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Easy Crockpot Mashed Potatoes Perfect for a Crowd

crockpot mashed potatoes for a crowd - featured image

These creamy, buttery crockpot mashed potatoes are perfect for feeding a crowd with minimal effort. Just dump, set, and forget until it’s time to mash—no boiling, no draining, no last-minute panic.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 5 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
  • 1 cup whole milk, plus more if needed
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cut into cubes
  • 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 4 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed (optional)
  • 1/2 cup sour cream, at room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped (for garnish)
  • Extra butter, for serving

Instructions

  1. Prep the potatoes: Peel 5 pounds of Yukon Gold potatoes and cut them into 1-inch chunks.
  2. Add everything to the crockpot: Place the potato chunks in your slow cooker. Add 1 cup milk, 1/2 cup cubed unsalted butter, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 4 smashed garlic cloves (if using). Stir to coat.
  3. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until potatoes are very tender and easily pierced with a fork.
  4. Mash the potatoes: Turn off the slow cooker (or switch to warm). Use a potato masher to mash right in the crockpot until desired consistency. Add a splash more warm milk if dry.
  5. Stir in the sour cream: Add 1/2 cup sour cream (at room temperature) and stir until fully incorporated. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
  6. Keep warm until serving: Switch the crockpot to ‘warm’ setting. Garnish with chopped fresh chives and an extra pat of butter if desired.

Notes

For best results, use Yukon Gold potatoes for their creamy texture. Avoid over-mashing to prevent gluey potatoes. Warm the milk and sour cream before adding to keep potatoes creamy. If your slow cooker runs hot, check potatoes an hour early. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

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