper Potato vibe. A pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce would also do the trick.

Expert Tips for the Best Crock Pot Loaded Mashed Potatoes

Achieve mashed potato perfection with these tried-and-true tips:

• Don’t Drain the Broth: This is a crucial step for moist, flavorful mashed potatoes. Mashing the potatoes directly with the cooking liquid ensures they absorb all that savory goodness and remain wonderfully creamy. Draining would remove valuable flavor and moisture.
• Customize Your Texture: “Perfect” mashed potatoes mean something different to everyone. If you prefer a rustic, slightly chunky texture, a regular masher is ideal. For a silkier, smoother consistency, mash thoroughly or even use a ricer. Incorporate your add-ins (sour cream, seasonings) and toppings to your family’s exact preferences.
• Peel or Not to Peel: The choice is yours! While we typically peel Russet potatoes for a classic smooth mash, leaving the skins on Yukon Gold or red potatoes adds extra fiber, nutrients, and a delightful rustic charm. Just ensure they are thoroughly scrubbed if you keep the skins on.
• Season as You Go: Taste your potatoes after mashing and adding the initial seasonings. Adjust salt, pepper, and sour cream as needed. It’s easier to add more than to fix over-seasoned potatoes.
• Avoid Overmixing: Overmixing mashed potatoes can activate the starch, leading to a gluey or gummy texture. Mash just until smooth and combined, then stop.

Pairing Perfection: What to Serve with Loaded Crock Pot Mashed Potatoes

Our CrockPot Loaded Mashed Potatoes are more than just a side; they’re the star of any comfort food spread. Their rich, savory profile makes them a versatile accompaniment to a wide range of dishes, from weeknight dinners to grand holiday feasts.

Perfect Side Dishes:
These mashed potatoes are hearty enough to stand alone, but they also complement other classic sides beautifully. Think fresh green vegetables, crisp salads, or other comforting casseroles. Some great pairings include Broccoli Casserole, Apple Stuffing, Funeral Potatoes (for extra potato love!), BLT Pasta Salad, Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon, Air Fryer Baked Potato, Jiffy Cornbread with Sour Cream, Sweet Potato Casserole with Candied Yams, Southern Style Green Beans, and CrockPot Bourbon Baked Beans.

Hearty Main Dishes:
Loaded mashed potatoes can elevate almost any main course. They are particularly fantastic with roasted or slow-cooked meats and poultry. Try them with Cracker Barrel Broccoli Cheddar Chicken, Stovetop Meatloaf, Chicken Casserole with Ritz Crackers, CrockPot Rosemary Pork, Cracker Barrel Chicken & Dumplings, CrockPot Macaroni & Cheese with Ham, CrockPot Salisbury Steak, CrockPot Ham & Cheese Grits, a perfectly grilled steak, or juicy roasted pork.

Delightful Desserts:
After such a rich and savory meal, a sweet treat is always welcome. Balance the richness with something light and fruity, or lean into the comfort theme with a classic baked good. Consider Ooey-Gooey Butter Cake, Lemon Bars, Lemon Icebox Pie, Best Rice Krispie Treats, Bisquick Blueberry Cobbler, Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding, Bisquick Apple Cobbler, Bisquick Peach Cobbler, Molasses Cookies, Banana Bread, or Classic Chocolate Brownies.

Refreshing Drinks:
Pair your meal with a classic beverage. Our favorites include a frosty Coke Slushie, a vibrant Red Robin Freckled Lemonade, or a perfectly sweet CopyCat McDonald’s Sweet Tea.

When to Serve These Amazing Mashed Potatoes

The versatility of Loaded Crock Pot Mashed Potatoes means they’re suitable for almost any gathering or meal. Their ease of preparation and ability to stay warm makes them especially perfect for:

• Weeknight Dinners: Take the stress out of busy evenings with a prep-ahead side dish.
• Lunch: Hearty enough to be a satisfying lunch component.
• Potlucks and Covered Dish Parties: A guaranteed crowd-pleaser that travels well and stays warm.
• Family and Friend Gatherings: A comforting and familiar dish that appeals to all ages.
• Thanksgiving Dinner: Free up precious oven space during the busiest cooking day of the year.
• Christmas Dinner: Add a festive touch to your holiday spread with minimal fuss.
• Game Day Parties: A delicious, substantial side that’s perfect for casual entertaining.
• Anytime You Crave Comfort Food: Let’s be honest, sometimes you just need a big bowl of loaded mashed potatoes!

Explore More Delicious Recipes and Collections

If you’re looking for more convenient and delicious meal ideas, be sure to explore these fantastic recipe collections:

• Thanksgiving Crockpot Recipes – Discover how to save oven space with these amazing slow cooker dishes for your holiday feast.
• Apple Cider Recipes – Delicious apple cider creations perfect for fall, from warming drinks to delightful desserts.
• Desserts with 5 Ingredients or Less – Sweet treat bliss is just a few steps and ingredients away with these simple dessert ideas.
• Finger Food Appetizers – Easy, bite-sized appetizers perfect for any party or gathering.
• Ground Beef Crockpot Recipes – Simple and versatile ground beef slow cooker meals for family dinners and potlucks.
• Slow Cooker Soups – Filling, delicious, and incredibly easy-to-make soup recipes straight from your crock pot.

Make sure to check out all of these epic easy side dishes in a slow cooker for more inspiration!

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Recipe originally shared on January 31, 2017. Updated November 2020. This content was further updated and expanded in 2024 to provide comprehensive information and tips for the best slow cooker loaded mashed potatoes.