Many recipes are called “Crock Pot Mashed Potatoes” … but
what I found was the recipe would have you boil and mash the potatoes then put
them in the crock pot. To my way of
thinking, that simply keeps them warm and maybe cooks them a bit more… and
defeats the purpose of the crock pot cooking method.
I wanted a “true” crock pot recipe… so I searched… I found a
few recipes… but it came readily apparent that I would be venturing into pretty
virgin territory… I needed to experiment.
TIPS
I partially peeled the potatoes because I wanted little bits
of skin in the mashed potatoes for a more “rustic” potato dish.. you can peel
them completely if you prefer.
I used Russet potatoes because I felt they were heartier..
red potatoes work well too… I just wouldn’t recommend you cook them as long..
check them about an hour sooner if cooking them on low…
Cooking times vary considerably depending on how hot your
crock pot runs… so use your judgment when deciding on the length of time.
These worked well for a holiday.. but if you intend to try
them for an upcoming holiday or special dinner… do a trial run to test it with
your crock pot.. so you have the quantity and consistency to your liking.
I have a 5 ½ quart crock pot.. and 2 ½ pounds of potatoes
fit nicely.. I wouldn’t up the quantity in it to more than 3 pounds or so.
I cut the potato into fairly large cubes… they cooked fine..
and mashed easily. The smaller the
cubes.. the quicker they will cook.. so keep that in mind.. Mine took 7 hours
on low… if you cut them small.. check on
them sooner.
To keep them from turning into glue.. just as when you cook
them on the stove.. do not over-work them… mash them by hand with a potato
masher… then if you want a smoother mashed potato use your hand mixer, but you
will not need to whip them for more than 2-3 minutes at the most.
I used milk (whole milk) and chicken broth.. the chicken
broth gave it a slightly yellow color.. the flavor was excellent and it cut the
fat.. you can use all chicken broth as well.
Speaking of yellow potatoes.. I haven’t tried this recipe
with Yukon gold potatoes… be careful if you use them.. they seem to get “gluey”
more easily than the other varieties of potato.
I used several garlic cloves, minced.. we wanted garlic
mashed… again, be careful.. some garlic
is more potent than others.. and the garlic seems to lose it’s flavor over the
long cooking… however.. with that said.. if you want garlic mashed… start with
the lower quantity and adjust the it later… remember you can always add garlic
powder if you want them more garlicy.
Lastly, the liquid does not cover the potatoes… I was very
uneasy about that… but they do cook and steam… I did stir them occasionally since
I was home and could do it….
Enjoy this easy way to make mashed potatoes!
Recipe Crock Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes
All you need:
2 ½ pounds of Russet potatoes, mostly peeled and cut into
cubes *See TIPS
1 cup whole milk
1 cup chicken broth
2-3 garlic cloves, minced
¼ cup butter
¼ cup sour cream
Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking oil spray (butter flavor preferred)
All you need to do:
Spray the bottom and lower sides of the inside of the crock
pot with the cooking oil spray.
Place the potatoes, garlic, milk and chicken broth in the
crock pot. Cook for 5 hours on high or 8
hours on low. Remember cooking times
will vary with the size of your cubes and how hot your crock pot runs. I cooked mine on high for 5 hours.
Mash the potatoes with a potato masher. They should mash easily. Add half the butter and the sour cream and
whip them with a hand mixer until desired smoothness.
Note: As potatoes age
and depending on the variety potato you use, they can be dry.. just like they
can be when cooked on the stove… so be prepared to add a bit of milk or broth
to smooth them out… either one works well… it’s just what you prefer….I didn’t
have to do this, this time, but I have needed to in the past.
Add the rest of the butter and stir it in. Add salt and pepper to taste. Add garlic powder if you want a more
pronounced garlic flavor, That’s it!
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