
Are you ready to elevate your side dish game? Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Mashed Potatoes Delight is the perfect blend of creamy potatoes and rich garlic flavor, all made effortless in your slow cooker. Imagine digging into fluffy, buttery mashed potatoes that practically make themselves. Stick around as I guide you through simple steps, tasty variations, and clever tips for the ultimate comfort food experience. Let’s dive in!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Effortless Cooking: This recipe requires minimal prep time and lets the slow cooker do all the work, making it a perfect choice for busy days.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of garlic and butter creates a deliciously rich flavor that elevates the mashed potatoes to a whole new level.
- Customizable Texture: With the option to use milk or heavy cream, you can easily adjust the creaminess to suit your preference.
- Perfect for Gatherings: This recipe serves a crowd, making it an ideal side dish for family gatherings or holiday meals.
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
- 3 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup milk (or heavy cream for creamier texture)
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper (adjust to taste)
- ¼ cup fresh chives, chopped (for garnish)
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap Yukon Gold potatoes for Russet potatoes for fluffier mashed potatoes. If you want a creamier mix, use half-and-half or heavy cream instead of milk. For a lighter option, consider almond milk or oat milk. Each choice gives a different taste and texture.
Equipment Needed
For this recipe, you will need:
- Slow cooker
- Potato masher
- Measuring cups and spoons
Using a slow cooker makes this dish easy. It allows the flavors to deepen while you do other things. A potato masher helps achieve a creamy texture. Measuring cups and spoons ensure you use the right amounts for great taste.

Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Potatoes
To start, grab your Yukon Gold potatoes. First, wash them under cool water. This removes dirt and makes them clean. Next, peel the skin off with a vegetable peeler. Once peeled, cut the potatoes into even cubes, about one inch wide. This size helps them cook evenly. Rinse the cubed potatoes again to wash away any leftover starch. This step keeps your mash from being too gummy.
Combining Ingredients
Now it's time to layer the ingredients in your slow cooker. Place the cubed potatoes at the bottom. Spread the minced garlic evenly on top of the potatoes. Pour in the melted butter next. This adds a rich flavor and creamy texture. Then, add the milk. You can use heavy cream for an even creamier mash. Next, sprinkle the salt and pepper over everything. It’s important to mix gently before cooking. This ensures all the potatoes get coated with butter and milk.
Cooking Times
For cooking, you can set your slow cooker on low or high heat. If you choose low, let it cook for 6-8 hours. If you're in a hurry, the high heat setting works in 3-4 hours. You’ll know the potatoes are ready when they are very tender. A fork should easily pierce them. This means they are perfect for mashing.
Pro Tips
- Choose the Right Potato: Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal for mashed potatoes due to their creamy texture and buttery flavor. Avoid starchy potatoes like Russets, as they can become gluey when mashed.
- Don’t Skip the Garlic: For a more intense garlic flavor, consider roasting the garlic beforehand. Roasting mellows the sharpness and adds a sweet, nutty flavor to the mashed potatoes.
- Perfecting the Creaminess: For an ultra-creamy texture, use heavy cream instead of milk. You can also add a splash of sour cream or cream cheese for an extra layer of flavor.
- Storage Tips: Leftover mashed potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a bit of milk to restore creaminess.
Tips & Tricks
Achieving the Perfect Texture
To avoid gummy mashed potatoes, choose the right potatoes. I like Yukon Gold for their creamy texture. Don’t overmix after mashing. Just mash until smooth. If you find your potatoes too thick, add extra milk or butter. Start with a little, then mix well. You can always add more for creaminess.
Flavor Enhancements
Want to spice things up? Add herbs like rosemary or thyme for a new twist. Fresh herbs bring great flavor. You can also use roasted garlic instead of raw. Roasting softens the garlic's bite and adds sweetness. Experiment with different types of garlic for unique flavors.
Serving Suggestions
When serving garlic butter mashed potatoes, presentation matters. Serve them in a big bowl. Drizzle with melted butter and sprinkle with chives for flair. You could also create a well in the center. This adds a mini butter pool, making it look fancy! Pair these mashed potatoes with meats like roast chicken or steak for a delightful meal.

Variations
Cheesy Garlic Butter Mashed Potatoes
To make cheesy garlic butter mashed potatoes, you can add your favorite cheese. Here’s how:
- Prepare the garlic butter mashed potatoes as usual.
- Just before mashing, stir in 1 to 2 cups of shredded cheese.
- Cheddar, cream cheese, or even Parmesan works well.
- Mix until the cheese melts and blends nicely.
The cheese adds a rich flavor and creamy texture. It makes every bite even better.
Loaded Garlic Butter Mashed Potatoes
For a loaded version, think of toppings that add flavor and texture. Here are some fun ideas:
- Crispy bacon bits for a salty crunch.
- Sour cream for a tangy kick.
- Green onions or chives for freshness.
- Shredded cheese for extra creaminess.
Feel free to mix and match toppings. This gives you a fun, hearty dish that everyone will love.
Herb-Infused Mashed Potatoes
Adding herbs can elevate your garlic butter mashed potatoes. Here’s how to do it:
- Use fresh or dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley.
- Add about 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried herbs or a few sprigs of fresh herbs.
- Stir them into the potatoes before cooking.
These herbs add a lovely aroma and depth of flavor. They make your dish feel fresh and inviting.
Storage Info
Refrigerating Leftovers
You can refrigerate garlic butter mashed potatoes for up to three days. Use an airtight container to keep them fresh. This helps lock in flavor and prevents spoilage.
Freezing Mashed Potatoes
To freeze mashed potatoes, let them cool first. Then, spoon them into freezer bags or containers. Squeeze out air before sealing. They will stay good for about two months. To thaw, place them in the fridge overnight or use the microwave.
Reheating Tips
For reheating, the best method is using the stove. Add a splash of milk to keep them creamy. Stir over low heat until warm. If they seem dry, add more milk or butter for moisture. This helps retain their smooth texture and rich flavor.
FAQs
Can you use other types of potatoes for this recipe?
Yes, you can use other potatoes.
- Red potatoes are waxy and creamy.
- Russet potatoes are fluffy but can be a bit dry.
- Fingerling potatoes add a fun shape and flavor.
Experiment with different types to find your favorite!
What to do if the mashed potatoes are too dry?
If your mashed potatoes are dry, don’t worry!
- Add more milk or cream slowly until you get the right texture.
- You can also mix in some melted butter for richness.
- For a quick fix, try adding a spoonful of sour cream.
Taste and adjust until they are creamy and smooth.
How long can I store garlic butter mashed potatoes?
You can store mashed potatoes in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Use an airtight container to keep them fresh.
- If you want to save them longer, freeze for up to 2 months.
When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
In this post, we explored how to make creamy garlic butter mashed potatoes, from ingredient lists to serving tips. We discussed key steps like preparing the potatoes, layering ingredients, and cooking techniques. Remember, you can customize this dish with cheese or fresh herbs to make it your own. Proper storage and reheating techniques can keep your mashed potatoes tasty. I hope these insights help you create the perfect side dish for your meals! Enjoy every bite you make.

Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients
- 3 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup milk or heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.25 cup fresh chives, chopped
Instructions
- Place the peeled and cubed Yukon Gold potatoes in the slow cooker.
- Add the minced garlic evenly over the potatoes.
- Pour the melted butter over the potatoes and garlic, then add the milk.
- Sprinkle the salt and pepper on top.
- Stir gently to combine the ingredients, ensuring that the potatoes are coated with butter and milk.
- Cover the slow cooker and set it on low heat for 6-8 hours, or on high heat for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are tender.
- Once cooked, use a potato masher to mash the potatoes directly in the slow cooker until smooth and creamy.
- Adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed, and mix until well combined.
- Serve warm, garnished with fresh chives on top.






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