If you are looking for the ultimate comfort food that is effortless to prepare and bursting with flavor, this Crockpot Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe is exactly what your kitchen needs. Imagine tender baby potatoes slow-cooked to perfection alongside fragrant garlic, creamy sour cream, and a delicate blend of herbs, all coming together into a luxuriously creamy side dish. This recipe transforms humble ingredients into a silky, savory masterpiece that pairs beautifully with any meal, making it an instant favorite at your dinner table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Keeping things simple yet flavorful is the secret behind this dish. Each ingredient in this recipe plays a specific role, from adding creaminess and depth to enhancing the natural sweetness of the potatoes.
- Cooking spray: Used for greasing the slow cooker to ensure your potatoes don’t stick and clean-up is a breeze.
- 3 lb. baby potatoes, quartered: Baby potatoes provide a tender texture and subtle sweetness perfect for mashing.
- 4 Tbsp. butter: Adds richness and a silky mouthfeel that complements the garlic perfectly.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with a warm, aromatic punch that elevates the potatoes.
- 1/4 cup water: Keeps the potatoes moist during cooking and helps them steam tender.
- Kosher salt, to taste: Essential for bringing out the natural flavors of the potatoes and garlic.
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Adds a subtle heat and depth to the dish.
- 1/3 cup sour cream: Introduces a tangy creaminess that lightens the texture beautifully.
- 1/4 cup milk: Helps achieve the perfect silky consistency when mashing the potatoes.
- 1 tsp. dried oregano: Brings an earthy, slightly floral flavor that complements the garlic without overpowering.
- 1/2 tsp. dried rosemary: Adds a piney, fragrant note for extra herbaceous depth.
- 1 Tbsp. chives, for garnish: Finishes the dish with a fresh, mild onion flavor and vibrant green color.
How to Make Crockpot Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker
Start by spraying the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray. This small step is crucial as it prevents your potatoes and garlic mixture from sticking to the sides and makes cleaning up a much easier task later on.
Step 2: Combine and Cook the Potatoes
Place the quartered baby potatoes, butter, and minced garlic right into the slow cooker, then pour in the water. Season everything generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper before giving it a good stir. Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on high for about 3 hours. You’ll want to check for fork-tender potatoes before moving on.
Step 3: Mash and Flavor
When your potatoes are perfectly tender, add the sour cream, milk, oregano, and rosemary directly into the crockpot. Use a potato masher to blend everything into a creamy, dreamy texture. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed — a well-seasoned mashed potato can truly make a difference.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle the chopped chives over the top for a pop of color and a lovely, fresh onion flavor. These little finishing touches bring your Crockpot Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe beautifully to life and make every bite inviting.
How to Serve Crockpot Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Beyond chives, feel free to sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan or crispy fried onions on top for an extra layer of flavor and texture. A dollop of sour cream can also be added when serving for added creaminess.
Side Dishes
This recipe is a perfect partner to roasted meats like garlic herb chicken or tender pot roast. It also pairs wonderfully with sautéed greens or glazed carrots to balance the creamy potatoes with a bit of crunch and color.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy dinner, serve the mashed potatoes in a warmed ceramic bowl with a pat of butter melting on top. Alternatively, you could pipe the creamy mixture into pretty mounds using a piping bag and bake under the broiler briefly to create golden, crispy edges — a stunning twist on classic mashed potatoes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Crockpot Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Storing them promptly keeps their creamy texture intact and fresh flavors vibrant.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this dish on another day, it freezes well. Place the cooled mashed potatoes in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag, smoothing the surface before sealing. Freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating
When reheating, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen, then warm gently in a microwave or over low heat on the stovetop. Stir occasionally and add a splash of milk if needed to bring back that perfect creamy consistency.
FAQs
Can I use regular potatoes instead of baby potatoes for this Crockpot Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe?
Absolutely! While baby potatoes work wonderfully because they cook evenly and mash well, you can substitute Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes. Just cut them into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking in the crockpot.
How can I make the mashed potatoes creamier?
For extra creaminess, increase the amount of sour cream or butter slightly. You can also add a splash of heavy cream instead of milk. Be sure to mash thoroughly for a smooth and luscious texture.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can swap out butter, sour cream, and milk for plant-based alternatives like olive oil or vegan butter, dairy-free sour cream, and almond or oat milk. The flavors will be slightly different but still delicious.
What if I don’t have oregano or rosemary? Can I use other herbs?
Definitely! Thyme, parsley, or even a pinch of sage can be great substitutes. Fresh herbs can also be used—just add them toward the end to keep their bright flavor.
Can I double this Crockpot Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe?
You can double it if your slow cooker can accommodate the increased quantity. Just be mindful that cooking times may need to be extended to ensure the potatoes become tender all the way through.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe is truly a game-changer for busy weeknights or special gatherings. It’s easy, comforting, and bursting with flavor—exactly what homemade mashed potatoes should be. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a staple in your kitchen as it has become in mine!
Print
Crockpot Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 to 8.5 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crockpot Garlic Mashed Potatoes recipe offers a creamy, flavorful twist on classic mashed potatoes, made effortlessly in a slow cooker. Infused with garlic, herbs, and finished with sour cream and chives, this dish is perfect as a comforting side for any meal, requiring minimal hands-on time.
Ingredients
Potatoes and Flavorings
- 3 lb. baby potatoes, quartered
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 Tbsp. butter
- 1/4 cup water
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Dairy and Herbs
- 1/3 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tsp. dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp. dried rosemary
- 1 Tbsp. chives, chopped (for garnish)
Other
- Cooking spray (for greasing the slow cooker)
Instructions
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Grease the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray to prevent the potatoes from sticking and to make cleanup easier.
- Cook the Potatoes: Place the quartered baby potatoes, butter, minced garlic, and water into the slow cooker. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Stir the mixture to combine everything evenly. Cover and cook on high heat for 3 hours, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Mash and Season: After the potatoes are cooked, add sour cream, milk, dried oregano, and dried rosemary to the slow cooker. Use a potato masher to mash the potatoes and blend all ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped chives over the mashed potatoes just before serving. This adds a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of color to the dish.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, substitute half-and-half for the milk or add extra butter.
- Use red baby potatoes for a creamier texture or Yukon Gold for a buttery flavor.
- Cook on low heat for 6-7 hours if you prefer to slow cook longer or set on a timer for convenience.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheated gently with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with olive oil and sour cream with a dairy-free alternative.
