Effortlessly Delicious Crock Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Unlock the secret to incredibly easy and supremely delicious mashed potatoes with this Crock Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes recipe. Perfect for holiday gatherings, Sunday dinners, or any occasion when you crave comforting, flavorful sides, these potatoes are a true game-changer. Forget standing over a hot stove; your slow cooker handles most of the work, leaving you free to enjoy your time and prepare other dishes. With just a few simple ingredients – potatoes, aromatic garlic powder, rich butter, a splash of water, and creamy milk – you can create a side dish that’s both effortless and utterly irresistible.

Effortless Slow Cooker Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Your New Favorite Side

These Slow Cooker Garlic Mashed Potatoes aren’t just a side dish; they’re a revelation. They’ve become an absolute essential for our family’s holiday feasts, and for good reason! The rich, savory flavor of garlic infuses every bite, elevating the humble mashed potato into something truly special. As a dedicated garlic enthusiast, I can attest that this combination is nothing short of divine.

When we asked our community on Facebook about their must-have Thanksgiving sides, mashed potatoes consistently topped the list. It’s clear that this creamy, dreamy dish holds a special place in many hearts. Seeing everyone’s favorites sparked some wonderful ideas for refreshing our own holiday menu this year. It also made me reflect on how our traditions evolve.

Do you stick to the same beloved recipes every year for holidays, or do you enjoy experimenting with new additions to your spread? Last year, for instance, my husband and I opted for a unique Thanksgiving experience: fondue. With health restrictions limiting large gatherings, we decided to embrace something completely different. Having already photographed and prepared numerous traditional holiday sides in the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving, it felt like the perfect opportunity for a culinary adventure.

This fondue tradition might just become our new standard for smaller, intimate holidays. However, rest assured, if we’re hosting our loved ones, a full, traditional Thanksgiving spread will always be on the table if that’s what everyone desires. The beauty of these slow cooker garlic mashed potatoes is their incredible convenience. They don’t demand precious stovetop real estate, making them ideal for busy kitchens during holiday meal prep. They are incredibly easy to make, taste absolutely phenomenal, and are proudly one of my go-to easy vegetarian slow cooker recipes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hands-Off Cooking: The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, freeing up your time and oven/stovetop space for other dishes.
• Rich Garlic Flavor: Garlic powder infuses evenly throughout the potatoes, creating a deep, consistent flavor without the fuss of mincing fresh garlic.
• Perfectly Creamy Texture: Slow cooking yields incredibly tender potatoes that mash beautifully into a smooth or chunky consistency, depending on your preference.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Ideal for holidays or meal prep, these potatoes can be made hours in advance and kept warm.
• Simple Ingredients: You only need a handful of basic pantry staples to create this impressive side dish.
• Versatile: Easily customizable to suit various dietary needs or flavor preferences.

Crock Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Ingredients for Success

Creating these epic Crock Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes requires just a few simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:

• Potatoes: Russet potatoes are our preference for their starchy texture, which yields a fluffy mash. Yukon Gold potatoes are also an excellent choice, offering a naturally buttery flavor and creamy consistency. You can choose to peel them or leave the skins on for added rustic appeal and fiber – entirely up to your preference!
• Water: Essential for cooking the potatoes to tender perfection in the slow cooker. For an extra layer of flavor, you can substitute chicken broth or vegetable broth.
• Unsalted Butter: The secret to rich, indulgent mashed potatoes. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the overall saltiness of the dish.
• Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the potatoes and garlic.
• Garlic Powder: The star of the show! Garlic powder offers a potent, consistent garlic flavor that distributes beautifully throughout the potatoes.
• Black Pepper: A dash of freshly ground black pepper adds a subtle warmth and balances the flavors.
• Milk: Adds creaminess and helps achieve the desired consistency. Whole milk, 2% milk, or even a splash of half-and-half or heavy cream can be used for varying levels of richness.

Optional Garnishes: Elevate your mashed potatoes with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of fresh chives, grated Parmesan cheese, or other fresh herbs like parsley or dill.

Equipment You’ll Need

• Slow Cooker (Crockpot): We highly recommend using a slow cooker with a digital timer that automatically switches to a “warm” setting after the cooking time is complete. This feature ensures your potatoes cook perfectly without overcooking and stay hot until you’re ready to serve, minimizing stress during meal preparation.
• Non-Stick Cooking Spray: For easy cleanup and to prevent potatoes from sticking to the slow cooker insert.
• Mix and Chop or Potato Masher: For mashing the tender potatoes. A “mix and chop” tool is excellent for achieving a rustic, slightly chunky texture, while a traditional potato masher works perfectly for a smoother consistency. An immersion blender or hand mixer can also be used for extra-smooth, lump-free mashed potatoes.
• Serving Bowl: A sturdy and attractive serving bowl makes it easy to present and dish out these delicious garlic mashed potatoes.

How to Make Crock Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Step-by-Step

Making these slow cooker garlic mashed potatoes couldn’t be simpler! Follow these easy steps for a delicious and hassle-free side dish:

1. Prepare Potatoes: Begin by thoroughly cleaning your potatoes. If desired, peel them, then cut the potatoes into uniform ½-inch chunks. Consistency in size ensures even cooking. Place all the potato chunks into your slow cooker insert.
2. Add Seasonings and Liquids: Pour the water (or broth) over the potatoes. Add the cubed butter, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir gently to ensure the seasonings are distributed.
3. Slow Cook to Perfection: Cover the slow cooker and cook on the LOW setting for 7 hours, or on the HIGH setting for 4 hours. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on your slow cooker model and the exact size of your potato chunks. The potatoes should be fork-tender and easily pierced when done.
4. Mash and Finish: Once the potatoes are perfectly tender, add the milk to the slow cooker. Using a potato masher, mix and chop tool, or a hand mixer, mash the potatoes to your desired consistency. For chunkier mashed potatoes, use a masher or mix and chop. For a smoother texture, a hand mixer or immersion blender works wonderfully.
5. Serve and Enjoy: Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary. Serve your warm, creamy Crock Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes immediately and savor every garlicky bite!

Preparation, Storage, and Reheating Tips

These Crock Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes are wonderfully convenient, especially when planning ahead for busy meals or holidays.

Make-Ahead: This recipe is incredibly make-ahead friendly! The long cooking time (four to seven hours, depending on your chosen setting) means you can get them started well in advance. This frees up significant time and mental space to focus on other demanding menu items or simply to relax and enjoy your day.

Storage: Any leftover garlic mashed potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Ensure they cool completely before transferring to storage.

Freezing/How to Freeze: To extend their shelf life, transfer freezer-bound slow cooker Garlic Mashed Potatoes to an airtight, freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags. They will maintain their quality in the freezer for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Reheat: Reheating mashed potatoes without losing their creamy texture can be tricky, but it’s certainly doable! Southern Living offers a fantastic guide with ins and outs for perfectly reheating mashed potatoes, ensuring they remain as delicious as the first serving. Generally, you can reheat them gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or broth, or in the microwave.

Recipe Variations to Explore

This Crock Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing for easy customization to suit different tastes and dietary needs.

• Potato Choices: While we typically use Russet potatoes for their fluffy texture, feel free to use Yukon Gold potatoes for a naturally creamier and buttery mash. Experiment with leaving the peels on for a rustic finish and added nutrients, or remove them for a smoother consistency.
• Flavor Boosters: For an even deeper flavor profile, substitute the water with chicken broth or vegetable broth. Consider adding a bay leaf or a sprig of rosemary to the slow cooker during cooking for subtle herbal notes, removing them before mashing.
• Vegetarian Option: This holiday side dish is naturally 100% vegetarian, making it a crowd-pleaser for everyone at your table.
• Vegan Option: Easily adapt this recipe for a vegan diet by replacing the unsalted butter with a plant-based butter alternative and swapping dairy milk for your favorite unsweetened plant-based milk (almond, soy, or oat milk work well).
• Gluten-Free: All the ingredients in this recipe are typically gluten-free, making it a safe and delicious option for those following a gluten-free diet. Always double-check labels for any hidden gluten, especially in broths or seasoning blends.
• Alcohol-Free Option: Our recipe is entirely alcohol-free. However, some garlic mashed potato recipes suggest adding a splash of dry white wine for a nuanced, boozy flavor. If you choose to experiment with this, ensure it aligns with your dietary preferences.
• Smaller Serving Size: The written recipe yields six servings. If you’re cooking for a smaller group, you can easily scale down the ingredients to achieve your desired yield.
• Make It Spicy: We keep our classic side dish mild to cater to all palates. If you love a little heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the slow cooker. For a truly unique and spicy twist, explore recipes like these Spicy Garlicky Mashed Potatoes!
• Larger Group/More Servings: This recipe doubles or triples beautifully for larger gatherings. Just ensure your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate the increased volume of potatoes without overfilling it. When making a larger batch, toss the potato chunks thoroughly with the garlic powder before adding liquids to ensure even flavor distribution.
• Sugar-Free: With only 2 grams of sugar per serving (primarily from the natural sugars in milk and potatoes), this recipe is an excellent sugar-free option, as no single ingredient contains a significant amount of added sugar.

Tips for the Best Crock Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Achieve mashed potato perfection every time with these expert tips:

• Uniform Potato Chunks: Cut your potatoes into roughly equal ½-inch pieces. This ensures they cook evenly and become tender at the same rate, preventing some pieces from being undercooked while others are overcooked.
• Don’t Overfill: Be mindful not to overfill your slow cooker. For larger batches, consider using a larger slow cooker or dividing the recipe into two smaller slow cookers. Leaving some space allows for proper heat circulation and cooking.
• Control Consistency: The texture of your mashed potatoes is a personal preference. For a chunkier, more rustic mash, use a traditional potato masher or a hamburger mix and chop tool. If you prefer a smoother, lump-free consistency, an immersion blender or a hand mixer will yield the creamiest results. Add milk gradually until you reach your desired texture.
• Season to Taste: Always taste your mashed potatoes after mashing and before serving. Adjust salt, pepper, or garlic powder as needed. Remember, flavors can mellow slightly, so don’t be afraid to add a little more seasoning.
• Keep Warm: If serving later, utilize your slow cooker’s “warm” setting. Stir occasionally and add a splash more milk or broth if they start to thicken too much.
• Nutrition Information: Keep in mind that nutritional values, including calories, protein, calcium, carbohydrates, fiber, vitamin C, potassium, cholesterol, sodium, and various fats, will vary depending on the specific brands and types of ingredients you use.

What to Serve with Crock Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Our Crock Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes are a versatile side dish that pairs beautifully with a wide array of comfort foods and holiday entrees. Since they cook entirely in your slow cooker, they free up valuable oven and stovetop space for other culinary creations!

Perfect Side Pairings:

• Pineapple Stuffing
• Carrot Soufflé
• Creamed Corn Casserole
• Crock Pot Mashed Cauliflower
• Garlic Herb Mashed Potatoes
• Jiffy Cornbread with Sour Cream
• Sweet Potato Casserole with Candied Yams
• Southern Style Green Beans
• CrockPot Bourbon Baked Beans

Hearty Main Dishes:

• Crock Pot Turkey
• Crock Pot Bourbon Maple Pork Loin
• Crock Pot Guinness Corned Beef & Cabbage
• Crock Pot Chicken & Stuffing
• Crock Pot Orange Glazed Ham
• Crock Pot Coke Glazed Ham
• Bourbon Baked Ham

Delightful Desserts:

• Eggnog Cookies
• 4 Ingredient Christmas Crack
• Easy Holiday Reindeer Chow
• Church Window Cookies
• No Bake Cherry Cheesecake Dip
• Easy Eggnog Cake with Eggnog Glaze
• Ambrosia Salad
• Chocolate Chip Cheese Ball
• Cranberry Fluff Salad

Festive Drinks:

• Eggnog White Russian
• Spiced Cranberry Cocktail
• Cranberry Moscow Mule
• RumChata Pudding Shots
• Pomegranate Breeze Martini
• Mulled Cherry Cider Cocktail

When to Serve These Amazing Mashed Potatoes

• Lunch
• Dinner
• Potlucks
• Family and Friend Gatherings
• Thanksgiving Feasts
• Christmas Dinners

More Great Crock Pot Holiday Recipes

Looking for more delicious slow cooker recipes to simplify your holiday cooking?

Crock Pot Ham

Crock Pot Glazed Carrots

Crock Pot Stuffing

Crock Pot Peach Cobbler

Crock Pot Fried Apples

You might also enjoy these great sides for ribs!

Do you love discovering new recipes? Be sure to explore our delightful copycat recipes, indulgent dessert recipes, and an extensive collection of Crock Pot Recipes for every occasion.

For all our latest recipes and culinary inspiration, follow Tammilee Tips on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest!

Love this recipe? Follow @TammileeTIps on Pinterest!

Tried this recipe? Mention @TammileeTipsLife when you share a photo!

Recipe originally shared on October 19, 2015. Updated on April 11, 2020.