Name: Garlic Mashed Potatoes Crockpot: Easy Recipe for a Delicious Side Dish
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 180 min
Total time: 200 min
Yield: 8-10 servings
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; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste; Optional garnishes: chopped chives, fresh parsley, crispy bacon bits

Garlic mashed potatoes crockpot: the ultimate hands-off side dish that will revolutionize your holiday gatherings! Imagine perfectly creamy, intensely flavorful mashed potatoes, infused with the rich aroma of garlic, all without the stress of constant stirring or babysitting a boiling pot. This isn't just a recipe; it's a game-changer for busy cooks who crave delicious, homemade comfort food.

Mashed potatoes, in their simplest form, have been a staple on tables around the world for centuries. Their humble origins lie in the Andean region of South America, where potatoes were first cultivated. Over time, they've evolved into countless variations, each reflecting the unique culinary traditions of different cultures. Adding garlic, a beloved ingredient across many cuisines, elevates the humble potato to new heights of flavor.

What makes garlic mashed potatoes crockpot so irresistible? It's the combination of convenience and incredible taste. The slow cooker method allows the potatoes to cook gently and evenly, resulting in an unbelievably smooth and creamy texture. The garlic infuses every bite with its pungent, savory goodness, creating a symphony of flavors that will have your guests begging for seconds. Plus, the hands-off nature of the crockpot frees you up to focus on other aspects of your meal, making it the perfect solution for stress-free entertaining. Get ready to experience mashed potato perfection!

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
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
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 intensely garlicky flavor that elevates these mashed potatoes. Don't skip this step! It's easy, I promise!

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Cut off the top of the garlic head, exposing the individual cloves. Don't worry about peeling them.
Place the garlic head on a piece of aluminum foil. Drizzle with about a tablespoon of olive oil, making sure it gets into all the crevices.
Wrap the garlic head tightly in the foil.
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.
Let the garlic cool slightly before handling. Once cool enough to touch, squeeze the roasted garlic pulp out of the cloves. It should come out easily like a paste. Set aside.

Preparing the Potatoes:

Now that our garlic is roasting (or already roasted!), let's get those potatoes ready. Yukon Golds are my favorite for mashed potatoes because they have a naturally buttery flavor and creamy texture. But feel free to use Russets if that's what you have on hand – just be careful not to overmix them, or they can get gluey.

Place the peeled and quartered potatoes in a large pot.
Cover the potatoes with cold water. Add about a teaspoon of salt to the water. This seasons the potatoes from the inside out.
Bring the water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and cook until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. They should be easily pierced with a fork without any resistance.
Drain the potatoes thoroughly in a colander. Make sure to get rid of all the excess water.

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, holidays, or any time you need to make a large batch ahead of time.

Transfer the drained potatoes to your crockpot.
Add the heavy cream, softened cream cheese, cubed butter, roasted garlic pulp, garlic powder, and onion powder to the crockpot.
Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Remember, you can always add more seasoning later, but you can't take it away!
Using a potato masher or an electric hand mixer, mash the potatoes until they are smooth and creamy. Be careful not to overmix if you're using an electric mixer, as this can make the potatoes gluey. I prefer using a potato masher for a slightly chunkier, more rustic texture.
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 2-3 hours, or until heated through and the flavors have melded together. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or garlic powder to your liking. If the potatoes seem too thick, add a splash more heavy cream. If they seem too thin, cook them uncovered for a bit to allow some of the moisture to evaporate.

Serving:

Now for the best part – enjoying your delicious, creamy, garlicky mashed potatoes!

Serve the mashed potatoes hot, straight from the crockpot.
Garnish with your favorite toppings, such as chopped chives, fresh parsley, or crispy bacon bits. A dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of melted butter would also be amazing.
These mashed potatoes are a perfect side dish for just about anything! They pair well with roasted chicken, grilled steak, pot roast, or even just a simple salad.

Tips and Variations:

Want to customize these mashed potatoes to your liking? Here are a few ideas:

Add cheese: Stir in shredded cheddar cheese, Gruyere, or Parmesan cheese for an extra cheesy flavor.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a little kick.
Herb it up: Mix in fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or sage for a more complex flavor.
Make it vegan: Substitute the heavy cream with unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk, the cream cheese with vegan cream cheese, and the butter with vegan butter.
Use different potatoes: While Yukon Golds are my favorite, you can also use Russet potatoes, red potatoes, or even a combination of different types.
Add bacon: Cook and crumble some bacon and stir it into the mashed potatoes for a smoky, savory flavor.
Brown Butter: Brown the butter before adding it to the crockpot for a nutty, rich flavor. Be careful not to burn the butter!
Slow Cooker Size: This recipe is designed for a 6-quart slow cooker. If you have a smaller slow cooker, you may need to reduce the recipe accordingly.
Make Ahead: You can make these mashed potatoes a day or two in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Reheat them in the crockpot on low or in the microwave before serving.

Troubleshooting:

Sometimes things don't go exactly as planned. Here are a few common problems and how to fix them:

Potatoes are too dry: Add more heavy cream or milk until they reach your desired consistency.
Potatoes are too watery: Cook them uncovered in the crockpot for a while to allow some of the moisture to evaporate. You can also add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a little cold water to thicken them up.
Potatoes are gluey: This usually happens when you overmix them, especially with an electric mixer. Try using a potato masher instead, and be gentle.
Potatoes are bland: Add more salt, pepper, garlic powder, or other seasonings to your liking.

Enjoy!

I hope you enjoy this recipe for Garlic Mashed Potatoes in the Crockpot as much as I do! It's a crowd-pleaser that's sure to be a hit at your next gathering. Let me know in the comments if you have any questions or if you try any variations!

Conclusion:

So, there you have it! This garlic mashed potatoes crockpot recipe is truly a game-changer. Forget slaving over the stove, constantly checking and stirring. This method is incredibly hands-off, freeing you up to focus on other aspects of your meal or, let's be honest, just relax! The result is unbelievably creamy, flavorful mashed potatoes that are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. But why is this recipe a must-try? First, the flavor! The slow cooking process allows the garlic to infuse every inch of the potatoes, creating a depth of flavor you just can't achieve with boiling. Second, the texture! The crockpot keeps the potatoes consistently moist, preventing them from drying out and ensuring a perfectly smooth and creamy consistency. No more lumps! And third, the convenience! Seriously, dump everything in, set it, and forget it. What could be easier? Now, let's talk serving suggestions and variations. These garlic mashed potatoes are fantastic as a side dish with just about anything. Think roasted chicken, grilled steak, baked ham, or even a hearty vegetarian lentil loaf. For a truly decadent experience, top them with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of fresh chives, and a drizzle of melted butter. Want to kick things up a notch? Consider these variations: * Cheesy Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Add a cup of shredded cheddar, Gruyere, or Parmesan cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking. * Bacon Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Stir in crispy crumbled bacon just before serving. * Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Roast the garlic cloves before adding them to the crockpot for an even more intense garlic flavor. * Herb Infused Mashed Potatoes: Add fresh rosemary, thyme, or sage to the crockpot along with the other ingredients. * Spicy Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a little heat. Don't be afraid to experiment and make this recipe your own! Try different types of potatoes, different cheeses, or different herbs. The possibilities are endless! I truly believe that once you try this garlic mashed potatoes crockpot recipe, you'll never go back to making mashed potatoes the old-fashioned way. It's just that good! It's the perfect solution for busy weeknights, holiday gatherings, or any time you want a delicious and effortless side dish. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your crockpot, gather your ingredients, and get cooking! I'm confident that you'll love this recipe as much as I do. And most importantly, I want to hear about your experience! Did you try the recipe? Did you make any variations? What did you serve it with? Share your thoughts, photos, and tips in the comments below. I can't wait to see what you create! Happy cooking! I hope this garlic mashed potatoes crockpot recipe becomes a staple in your home, just like it has in mine. Enjoy!