How to Make Creamy and Fluffy Mashed Potatoes in Slow Cooker
How to Make Mashed Potatoes in Slow Cooker?
To make mashed potatoes in a slow cooker, start by peeling and cutting the potatoes into 1 1/2 – inch chunks.
Place the potatoes in the slow cooker and cook until they are soft and tender.
Once cooked, mash the potatoes and mix in sour cream and milk.
You can also customize the recipe with fresh grated parmesan and garlic.
This creamy slow cooker mashed potatoes recipe uses half the amount of butter as traditional mashed potatoes.
The recommended type of potatoes for this recipe are Yukon gold potatoes or Russet potatoes.
Leftover mashed potatoes should be discarded if left out for more than 2 hours at room temperature and can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Key Points:
- Peel and cut potatoes into 1 1/2-inch chunks
- Cook potatoes in slow cooker until soft and tender
- Mash potatoes and mix in sour cream and milk
- Customize with fresh grated parmesan and garlic
- This recipe uses half the amount of butter as traditional mashed potatoes
- Recommended potatoes: Yukon gold or Russet
- Leftover mashed potatoes should be discarded if left out for more than 2 hours, but can be refrigerated for up to 5 days
Did You Know?
1. Did you know that mashed potatoes were not always made with butter? In ancient times, people used to season their mashed potatoes with herbs, garlic, and even vinegar!
2. The slow cooker was actually invented by chance! In the 1950s, a chef named Irving Naxon invented a device called the “Naxon Beanery,” which was later developed into the slow cooker we know today.
3. Have you ever wondered why potatoes turn brown when exposed to air? This is due to a chemical reaction called oxidation, which occurs when enzymes in the potatoes react with the oxygen in the air.
4. Mashed potatoes were once considered an exotic delicacy in Europe. When potatoes were first introduced from the New World, many people were skeptical and only saw them as decorative plants. Eventually, they gained popularity and became a staple in European cuisine.
5. Slow cookers are not only great for making mashed potatoes, but they can also be used to make unique desserts! From slow cooker cakes to cobblers, the possibilities are endless when it comes to satisfying your sweet tooth using a slow cooker.
Creamy And Easy: Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Making delicious mashed potatoes in a slow cooker
Making mashed potatoes in a slow cooker is not only convenient, but it also yields incredibly creamy and delicious results. This method allows the potatoes to cook slowly, resulting in a tender and velvety texture that is hard to achieve with traditional stovetop boiling. Whether you’re preparing a meal for your family or hosting a special event, this recipe is perfect for any occasion.
To start, gather your ingredients:
- 3 pounds of potatoes (Yukon gold or Russet potatoes are preferred for their high starch content)
- ½ cup of unsalted butter
- 1 cup of sour cream
- ½ cup of milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Begin by peeling the potatoes and cutting them into 1 1/2-inch chunks. Make sure to remove any blemishes or dark spots. Place the potatoes in the slow cooker and add enough water to cover them completely. Cook the potatoes on low heat for 4-5 hours or on high heat for 2-3 hours until they are soft and tender.
Once the potatoes are cooked, drain the water and return them to the slow cooker. Add the butter, sour cream, milk, salt, and pepper. Using a potato masher or an immersion blender, mash the potatoes until they reach your desired consistency. For a smoother texture, continue mashing until the potatoes are nice and creamy.
Enjoy your perfectly creamy slow cooker mashed potatoes!
- Use Yukon gold or Russet potatoes for a smoother and creamier texture.
- Cook the potatoes on low heat for 4-5 hours or on high heat for 2-3 hours.
- Remove any blemishes or dark spots from the potatoes before cooking.
- Mash the potatoes until they reach your desired consistency using a potato masher or immersion blender.
Perfect Side Dish For Special Occasions: Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes
When it comes to special occasions like Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Easter, mashed potatoes are a classic side dish that everyone loves. This slow cooker method takes away the stress of last-minute preparation, allowing you to focus on other dishes or spend time with your loved ones.
The slow cooker not only provides a hassle-free cooking process but also keeps the mashed potatoes warm until you’re ready to serve them. You can set the slow cooker to the warm setting, ensuring that your mashed potatoes stay creamy and delicious throughout the entire meal.
To make this side dish even more special, consider garnishing it with fresh herbs such as chopped chives or parsley. These herbs will add a pop of color and freshness to your mashed potatoes, making them even more visually appealing and flavorful.
- Slow cooker method allows for stress-free preparation
- Mashed potatoes stay warm in the slow cooker
- Garnish with fresh herbs like chopped chives or parsley to enhance flavor and appearance.
Half The Butter, All The Flavor: Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes Recipe
If you’re looking for a healthier alternative to traditional mashed potatoes, this slow cooker recipe is the perfect choice. It uses only half the amount of butter typically used in mashed potatoes, while still maintaining a rich and flavorful taste.
By reducing the butter, you can cut down on unnecessary calories and saturated fat without sacrificing flavor. The slow cooking process helps infuse the potatoes with a deep, buttery taste, making up for the reduction in butter. The result is a satisfying and creamy mashed potato dish that is not overly heavy or greasy.
You can further enhance the flavor of these mashed potatoes by adding a touch of garlic and fresh grated parmesan cheese. The garlic adds a subtle yet distinct taste, while the parmesan cheese adds a nutty and savory element to the dish. These additional ingredients take the mashed potatoes to a whole new level, making them a standout side dish for any meal.
Customizable And Delicious: Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes With Parmesan And Garlic
One of the great things about this slow cooker mashed potatoes recipe is its customizability. While the base recipe provides a creamy and flavorful dish, you can easily add your own personal touch by incorporating ingredients like fresh grated parmesan and garlic.
To make parmesan and garlic mashed potatoes, simply add 1/4 cup of fresh grated parmesan cheese and 2 cloves of minced garlic to the slow cooker along with the other ingredients. The parmesan cheese adds a salty and nutty taste, while the garlic infuses the mashed potatoes with a delightful aroma and flavor.
Feel free to experiment with other ingredients as well. You can add chopped fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for an herbal twist or even incorporate cooked and crumbled bacon for a smoky and savory twist. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to create mashed potatoes that perfectly suit your taste preferences.
- Add 1/4 cup of fresh grated parmesan cheese
- Add 2 cloves of minced garlic
- Experiment with chopped fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme
- Incorporate cooked and crumbled bacon for a smoky and savory twist.
Soft And Tender: Slow Cooker Method For Perfect Mashed Potatoes
Using a slow cooker to make mashed potatoes allows them to cook gently and slowly, resulting in a soft and tender texture. The low and slow cooking process helps break down the starches in the potatoes, resulting in a velvety and smooth consistency.
By cooking the potatoes on low heat for 4-5 hours or on high heat for 2-3 hours, you ensure that they become fully cooked and soft throughout. This method eliminates the risk of unevenly cooked potatoes or undercooked chunks, which can sometimes happen when boiling potatoes on the stovetop.
Additionally, the slow cooker keeps the potatoes warm after they’re cooked, allowing you to focus on other tasks or finish preparing the rest of the meal. This is especially beneficial during busy holiday meals when timing and juggling multiple dishes can be challenging.
- Slow cooking results in a soft and tender texture
- Breaks down starches for a velvety and smooth consistency
- Cook on low heat for 4-5 hours or high heat for 2-3 hours
- Eliminates risk of unevenly cooked or undercooked potatoes
- Keeps potatoes warm after cooking
- Useful during busy holiday meals
Extra Creaminess: Sour Cream And Milk In Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes
To achieve an extra level of creaminess in your mashed potatoes, this slow cooker recipe calls for the addition of sour cream and milk. These two ingredients work together to create a luxurious and velvety texture that is sure to impress.
The sour cream adds a tangy and rich flavor to the mashed potatoes, while the milk provides the necessary moisture to achieve the desired consistency. The result is a perfectly smooth and creamy mashed potato dish that will have your guests coming back for seconds.
Be sure to add the sour cream and milk to the slow cooker along with the other ingredients after the potatoes have been cooked and drained. This allows the potatoes to absorb the flavors and ensures that the final dish is well incorporated and evenly seasoned.
In conclusion, making mashed potatoes in a slow cooker is a convenient and foolproof way to achieve creamy and flavorful results. Whether you’re looking for an easy side dish for everyday meals or a delicious addition to special occasions, this slow cooker recipe is sure to satisfy. With customizable options and a simple cooking process, you can enjoy velvety soft mashed potatoes with minimal effort. So why wait? Give this slow cooker method a try and elevate your mashed potato game to a whole new level of creamy deliciousness.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you make potatoes soft in a slow cooker?
To achieve soft potatoes in a slow cooker, start by placing the potatoes in a 6-quart slow cooker and mix them with olive oil, garlic, and salt. Combine the ingredients well. Then, cover the slow cooker and set it to cook for 3 to 4 hours on high, or 5 to 6 hours on low. It is crucial not to uncover the slow cooker during this cooking period. Once the cooking time is up, uncover the slow cooker, give the potatoes a stir, and check for desired tenderness. If needed, you can add more olive oil or salt to enhance the flavor.
How long to keep mashed potatoes in slow cooker?
To maintain the perfect consistency and flavor of mashed potatoes, it is recommended to keep them in the slow cooker for up to 4 hours on low heat. After buttering the insert and drizzling cream at the bottom, the slow cooker will provide a gentle and consistent heat, keeping the mashed potatoes warm without overcooking them. This method allows you to prepare the mashed potatoes ahead of time, ensuring they stay creamy and delicious until ready to serve.
How do you keep mashed potatoes moist in a slow cooker?
To keep mashed potatoes moist in a slow cooker, it is important to maintain a low or warm setting. This ensures that the potatoes are heated gradually and prevents them from drying out. However, if you find that they are becoming a bit dry, you can easily revive them by incorporating additional moisture. Simply stir in a splash of milk or cream, or add a few tablespoons of butter to regain their creamy texture and keep them delectably moist.
Should you boil potatoes before slow cooking?
Yes, boiling potatoes before slow cooking can be a helpful step to ensure the potatoes are fully cooked and tender. By par boiling them first, you are partially cooking the potatoes, which can help reduce the overall cooking time in the slow cooker. Additionally, par boiling helps to soften the potato texture, making them more enjoyable to eat in the final dish. It also allows you to coat them in oil and refrigerate, which can help improve their texture and prevent them from becoming mushy during the slow cooking process.