Make Ahead Crockpot Mashed Potatoes

These Make-Ahead Crockpot Mashed Potatoes are a classic side dish made easier in the slow cooker. They’re light, creamy, buttery, and so creamy thanks to the addition of sour cream. Just a few minutes of prep needed!

this Recipe

 

Crock Pot Mashed Potatoes – The EASY Way!

Mashed potatoes are pretty much always a simple and versatile side dish. But did you know they could be made even easier by using your crockpot?

These make-ahead crockpot mashed potatoes are the perfect texture and have all of the flavors of classic mashed potatoes, but they’re cooked in the slow cooker. This clears up oven space if you’re prepping for the holidays and makes the clean up so easy. All you have to do is wash the crockpot insert!

Just throw the potatoes, broth, and garlic in early in the day, and forget about them until you’re ready to serve. So convenient and so delicious!

Why I LOVE this recipe!

• Quick prep. Just 10 minutes of hands-on time needed. Then the crockpot does the rest!
• Classic flavors. These mashed potatoes are made with all the best mashed potato add-ins: sour cream, butter, salt, pepper, and oregano. These simple ingredients come together to create the best flavor.
• Easy to make ahead of time. You can keep your mashed potatoes warm in the slow cooker for multiple hours, so these are so easy to prep in advance for holidays or parties.

What to Serve with Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Since this dish has the classic flavors of classic mashed potatoes, it will pair well with many of your favorite classic main dishes. There are both comforting options and some healthy options to keep it light.

Main Dish Ideas

• Garlic Pork Bites – Keep it garlicky with these delicious bite-sized pieces of pork. They’re seasoned perfectly, then seared in a skillet until perfectly tender and crisped.
• Sheet Pan Southern Meatloaf – Meatloaf and mashed potatoes is a classic combination…and this southern meatloaf is a favorite. It’s moist, tender, juicy, and takes a quick 10 minutes to prep.
• Million Dollar Baked Pork Chops – A 30-minute recipe for the juiciest, most flavorful pork chops topped with bacon, green onions, and cheddar.
• Marry Me Chicken – This recipe is so good it is rumored to produce marriage proposals!

Side Dish Ideas

• Garlic Parmesan Roasted Broccoli – Keep your meal light and tasty with this roasted broccoli recipe. Fresh, crisp-tender broccoli tossed with garlic and parmesan.
• Green Bean Casserole – Another classic comfort food: green bean casserole. Green beans in a creamy mushroom sauce topped with crispy onions.
• Easy Baked Macaroni and Cheese – Easy, cheesy, and so tasty!

You can choose one or add a few sides to make a wholesome, well rounded dinner. 

Recipe Notes

This recipe for crock pot mashed potatoes is as simple as promised! Just 10 minutes of prep for a family friendly side dish.

In this section I am going to go through a few tips and tricks I use for how to make ahead mashed potatoes to get the absolute best and most delicious results.

Make sure to scroll to the bottom for the FULL recipe card.

Ingredients + Substitutions

• Potatoes – My favorite potatoes to use are red or gold for their creamy texture. However, other varieties such as Russet or Idaho will work too if that’s what you prefer.
• Garlic – You’ll add whole garlic cloves right into the crockpot. No need to mince or chop them first. They soften up enough to be mashed into the potatoes after cooking.
• Chicken Broth – I definitely recommend using chicken broth to cook the potatoes. Water just isn’t the same. The broth adds so much flavor and moisture without diluting the other flavors. You can also use veggie broth to keep this recipe vegetarian.
• Sour Cream
• Butter
• Seasonings – I like to keep it simple with a combination of salt, pepper, and oregano.
• Milk – Add whatever milk you have on hand just until the potatoes reach your desired texture. You can also use cream for a richer flavor!

Recipe Tips

1. Wash the potatoes well – We’re not peeling them, which means it’s important to scrub the potatoes really well before cooking to remove any dirt or debris.
2. Don’t over-mix – Over-mixed potatoes can become starchy and rubbery. Mix only until just combined for the creamiest, fluffiest texture. For the best results, I recommend adding all of your flavorings in before even mashing the potatoes. That way you can mash and mix all at the same time.
3. Use a hand masher – Using a hand masher means you’re less likely to over-mix. You can use an electric mixer if you like, just be aware of how much you’re mixing!
4. Play with texture – Like more textured mash potatoes? Mash less and leave some small potato chunks. Like thicker potatoes? Add less milk. Homemade recipes mean you can make them totally your own.
5. Customize the flavor – I love the classic flavors from the sour cream, butter, and seasonings, but feel free to add in whatever mix-ins and flavors you like best.
6. Time-saving tip: Not working with a full 3-4 hours? Simply cut the potatoes into smaller chunks before adding them to the slow cooker!
7. Adjust the amount, if needed. This recipe makes a ton. So, if you’re cooking for a smaller family, you may just want to cut all the amounts in half. Otherwise, plan for leftovers!

Recipe Variations

If you love this recipe as much as we do and want some quick ways to change it up for variety, these little tips will do the trick!

• Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes– Want a richer flavor and even creamier texture? Try adding in a cream cheese brick when you add in your other mix-ins.
• Loaded Mashed Potatoes– Want to add even more flavors? Load your mashed potatoes up with cheddar cheese, chopped green onion, and bacon bits.
• Crockpot Mashed Sweet Potatoes– Simply swap the regular potatoes out for an equal amount of sweet potatoes!

Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes

Want to prep this crockpot mashed potatoes recipe ahead of time? You have a couple of options:

1. Keep them warm in the crockpot: Prep the potatoes early in the day and keep them on the “warm” setting in the crockpot until you’re ready to serve.
2. Store and reheat: Cool the potatoes completely and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Alternatively, scoop single servings out onto a baking sheet and flash freeze until hardened. Transfer the frozen scoops into a freezer bag, flatten with a rolling pin, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to serve, thaw in the fridge overnight if frozen, then warm on low on the stove until heated through. To moisten, add a splash of broth, milk, or cream as the potatoes reheat.

Crockpot Mashed Potatoes Leftovers

If you have leftovers after making slow cooker mashed potatoes, then it is your lucky day! They save and reheat well, and can make the start of another delicious dish.

To save leftovers, separate into meal sized portions and then place in an airtight container and store:

• in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Leftover Recipes

Here are a few ways to repurpose those leftovers and give them a delicious makeover!

• Shepherd’s Pie – Layer the leftovers into your favorite shepherd’s pie recipe!
• Creamy Chicken – Serve them as a delicious base for cream of mushroom chicken, sun dried tomato and basil chicken, or chicken piccata.

More Side Dish Recipes

If you enjoyed this recipe, I really hope you will take a moment to grab a few more easy recipes for another busy night!

You can check out all of my side dish recipes here, or see a few of our readers favorite potato recipes below.

• Savory Mashed Sweet Potatoes
• Instant Pot Baked Potatoes
• Baked Potato Wedges
• Green Chile Cheddar Mashed Potatoes