Description
Creamy, comforting slow cooker mashed potatoes made with tender potatoes simmered in chicken broth, enriched with butter, whole milk, and a hint of nutmeg. Perfect for effortless meal prep and serving a crowd with minimal hands-on time.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 5 pounds potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
Liquid & Dairy
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup whole milk (plus extra for thinning as needed)
- 1 stick butter (8 tablespoons)
Seasonings
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- Salt, to taste (approximately 1 teaspoon)
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prep: Prepare your slow cooker (4 to 5 quart size) and gather all ingredients to ensure smooth cooking.
- Get the potatoes ready: Peel and cut potatoes into 1-inch cubes just before cooking to avoid browning. Pour the broth into the slow cooker and layer potatoes on top.
- Slow cook: Cover and cook on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours, stirring occasionally (about twice) to promote even cooking and maintain appealing color. Be quick when stirring to retain heat.
- Warm the milk: When potatoes near doneness, heat the milk, butter, nutmeg, salt, and pepper in a small saucepan until butter melts and milk steams. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Mash: Mash the hot potatoes using a hand masher that won’t scratch the slow cooker. Avoid using a hand mixer to prevent gummy texture.
- The finish: Gradually stir in the warm milk and butter mixture while continuing to mash until the desired creamy consistency is reached. Add warmed milk 1/4 cup at a time if needed to adjust texture.
- Serve: Garnish with chives for a fancy touch or a simple pat of butter. Keep on WARM setting for up to one hour if not serving immediately.
Notes
- Use a slow cooker of 4 to 5 quarts for best results.
- Peel and cut potatoes right before cooking to prevent browning.
- Stir potatoes twice during cooking to ensure even heat distribution without losing too much warmth.
- Avoid using a hand mixer to prevent a glue-like mashed potato texture.
- Add warm milk gradually to control creaminess and prevent over-thinning.
- Optional garnish: chopped chives or an extra pat of butter.
- Keep mashed potatoes warm in slow cooker for up to one hour.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 45 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
