CROCK POT GARLIC MASHED POTATOES

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED

• Petite Red Potatoes - These small baby potatoes are naturally creamy and soft, making them the perfect option for the slow cooker.
• Butter - Gives the potatoes a smooth texture and a rich buttery flavor.
• Minced Garlic - Adds a bold and zesty garlic flavor throughout the dish.
• Black Pepper - A bit of ground black pepper enhances the flavor with a small kick of spice.
• Chicken Broth - Used to slowly cook the potatoes and infuse them with even more comforting flavor.
• Sour Cream and Milk - A mix of these two ingredients adds a bit of tang and a creamy, rich texture.

HOW TO MAKE GARLIC MASHED POTATOES IN THE CROCK POT

Prepare the potatoes: Wash the baby potatoes and remove any dirt or impurities. With a sharp knife, chop them into quarters or halves, depending on their size.

Season the potatoes: Add the potatoes to the bottom of the slow cooker along with the seasonings and butter. Toss until fully coated.

Cook the potatoes: Pour the chicken broth over the top. Cover with the lid and cook on HIGH for 4 hours or until the potatoes are fork-tender.

Whip the potatoes: Add in the milk and sour cream, then use an electric mixer or immersion blender to whip to your desired consistency. Garnish with chives, and enjoy!

RECIPE TIPS

• This recipe uses petite red potatoes, though you can use Yukon golds, russets, or any other type of potato you like. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as it will change depending on which you use.
• Do not overcook the potatoes as they can impart a bitter flavor and texture that is too starchy for mashed potatoes.
• If you don't have an electric mixer, you can mash the potatoes with a potato masher, fork, or immersion blender.
• To save time, you can peel the potatoes before adding them to the slow cooker. This step is optional but will speed up the cooking process by about 30 minutes.

VARIATIONS

• Try other seasonings: Use your favorite seasoning blends, including Cajun, Italian, or ranch, to give these mashed potatoes even more flavor.
• Add in shredded cheese: Stir in some shredded cheddar cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, or a combination of all three for an ultra-cheesy dish.
• Make them spicy: Add a teaspoon or two of red pepper flakes, ground chipotle pepper, or cayenne pepper for a bit of heat.
• Add in other vegetables: Stir in some frozen peas, corn, or diced carrots for a veggie-packed side dish.

STORING & FREEZING

Storing: Once cooled, scoop the mashed potatoes into an airtight container and store in the fridge for 3-4 days.

Freezing: Place mashed potatoes in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months. Let thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating: Crockpot garlic mashed potatoes can be reheated in the slow cooker on LOW for about an hour or until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave, stirring every few minutes, until warm.