Imagine diving into a bowl of the most luxurious, ranch-infused mashed potatoes that practically melt in your mouth - without spending hours in the kitchen! These Ranch Crock Pot Mashed Potatoes are about to revolutionize your side dish game, delivering restaurant-quality comfort food with minimal effort. Whether you're hosting a family dinner or looking for a foolproof holiday side, this recipe will have everyone asking for seconds (and begging for your secret).
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 4 hrs
Total Time: 4 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 3 pounds potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 1 packet ranch dressing mix
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash and peel potatoes, cutting them into roughly 1-inch cubes to ensure even cooking and consistent texture.
- Place the chopped potatoes into the crock pot, creating an even layer across the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Pour the chicken broth over the potatoes, ensuring they are slightly covered to help them cook and prevent sticking.
- Sprinkle the entire packet of ranch dressing mix evenly over the potatoes, which will infuse them with rich, tangy flavor during cooking.
- Cover the crock pot and set to low heat, allowing potatoes to cook slowly for 4 hours until they become tender and easily pierced with a fork.
- Once potatoes are fully cooked, drain any excess liquid, leaving just enough to maintain moisture.
- Add sour cream and milk to the potatoes, then mash using a potato masher or electric mixer until reaching desired smoothness.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, stirring thoroughly to distribute seasonings evenly.
- Serve hot, optionally garnishing with chopped chives, extra sour cream, or crumbled bacon for added flavor and presentation.
Tips
- Choose the Right Potatoes: Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes work best for creamy, fluffy mashed potatoes. They have the perfect starch content for achieving that dreamy texture.
- Size Matters: Cut potatoes into uniform 1-inch cubes to ensure even cooking. This prevents some pieces from being undercooked while others turn mushy.
- Liquid Balance: The chicken broth is crucial for preventing dry potatoes. If the mixture seems too thick while mashing, add a little extra milk or broth.
- Avoid Overworking: When mashing, stop as soon as you reach your desired consistency. Overmixing can make potatoes gluey and dense.
- Warm Ingredients: Let sour cream and milk sit at room temperature before adding to prevent cooling down the potatoes.
- Flavor Boost: For extra richness, consider adding a few tablespoons of butter along with the sour cream and milk.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: These potatoes can be kept warm in the crock pot for up to an hour before serving, making them perfect for gatherings.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 20mg
