There’s something undeniably comforting about a big bowl of creamy mashed potatoes, don’t you think? And if you’re looking for an easy and hands-off way to make them, look no further than your trusty crockpot. This recipe for Crockpot Mashed Potatoes will have you enjoying velvety smooth spuds with minimal effort. Let’s get started!
### Crockpot Mashed Potatoes
**Ingredients:**
– 3 pounds of potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 1 cup of chicken or vegetable broth
– 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon of onion powder
– 1/2 cup of milk
– 4 tablespoons of butter
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Chopped chives for garnish (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Potatoes:** Begin by peeling and cubing 3 pounds of potatoes. You can use any variety you prefer, such as russet or Yukon gold. Aim for uniform-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
2. **Add to Crockpot:** Place the cubed potatoes into your crockpot. Pour in 1 cup of chicken or vegetable broth to help flavor the potatoes as they cook and prevent them from sticking to the pot.
3. **Season Well:** Season the potatoes with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder and 1 teaspoon of onion powder. These dry seasonings will infuse the potatoes with delicious flavor as they cook and blend together effortlessly.
4. **Cook Until Tender:** Cover the crockpot with the lid and cook the potatoes on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 6-8 hours, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. The slow cooking process allows the potatoes to become soft and perfect for mashing.
5. **Mash the Potatoes:** Once the potatoes are tender, use a potato masher to mash them right in the crockpot. Add 1/2 cup of milk and 4 tablespoons of butter to the potatoes. The warm potatoes will help melt the butter, and the milk will make the potatoes creamy.
6. **Season to Taste:** Season the mashed potatoes with salt and pepper to your liking. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it away, so season gradually.
7. **Keep Warm:** If you’re not quite ready to serve the mashed potatoes, keep them warm in the crockpot on the “warm” setting until you’re ready to eat. Just be sure to give them a stir before serving to ensure they’re smooth and creamy.
8. **Serve and Enjoy:** Scoop the creamy Crockpot Mashed Potatoes into a serving dish, garnish with chopped chives if desired, and serve piping hot. These mashed potatoes are perfect for cozy family dinners, holiday gatherings, or any time you’re craving some classic comfort food.
These Crockpot Mashed Potatoes offer all the creamy goodness you love with the added convenience of hands-off cooking. Give this recipe a try and prepare to be delighted by the delicious results!
