Garlic Mashed Potatoes Crockpot: Easy & Creamy Recipe

Garlic mashed potatoes crockpot: the ultimate hands-off side dish that will revolutionize your holiday gatherings and weeknight dinners! Imagine perfectly creamy, intensely flavorful mashed potatoes, infused with the savory goodness of garlic, all achieved with minimal effort. No more hovering over a boiling pot, constantly stirring and worrying about scorching. This recipe unlocks a world of convenience without sacrificing an ounce of deliciousness.

Mashed potatoes, in their simplest form, have been a staple for centuries, tracing back to the domestication of the potato itself in the Andes Mountains. Over time, variations emerged across cultures, each adding their unique touch. The addition of garlic elevates this classic comfort food, adding a pungent and aromatic depth that’s simply irresistible. While the traditional method involves boiling and mashing, the crockpot offers a modern twist, allowing the potatoes to slowly cook to tender perfection, absorbing the garlic flavor throughout.

People adore mashed potatoes for their comforting texture and versatility. They’re the perfect blank canvas for a variety of flavors, and their creamy consistency is simply divine. But let’s be honest, making them from scratch can be a bit of a chore. That’s where this garlic mashed potatoes crockpot recipe shines. It delivers all the flavor and satisfaction of homemade mashed potatoes, but with significantly less effort. The slow cooker does all the work, freeing you up to focus on other aspects of your meal. Get ready to experience the easiest, most flavorful mashed potatoes you’ve ever had!

Ingredients:

• 5 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and quartered
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cut into cubes
• 1 head of garlic, roasted (see instructions below)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Optional garnishes: chopped chives, fresh parsley, crispy bacon bits

Roasting the Garlic:

Roasting the garlic is crucial for that mellow, sweet, and deeply flavorful garlic taste that elevates these mashed potatoes. Don’t skip this step! It’s easy, I promise.

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut off the top of the garlic head, exposing the individual cloves.
3. Place the garlic head on a piece of aluminum foil. Drizzle with about a tablespoon of olive oil, making sure to get the oil down into the exposed cloves.
4. Wrap the garlic head tightly in the foil.
5. Bake for 45-60 minutes, or until the cloves are very soft and easily pierced with a fork. The roasting time will depend on the size of your garlic head.
6. Let the garlic cool slightly before handling. Once cool enough to touch, squeeze the roasted garlic cloves out of their skins into a small bowl. Set aside.

Preparing the Potatoes:

Now that the garlic is roasting, let’s get the potatoes ready. I prefer Yukon Gold potatoes for their creamy texture and slightly buttery flavor, but Russet potatoes will also work if that’s what you have on hand. Just be aware that Russets might require a little more liquid to achieve the desired consistency.

1. Peel the potatoes and cut them into quarters. This ensures even cooking.
2. Place the quartered potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Add about a teaspoon of salt to the water.
3. Bring the water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. You should be able to easily pierce them with a fork without any resistance.
4. Drain the potatoes thoroughly in a colander. Make sure to get rid of as much water as possible, as excess water will make your mashed potatoes watery.

Mashing in the Crockpot:

This is where the magic happens! The crockpot keeps the mashed potatoes warm and creamy for hours, making it perfect for potlucks, holiday gatherings, or any time you want to make mashed potatoes ahead of time.

1. Transfer the drained potatoes to your slow cooker.
2. Add the heavy cream, softened cream cheese, and cubed butter to the crockpot.
3. Using a potato masher or an electric hand mixer, mash the potatoes until they are smooth and creamy. If using a hand mixer, be careful not to overmix, as this can make the potatoes gummy.
4. Add the roasted garlic cloves, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme to the crockpot.
5. Stir everything together until well combined.
6. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Be generous with the seasoning, as potatoes tend to absorb salt.

Slow Cooking:

Now it’s time to let the crockpot do its thing! This slow cooking process allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully, resulting in the most delicious garlic mashed potatoes you’ve ever tasted.

1. Cover the crockpot and cook on low heat for 2-3 hours, or until the potatoes are heated through and the flavors have melded. You can also cook on high heat for 1-1.5 hours, but be sure to check them frequently to prevent burning.
2. Stir the mashed potatoes occasionally during the cooking process to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
3. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or garlic powder to your liking.
4. If the mashed potatoes become too thick, you can add a little more heavy cream or milk to thin them out.

Serving:

These garlic mashed potatoes are delicious on their own, but they’re even better with a few simple garnishes. Here are some of my favorite serving suggestions:

1. Serve the garlic mashed potatoes hot, straight from the crockpot.
2. Garnish with chopped chives, fresh parsley, or crispy bacon bits.
3. A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt adds a nice tang.
4. For a richer flavor, drizzle with melted butter or a little bit of olive oil.
5. These mashed potatoes are the perfect side dish for roasted chicken, steak, pork chops, or any other main course.

Tips and Variations:

• Make it vegan: Substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk, the cream cheese with vegan cream cheese, and the butter with vegan butter.
• Add cheese: Stir in shredded cheddar cheese, Gruyere cheese, or Parmesan cheese for a cheesy twist.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
• Use different herbs: Experiment with different herbs, such as rosemary, sage, or oregano.
• Make it ahead: These mashed potatoes can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the crockpot or microwave before serving.
• Preventing sticking: To prevent the potatoes from sticking to the bottom of the crockpot, you can spray the inside of the crockpot with cooking spray before adding the potatoes.
• Using an Instant Pot: If you don’t have a crockpot, you can also make these mashed potatoes in an Instant Pot. Cook the potatoes on high pressure for 8 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release. Then, mash the potatoes with the remaining ingredients.

Enjoy!

Conclusion:

And there you have it! This garlic mashed potatoes crockpot recipe is truly a game-changer, and I wholeheartedly believe it deserves a permanent spot in your culinary repertoire. Why? Because it delivers unbelievably creamy, flavorful mashed potatoes with minimal effort. Think about it: no more hovering over a boiling pot, constantly checking for doneness and worrying about overflowing water. The crockpot does all the heavy lifting, freeing you up to focus on other aspects of your meal or, better yet, just relax and enjoy the anticipation. The slow cooking process allows the garlic to infuse every inch of the potatoes, creating a depth of flavor that’s simply unmatched. It’s not just garlic-flavored potatoes; it’s a symphony of savory goodness that will have everyone reaching for seconds (and maybe even thirds!). Plus, the crockpot keeps the potatoes warm for hours, making it perfect for potlucks, holiday gatherings, or any occasion where you want to serve a crowd without stressing about timing. But the best part? The versatility! While these garlic mashed potatoes are divine as is, there’s plenty of room for customization. For a richer, more decadent experience, try adding a dollop of cream cheese or sour cream during the last hour of cooking. A sprinkle of fresh chives or parsley adds a pop of color and freshness. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider incorporating roasted garlic for an even more intense garlic flavor. You could even stir in some crispy bacon bits for a salty, smoky twist. Serving suggestions are endless! These mashed potatoes are the perfect accompaniment to roasted chicken, grilled steak, or even a simple veggie burger. They’re also fantastic as a base for shepherd’s pie or as a topping for a hearty casserole. And let’s not forget about Thanksgiving! These garlic mashed potatoes will undoubtedly be the star of your holiday table, stealing the spotlight from even the most perfectly roasted turkey. I’m so confident that you’ll love this recipe that I urge you to try it as soon as possible. Seriously, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, plug in your crockpot, and prepare to be amazed. This is more than just a recipe; it’s a shortcut to deliciousness, a stress-free way to elevate your meals, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Once you’ve given it a whirl, I’d absolutely love to hear about your experience. Did you make any variations? What did you serve them with? Did your family and friends rave about them as much as mine do? Share your photos and stories in the comments below! Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps inspire others to try this amazing garlic mashed potatoes crockpot recipe for themselves. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear from you! Let me know what you think!

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