Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes {Slow Cooker}

If you’re looking for a comforting side dish that makes any meal feel special, then look no further than these Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes {Slow Cooker}. This recipe has been a family favorite for years, and I love how effortlessly it comes together in the crockpot. The combination of creamy potatoes and roasted garlic creates a flavor that’s simply irresistible. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, these mashed potatoes are sure to impress!

What makes this recipe even better is how simple it is. With just a few wholesome ingredients, you can create a side dish that not only tastes great but also warms your heart. Whether it’s Thanksgiving dinner or a cozy Sunday supper, these mashed potatoes will be the star of your table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super Easy to Prepare: Just toss everything into the slow cooker and let it do the work for you!
• Creamy Deliciousness: The roasted garlic adds an incredible depth of flavor, making these mashed potatoes silky and rich.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love this comforting dish—it’s a hit at every gathering!
• Make Ahead Convenience: Cook them in advance and keep warm until it’s time to serve. Perfect for busy schedules!
• Customizable: You can easily adjust the creaminess or add your favorite herbs to suit your family’s taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These are simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully in your slow cooker. You’ll love how easy it is to create this delicious side dish!

• 2 lbs. Red potatoes, cut into 1 ½ inch pieces
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
• 1 head roasted garlic (12-15 cloves) (see notes)
• ¼ cup (4 tablespoons) salted butter
• 1 ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• ½ cup vegetable or chicken broth
• ⅓-½ cup heavy cream (to preference)
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! You can easily make adjustments or add different flavors to suit your taste.

• Add Extra Cheese: Stir in some grated parmesan or cheddar for an extra cheesy twist.
• Herb It Up: Experiment with different fresh herbs like rosemary or chives for unique flavor profiles.
• Make It Vegan: Swap the butter for vegan butter and use plant-based cream to keep it dairy-free.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for some added warmth and depth.

How to Make Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes {Slow Cooker}

Step 1: Prepare Your Slow Cooker

Start by spraying the inside of a three-quart slow cooker with cooking spray. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier later on! Add in your chopped red potatoes, fresh thyme, and roasted garlic cloves. The roasted garlic is key here—it gives the mashed potatoes that beautiful depth of flavor we all crave.

Step 2: Add Remaining Ingredients

Next, toss in the salted butter, salt, black pepper, and chicken broth. Stir everything gently to combine, then cover the slow cooker. Cooking on high will take about 4-5 hours while low will take around 7-8 hours. The longer they cook, the more tender they become!

Step 3: Cream It Up

Once the cooking time is up, it’s time to add your heavy cream. Start with about ⅓ cup; if you want extra creaminess (and who doesn’t?), go ahead and pour in up to ½ cup! Use a hand mixer for smooth mashed potatoes or a potato masher if you prefer a rustic texture. Just be gentle—mixing too vigorously can lead to gummy potatoes.

Step 4: Final Touches

Taste your mashed potatoes and adjust seasoning as needed with more salt and pepper. Finally, sprinkle with chopped parsley right before serving for a fresh touch! These Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes {Slow Cooker} are not just a side; they’re an experience everyone will love!

Pro Tips for Making Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes {Slow Cooker}

Making the perfect roasted garlic mashed potatoes is a breeze with just a few helpful tips!

• Choose the right potatoes: Using red potatoes gives you a naturally creamy texture and great flavor. Their waxy consistency helps them hold up well during cooking, resulting in fluffy mashed potatoes.

• Don’t skip the roasting: Roasting the garlic transforms its sharpness into a sweet, mellow flavor that enhances your mashed potatoes. Simply wrap it in foil and pop it in the oven while preparing other ingredients.

• Adjust the creaminess: Start with less heavy cream and add more to achieve your preferred texture. This allows you to control how rich and creamy your mashed potatoes will be without going overboard.

• Mix carefully: When blending, use a hand mixer on low speed to avoid overworking the potatoes. Over-mixing can lead to a gummy texture, so gentle handling keeps them light and fluffy.

• Seasoning is key: Taste your mashed potatoes after blending and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Proper seasoning elevates the overall flavor, making each bite delicious!

How to Serve Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes {Slow Cooker}

These roasted garlic mashed potatoes are not only tasty but also beautifully presentable. Here are some ways to make them shine at your dinner table.

Garnishes

• Chopped chives: Fresh chives add a pop of color and a subtle onion flavor that complements the richness of the mashed potatoes.
• Shredded cheese: A sprinkle of shredded cheese like cheddar or parmesan on top adds a savory touch that melts beautifully into the warm potatoes.
• Olive oil drizzle: A light drizzle of high-quality olive oil can enhance flavors and give an elegant finish to your dish.

Side Dishes

• Steamed broccoli: Bright green steamed broccoli adds color and crunch, creating a wonderful contrast with creamy mashed potatoes.
• Roasted vegetables: Seasonal veggies, such as carrots or Brussels sprouts, roasted until caramelized provide sweetness and depth to your meal.
• Grilled chicken: Juicy grilled chicken breasts seasoned with herbs pair perfectly with these mashed potatoes for a fulfilling protein source.
• Mixed green salad: A fresh salad with tangy vinaigrette offers balance and freshness, cutting through the richness of your dish while being easy to prepare.

With these serving suggestions, you’ll have a delightful meal that’s sure to impress family and friends! Enjoy digging into this comforting classic!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes recipe is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy creamy, flavorful mashed potatoes without the last-minute rush. You can easily prepare them in advance and store them for later use!

Storing Leftovers

• Allow leftover mashed potatoes to cool completely.
• Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
• Label the container with the date for easy tracking.

Freezing

• Spoon cooled mashed potatoes into freezer-safe bags or containers.
• Flatten the bags to save space and remove as much air as possible.
• Freeze for up to 2 months. Remember to label with the date!

Reheating

• Thaw frozen mashed potatoes overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Warm them on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream if needed.
• Alternatively, you can reheat in the microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes {Slow Cooker}.

Can I use other types of potatoes for Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes {Slow Cooker}?

Yes, while red potatoes create a creamy texture, you can also use Yukon Gold or white potatoes. Just remember that different potatoes may yield slightly different textures.

How do I make my Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes {Slow Cooker} even more flavorful?

You can enhance the flavor by adding sautéed onions or shallots, or experimenting with different herbs like rosemary or chives. Feel free to get creative!

What is the best way to achieve a creamy texture for mashed potatoes?

Using heavy cream gives you that rich creaminess, but for a lighter option, consider using sour cream or cream cheese. Adjust according to your taste preference!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes! They are not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare in your slow cooker. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a festive gathering, this recipe is sure to impress. Enjoy every creamy bite, and don’t hesitate to make it your own by adding your favorite herbs. Happy cooking!