Marianne Martinez
Mashed potatoes are a classic comfort food and side dish, and cooking them in a crock pot is a convenient, low-maintenance way to prepare them. Crock pots are a great option for holiday meals when oven and stovetop space is limited, and they allow you to make mashed potatoes ahead of time and keep them warm until serving. Preparing mashed potatoes in a crock pot is simple and only requires a few steps.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of dish | Side dish |
| Flavour | Creamy, buttery, rich |
| Suitable for | Holidays, family dinner, Thanksgiving, Christmas, any meal |
| Ingredients | Potatoes, chicken broth, butter, milk, cream, cheese, salt, pepper, garlic, herbs, seasonings |
| Potato varieties | Russet potatoes, Yukon Gold potatoes, red potatoes |
| Potato preparation | Peeled or unpeeled, cut into 1-inch chunks, boiled or steamed |
| Cooking method | Slow cooker/crock pot, cooked on high for 3-5 hours |
| Equipment | Potato masher, hand mixer, ricer |
| Storage | Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right potato
- Russet potatoes: This variety is commonly used for mashed potatoes as they mash up beautifully and have a fluffy texture. However, some people may not prefer the taste of Russet potatoes for this dish.
- Red potatoes: These potatoes have a smooth texture and a buttery flavor, making them a good option for mashed potatoes. However, it is important to peel them first as their skins are tough.
- Yukon Gold potatoes: Yukon Gold potatoes are known for their creamy texture and slightly sweet flavor, making them a favorite choice for mashed potatoes. They also have a smooth texture, which can enhance the dish.
- Yellow potatoes: While less commonly mentioned, yellow potatoes can be used for crock pot mashed potatoes.
When selecting potatoes, it is important to ensure they are all roughly the same size. This helps them cook more evenly, resulting in a consistent texture for your mashed potatoes.
Additionally, consider the type of dish you are preparing. For a heartier side dish, Russet potatoes may be a better option due to their fluffiness. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, creamier texture, Yukon Gold or red potatoes could be a better choice.
In conclusion, the type of potato you choose for your crock pot mashed potatoes can significantly impact the final result. By selecting the right variety and ensuring uniform sizing, you can create delicious, creamy, and flavorful mashed potatoes that your family and friends will love.
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Preparing the potatoes
Once your potatoes are prepared, you can place them in the crock pot. For a 4-quart slow cooker, you'll want to fill it between one-half and two-thirds full. If you're using a 5-quart or 6-quart crock pot, you'll need to adjust the quantity of potatoes accordingly.
After adding the potatoes to the crock pot, you can add your desired seasonings and liquid. Some people prefer to use chicken broth, while others opt for water or milk. If you're using chicken broth, you can pour it over the potatoes just until they are covered. If you're using milk, you can start with a small amount and add more later if needed. You can also add butter at this stage by dotting the potatoes with cubed butter.
The amount of liquid you use can vary depending on your preference and the type of potato you're using. For example, waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold may require less liquid, while starchy potatoes like Russets may absorb more liquid.
Once you've added the desired amount of liquid and seasonings to your crock pot, you can set the cooker for 3 to 5 hours on high heat. The potatoes are ready to be mashed when they are very tender and fall easily off a fork when pierced.
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Cooking the potatoes
Cooking mashed potatoes in a crock pot is a simple process. The first step is to peel the potatoes. However, some people prefer to keep the potato skins on for the extra nutrition and flavour. If you do decide to peel the potatoes, be sure to wash them thoroughly. The next step is to cut the potatoes into chunks. For best results, cut the potatoes into 1-inch cubes, as this will help them cook evenly. However, some people prefer to cut them into smaller 1/2-inch cubes, as they cook faster and release their liquid quicker, resulting in less oxidation.
Once the potatoes are cut, place them in the crock pot. You can add seasonings and broth at this point, or simply add a couple of tablespoons of water to create a steamy environment. If you are using broth, be sure to add just enough to cover the potatoes. If you are using milk or cream, you will only need to add a small amount, as the potatoes will release their own liquid as they cook. Cover the crock pot and cook on high for 3 to 5 hours, until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Once the potatoes are tender, you can start mashing them. You can use a potato masher, a hand mixer, or a ricer to achieve your desired consistency. If you prefer chunkier potatoes, a potato masher or ricer is the best option. If you want smoother potatoes, a hand mixer will give you a creamier texture. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the potatoes gummy.
After mashing, you can add butter, milk, cream, sour cream, cream cheese, or any other desired ingredients to the potatoes. Stir everything together until combined. You can also add more milk or cream if you want a thinner consistency. Finally, taste the potatoes and season with salt and pepper as needed.
Your mashed potatoes are now ready to be served! If you are not serving them immediately, you can keep them on the warm setting in the crock pot for up to 2 hours. However, be aware that the colour may deepen the longer they sit.
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Adding ingredients
After cutting the potatoes, place them in the crock pot. Add chicken broth, water, or another cooking liquid of your choice. The amount of liquid added will depend on the type and size of potato used. For example, waxy potatoes require less liquid, while russet potatoes, which are fluffier, can absorb more. You can also add butter at this stage, which will help keep the potatoes moist and prevent them from sticking to the bottom of the pot. Cover the crock pot and cook on high for 3 to 5 hours, until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Once the potatoes are cooked, carefully drain the excess liquid into a bowl. You can use the reserved potato stock instead of milk when mashing, or even make gravy with it! Place the drained potatoes back into the crock pot and add your desired ingredients. This can include butter, cream cheese, milk, sour cream, or Greek yogurt. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and add herbs or other seasonings if desired. If you want to make "loaded mashed potatoes," you can add toppings such as shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and sliced green onions.
Now it's time to mash the potatoes! Use a hand masher, a ricer, or a hand mixer to achieve your desired consistency. If you prefer chunkier potatoes, a potato masher or ricer would be ideal. However, if you want a smoother texture, a hand mixer might be a better option. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the potatoes gummy. Add more milk or cream if needed to reach your desired consistency. Finally, cover the crock pot and keep the potatoes on the warm setting until you're ready to serve them.
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Serving the potatoes
Once your mashed potatoes are ready, you can keep them warm in the crock pot for up to two hours without any noticeable loss in flavor or texture. If you're planning to serve them after some time, you can reheat them in the crock pot, oven, stovetop, or microwave. When reheating, you might need to add a little more butter and seasoning.
You can serve the mashed potatoes as they are or add some toppings. For instance, you can make "Loaded Mashed Potatoes" by topping them with shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled cooked bacon, and sliced green onions. You can also add shredded cheese, parsley, chives, or roasted garlic.
If you want to make the dish richer, you can add some whole milk or non-fat milk to thin the mashed potatoes. You can also swap Greek yogurt for the cream cheese or sour cream.
Mashed potatoes are a great side dish and go well with steak, roast lamb, pot roast, or chicken. They are also a popular comfort food and a common requirement on the Thanksgiving table.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need potatoes, butter, milk or cream, and salt and pepper to taste. You can also add chicken broth, cream cheese, and sour cream.
You can peel the potatoes or leave the skins on, depending on your preference. Cut the potatoes into 1-inch chunks or smaller.
Cook the potatoes on high for 3 to 5 hours, or until they are fork-tender.
The potatoes are ready to be mashed when they fall easily off a fork when pierced.
You can use a potato masher, a hand mixer, or a ricer to mash the potatoes to your desired consistency. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the potatoes gummy.
