These Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes are creamy, fluffy, and full of flavor! Made with Yukon Gold potatoes, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and a little olive oil, they're an easy, hands-off side dish that's perfect for holidays or family dinners.
3poundsYukon Gold potatoespeeled and cut into 1½-inch chunks
1½cupslow-sodium beef broth
1teaspoonfine sea saltplus more to taste
½teaspoonfreshly ground black pepper
½teaspoongarlic powder
½teaspoononion powder
½cupwhole milkwarmed, plus more as needed
¾cupfinely ground Parmesan cheese
2tablespoonsextra-virgin olive oil
2tablespoonschopped fresh chives or parsley
Freshly cracked black pepperfor serving
Instructions
Add the 3 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes to the slow cooker along with the 1½ cups low-sodium beef broth, 1 teaspoon fine sea salt, ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder. Stir to combine.
Cover and cook on HIGH for 3-4 hours or LOW for 6-7 hours, until the potatoes are completely tender and easily fall apart when pierced with a fork.
Check the potatoes toward the end of cooking. There should be a relatively small amount of flavorful broth remaining in the bottom. Do not drain it.
Mash the potatoes directly in the slow cooker, incorporating the remaining beef broth from the bottom of the crockpot.
Add the ½ cup whole milk (warmed), ¾ cup finely ground Parmesan cheese, and 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil. Continue mashing just until creamy and well combined.
If you'd like a softer consistency, add another splash of warm milk, 1-2 tablespoons at a time.
Taste and adjust the salt and pepper. Keep in mind that the Parmesan and beef broth both contribute saltiness.
Cover and let the mashed potatoes sit on WARM for 5-10 minutes. This gives the Parmesan time to melt completely into the potatoes.
Finish with 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives or parsley and plenty of Freshly cracked black pepper.
Notes
Serving size: Approximately 1 cup
Potatoes: Yukon Gold potatoes work great for this recipe because they have a naturally creamy texture. Russet potatoes are another good option.
Cut evenly: Cut the potatoes into similar-sized chunks so they cook evenly in the slow cooker.
Broth: Use low-sodium beef broth for extra flavor. Chicken or vegetable broth also works well.
Warm the milk: Warm the milk before adding it to the potatoes so it mixes in more easily.
Don't overmix: Use a potato masher for creamy mashed potatoes. Avoid using a blender or food processor, which can make them gummy.
Adjust the consistency: Add a splash of warm milk if the mashed potatoes are too thick.
Parmesan: Finely grated Parmesan melts into the potatoes more easily than coarsely shredded cheese.
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 to 4 days. Reheat with a splash of milk to bring back their creamy texture.