Crockpot Loaded Mashed Potatoes

Crockpot Loaded Mashed Potatoes are a delicious and easy side dish that everyone will love. Using a slow cooker, you can make creamy mashed potatoes loaded with cheese, bacon, and green onions without much effort. This recipe is perfect for family dinners, parties, or holiday gatherings.

Why Make This Recipe

Making mashed potatoes in a crockpot saves time and keeps your kitchen clean. Instead of standing over a hot stove, you can let the slow cooker do the work. This recipe is not only comforting and creamy but also packed with flavor from the cheese, bacon, and green onions. Plus, you can easily keep them warm until it’s time to serve!

How to Make Crockpot Loaded Mashed Potatoes

Ingredients:

• 5 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes
• ¾ cup chicken broth
• ¼ cup milk (more as needed)
• ¼ cup butter (softened)
• 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
• ½ cup sour cream
• 2 cups grated cheddar
• 1 cup fried and crumbled bacon
• ¼ cup chopped green onions
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper

Directions:

1. Wash, peel, and cut the potatoes into 1-inch chunks. Add them to a slow cooker with the chicken broth.
2. Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 6-7 hours, until the potatoes are very tender and easily mashed.
3. Add the milk, butter, and cream cheese to the slow cooker. Mash the potatoes until smooth and creamy.
4. Stir in the sour cream, grated cheddar, fried bacon, green onions, salt, and pepper. Keep stirring until the cheese has melted and everything is well mixed. Add more milk as needed to reach your desired consistency.
5. Taste the potatoes and add more salt and pepper if needed.
6. Serve immediately or use the ‘warm’ function on your slow cooker to keep the potatoes warm until ready to eat.

How to Serve Crockpot Loaded Mashed Potatoes

Serve these loaded mashed potatoes alongside your favorite main dishes like roast chicken, steak, or grilled vegetables. They are great for holidays like Thanksgiving, where they are sure to be a hit. Adding some extra crumbled bacon or green onions on top can make them look even prettier!

How to Store Crockpot Loaded Mashed Potatoes

Store leftover mashed potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you are ready to eat them again, warm them up in the microwave or in the crockpot. You may need to add a little extra milk to get them creamy again.

Tips to Make Crockpot Loaded Mashed Potatoes

• Choose Yukon Gold potatoes for the best flavor and creaminess.
• If you want extra smooth potatoes, use a potato ricer.
• Make these potatoes ahead of time and keep them warm in the crockpot until serving.
• If you’re short on time, you can use frozen shredded cheese, but fresh cheese tastes better.

Variation

You can add different ingredients for variety. Try mixing in some garlic powder for a hint of garlic flavor, or use a different cheese like pepper jack for a spicy kick. You could also use sour cream alternatives like Greek yogurt for a healthier twist.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of potato?
Yes, you can use russet potatoes, but Yukon Golds are creamier and sweeter.

2. Is it necessary to peel the potatoes?
Peeling is not strictly necessary, but it does make smoother mashed potatoes. If you prefer skin-on mashed potatoes, just wash them well.

3. Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Use plant-based butter, cream cheese, sour cream, and dairy-free cheese to make it vegan-friendly. Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth too.

Crockpot Loaded Mashed Potatoes are simple, delicious, and perfect for any meal! Enjoy making this comforting dish for your family and friends!