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Creamy Crockpot Mashed Potatoes for a Crowd: Easy & Perfect

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These creamy crockpot mashed potatoes for a crowd are rich, indulgent, and incredibly convenient. The slow cooker keeps them warm for hours, freeing up stovetop space and letting you enjoy the meal without last-minute stress.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 5 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened and cut into cubes
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup whole milk, warmed
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • Salt to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped (optional)
  • Extra butter pats for serving

Instructions

  1. Prep the potatoes: Peel 5 pounds of russet potatoes and cut them into 1-inch cubes. Rinse the cubed potatoes in cold water to remove excess starch. Drain well.
  2. Cook the potatoes in the crockpot: Place the cubed potatoes in a 6-quart slow cooker. Add 1 cup of water and 1 teaspoon of salt. Cover and cook on HIGH for 3-4 hours or LOW for 6-7 hours, until a fork slides through with no resistance.
  3. Drain the potatoes: Carefully drain the cooked potatoes in a colander. Let them sit for a minute or two to steam dry.
  4. Warm the dairy: While the potatoes are draining, warm 1 cup of whole milk in the microwave or on the stovetop until warm to the touch.
  5. Mash the potatoes: Return the drained potatoes to the crockpot or a large mixing bowl. Add the softened cream cheese, softened butter, sour cream, garlic powder, and black pepper. Use a hand mixer on low speed to mash everything together until smooth.
  6. Add the warm milk: With the mixer still on low, slowly pour in the warm milk. Mix until the potatoes are smooth and creamy. Do not overmix.
  7. Season and adjust: Taste the potatoes and add salt as needed. Stir in the fresh chives if using.
  8. Keep warm until serving: Switch the crockpot to the WARM setting. The potatoes will stay creamy for up to 3 hours. If they thicken, stir in a splash of warm milk before serving.

Notes

For best results, ensure cream cheese is fully softened before adding to hot potatoes to avoid lumps. Rinsing the cubed potatoes removes excess starch and prevents a gluey texture. Warm the milk before adding to keep the potatoes hot and smooth. Do not overmix to avoid a gluey texture. Potatoes can be cooked ahead and refrigerated overnight; warm on LOW for about an hour before mashing.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot mashed potatoes, creamy mashed potatoes, mashed potatoes for a crowd, slow cooker mashed potatoes, holiday side dish, easy mashed potatoes

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