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Creamy Crockpot Mashed Potatoes for a Crowd | Easy Slow Cooker Recipe

creamy crockpot mashed potatoes for a crowd - featured image

These creamy crockpot mashed potatoes for a crowd are a total game-changer for holiday dinners and potlucks. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, and you get to be the hero.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 5 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 2-inch chunks
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, cut into cubes
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened and cubed
  • 1 ½ cups whole milk, warmed
  • 1 ½ teaspoons salt, plus more to taste
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • Optional: ½ cup sour cream
  • Optional: 2-3 cloves garlic, minced

Instructions

  1. Prep the potatoes: Peel all 5 pounds of Yukon Gold potatoes. Cut them into 2-inch chunks. Rinse the cut potatoes in cold water to remove excess starch.
  2. Layer in the slow cooker: Place the potato chunks in your 6-quart slow cooker. Add the cubed butter right on top.
  3. Cook on low: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6 to 7 hours. Do not open the lid during cooking.
  4. Warm the milk: About 15 minutes before the potatoes are done, warm the 1 ½ cups of whole milk in a small saucepan over medium-low heat or in the microwave for about 60 seconds.
  5. Add the cream cheese: Once the potatoes are tender, add the softened cream cheese cubes right into the slow cooker. Let it sit for about 2 minutes to soften further.
  6. Mash or mix: Use a hand mixer on low speed to mix until the cream cheese is fully incorporated and the potatoes are smooth. If you prefer a chunkier texture, use a potato masher instead.
  7. Add the warm milk: With the mixer still on low, slowly pour in the warm milk. Add the salt and pepper. Continue mixing until everything is combined and the potatoes are light and fluffy. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  8. Keep warm: Switch the slow cooker to the WARM setting. The potatoes will stay creamy and hot for up to 2 hours. If they thicken too much, stir in a splash of warm milk before serving.

Notes

Don’t skip rinsing the potatoes to avoid gluey texture. Use room temperature cream cheese for smooth melting. Always warm the milk before adding. Don’t overmix to prevent gluey potatoes. Season in layers for best flavor.

Nutrition

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