Imagine serving the most luxuriously smooth, melt-in-your-mouth mashed potatoes without spending hours hovering over a hot stove. These Slow Cooker Holiday Mashed Potatoes are your ticket to stress-free, crowd-pleasing side dishes that will have your guests begging for seconds! With minimal prep and maximum flavor, this recipe transforms ordinary potatoes into a holiday masterpiece that's so effortless, you'll wonder why you ever mashed potatoes any other way.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 4 hrs
Total Time: 4 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 5 pounds of potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup cream cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the potatoes by washing, peeling, and cutting them into evenly sized 1-inch cubes. This ensures uniform cooking and consistent texture.
- Grease the interior of your slow cooker with butter or non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Place the cubed potatoes into the slow cooker, spreading them out evenly to promote uniform cooking.
- Add salt and pepper directly over the potatoes, ensuring a light and even distribution of seasoning.
- Cut the butter into small pieces and distribute it across the top of the potatoes to help them become creamy and rich during cooking.
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat. Cook for approximately 4 hours, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Once potatoes are fully cooked, add sour cream, cream cheese, and milk to the slow cooker.
- Use a potato masher or electric mixer to blend the ingredients until smooth and creamy, being careful not to overmix.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Keep the mashed potatoes warm in the slow cooker on the "warm" setting until ready to serve.
- Optional: Garnish with chopped chives, additional butter, or cracked black pepper before serving.
Tips
- Choose the Right Potatoes: Opt for starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for the creamiest texture.
- Cut Uniformly: Ensure all potato cubes are roughly the same size to guarantee even cooking.
- Don't Overmix: When mashing, mix just until smooth to prevent gluey potatoes.
- Warm Ingredients: Use room temperature dairy for smoother incorporation.
- Season Gradually: Add salt and pepper in layers for more balanced flavor.
- Keep Warm Trick: Your slow cooker's "warm" setting is perfect for holding these potatoes at the ideal serving temperature.
- Make-Ahead Magic: These potatoes can be prepared hours in advance, making holiday meal planning a breeze!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 40mg
