Get ready to transform your ordinary side dish into a culinary masterpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds! These Crockpot Garlic Mashed Potatoes are about to become your new go-to comfort food, delivering maximum flavor with minimal effort. Imagine tender, perfectly seasoned potatoes infused with rich garlic flavor, creamed to smooth perfection, and prepared with the ultimate convenience of your slow cooker. Whether you're hosting a family dinner or looking for a foolproof side dish that practically cooks itself, this recipe is your ticket to potato perfection!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 4 hrs
Total Time: 4 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 3 pounds potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup cream cheese
- 1/4 cup butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the potatoes. Peel and cube 3 pounds of potatoes into uniform pieces, about 1 to 2 inches in size. This ensures even cooking.
- Rinse the cubed potatoes under cold water to remove excess starch, which helps prevent them from becoming gummy during cooking.
- In a large bowl, combine the cubed potatoes and 4 cloves of minced garlic. Toss them together to evenly distribute the garlic.
- Transfer the potato and garlic mixture into the crockpot. Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth, which will provide moisture and flavor to the potatoes as they cook.
- Add 1/4 cup of butter, cut into small pieces, to the crockpot. This will melt and enrich the flavor of the mashed potatoes.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Start with about 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper, adjusting according to your preference later.
- Cover the crockpot with its lid and set it to cook on low for 4 hours. This slow cooking will make the potatoes tender and infuse them with garlic flavor.
- After 4 hours, check the potatoes for tenderness by piercing them with a fork. They should be soft and easily break apart.
- Once the potatoes are tender, add 1/2 cup of cream cheese to the crockpot. This will give the mashed potatoes a creamy texture and rich flavor.
- Using a potato masher or a hand mixer, mash the potatoes directly in the crockpot until they reach your desired consistency. If you prefer them smooth, mix them longer; for a chunkier texture, mash less.
- Taste the mashed potatoes and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Mix well to incorporate any adjustments.
- Once the potatoes are mashed and seasoned to your liking, serve them warm as a delicious side dish for your favorite main course.
Tips
- Choose the Right Potatoes: Opt for starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for the creamiest results. These varieties break down beautifully and create a smooth texture.
- Size Matters: Cut your potatoes into uniform 1-2 inch cubes to ensure even cooking. This prevents some pieces from being undercooked while others turn mushy.
- Rinse Away Excess Starch: Always rinse your cubed potatoes in cold water to remove extra starch. This helps prevent gummy, sticky mashed potatoes.
- Don't Skimp on Seasoning: Taste and adjust your salt and pepper throughout the cooking process. Remember, potatoes need plenty of seasoning to shine.
- Low and Slow is the Way to Go: Stick to the low setting on your crockpot. This gentle cooking method helps develop deep, rich flavors and keeps the potatoes tender.
- Cream Cheese Trick: Adding cream cheese at the end provides an extra layer of richness and creates a luxuriously smooth texture.
- Serving Tip: Keep the potatoes warm in the crockpot on the "warm" setting if you're not serving immediately. This prevents them from drying out.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 35mg
