If you’re looking for a comforting side dish that’s both hearty and full of flavor, you’ve come to the right place! These Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes {Slow Cooker} are a staple in my kitchen. They blend creamy potatoes with the sweet, mellow flavor of roasted garlic, creating a dish that’s perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a festive family gathering. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become your go-to mashed potato recipe!

What I love most about this dish is how effortless it is to prepare. Just toss everything into the slow cooker and let it work its magic while you focus on other things. You can even make them ahead of time! With just a handful of simple ingredients, you’ll have the creamiest mashed potatoes that will impress everyone at your table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy Preparation: Just throw everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work for you!
Flavorful Twist: The roasted garlic adds a rich depth of flavor that elevates traditional mashed potatoes.
Family-Friendly: Everyone loves mashed potatoes! These are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike.
Make-Ahead Convenience: Perfect for meal prep or holiday gatherings; just warm them up when you’re ready to serve.
Comfort Food Classic: There’s nothing quite like creamy mashed potatoes to make a meal feel special.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple, wholesome ingredients to make these delightful Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes {Slow Cooker}. You probably have most of them in your pantry already!

For the Mashed Potatoes

2 lbs. Red potatoes, cut into 1 ½ inch pieces
1 teaspoon fresh thyme
1 head roasted garlic (12-15 cloves) (see notes)
¼ cup (4 tablespoons) salted butter
1 ½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
½ cup vegetable or chicken broth
⅓-½ cup heavy cream (to preference)
1 tablespoon chopped parsley

Variations

The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to experiment with different flavors and textures based on what you love or have on hand.

Add Cheese: Stir in some shredded cheese like cheddar or parmesan for an extra layer of richness.
Herb Swap: Try using different herbs like rosemary or chives if thyme isn’t your favorite.
Creamy Alternatives: Substitute heavy cream with sour cream or Greek yogurt for a tangy twist.
Roasted Veggies: Mix in some roasted vegetables like cauliflower or carrots for added nutrition and flavor.

How to Make Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes {Slow Cooker}

Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker

Spray the inside of a three-quart slow cooker with cooking spray. This ensures that nothing sticks and makes cleanup easier later on. Add in your cut red potatoes, fresh thyme, roasted garlic cloves, butter, salt, pepper, and chicken broth. Give everything a gentle stir to combine. Cover and set your slow cooker to cook on high for 4-5 hours or low for 7-8 hours.

Step 2: Cream It Up

When your cooking time is almost up, check those tender potatoes! Once they’re soft enough to mash easily, it’s time to add the heavy cream. Start with ⅓ cup; taste it out first! If you want an ultra-creamy texture, pour in that full ½ cup. Just remember: using regular milk will give you good mashed potatoes but won’t achieve that same richness.

Step 3: Mash Away!

Using a hand mixer or potato masher, blend those delicious ingredients together until they reach your desired consistency. If you’re using a hand mixer, be careful not to mix too fast—slowly blend so everything comes together without splattering! Finally, taste your creation and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Finish by sprinkling chopped parsley over the top before serving.

Now sit back and enjoy those creamy bites of goodness—you’ve earned it!

Pro Tips for Making Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes {Slow Cooker}

Creating the perfect batch of roasted garlic mashed potatoes in your slow cooker is a breeze with just a few helpful tips!

Choose the right potatoes: Red potatoes are ideal for this recipe because they have a creamy texture and hold their shape well, making your mashed potatoes delightfully smooth.
Don’t rush the roasting: If you’re roasting garlic yourself, take the time to do it properly. Roasting brings out the natural sweetness and depth of flavor in garlic, enhancing your mashed potatoes beautifully.
Adjust the creaminess: Start with ⅓ cup of heavy cream, and taste before adding more. This allows you to control the creaminess based on your preference and ensures you don’t make them too rich.
Mix gently: When blending your potatoes, use a hand mixer on low speed or a potato masher for a rustic texture. This prevents overmixing, which can result in gummy potatoes.
Season to taste: Always taste your mashed potatoes before serving and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. This simple step ensures that every bite is perfectly seasoned and delicious!

How to Serve Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes {Slow Cooker}

These roasted garlic mashed potatoes are not only comforting but also versatile, making them an excellent choice for any meal! Here are some ideas to elevate your presentation.

Garnishes

Chopped chives: Fresh chives add a pop of color and a mild onion flavor that complements the richness of the potatoes.
Shredded cheese: A sprinkle of shredded cheese, such as cheddar or gouda, melts beautifully over warm mashed potatoes for added flavor and creaminess.

Side Dishes

Grilled vegetables: A medley of seasonal grilled veggies—such as bell peppers, zucchini, and asparagus—adds both color and nutrition to your plate while providing a delightful contrast to the creamy potatoes.
Roasted chicken: Juicy roasted chicken pairs wonderfully with these mashed potatoes. The savory flavors blend perfectly, creating a hearty meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
Steamed green beans: Lightly steamed green beans keep things fresh and crunchy, adding a lovely textural balance against the creamy backdrop of the mashed potatoes.
Garden salad: A crisp garden salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette brings brightness to your meal and rounds out the dish with refreshing flavors.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’ll create not just delicious roasted garlic mashed potatoes but also an inviting dining experience for family or friends!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes {Slow Cooker} recipe is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy creamy, flavorful mashed potatoes any day of the week! You can easily make a big batch ahead of time and store it for later, making your weeknight dinners a breeze.

Storing Leftovers

Allow the mashed potatoes to cool to room temperature before storing.
Transfer them to an airtight container.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days.

Freezing

Portion the mashed potatoes into freezer-safe containers or bags.
Leave some space at the top if using containers, as they will expand when frozen.
Label and date the containers; they can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating

Thaw frozen mashed potatoes in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheat in a microwave-safe dish on medium power, stirring occasionally until heated through.
For stovetop reheating, place in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream if needed for moisture.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delightful recipe!

Can I use different types of potatoes for roasted garlic mashed potatoes {slow cooker}?

Yes! While red potatoes work wonderfully for their creamy texture, you can also use Yukon Gold or even a mix of varieties depending on your preference.

How do I make roasted garlic for my mashed potatoes?

To roast garlic, simply wrap a head of garlic in aluminum foil with a drizzle of olive oil. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 30-35 minutes until soft and caramelized.

Can I make roasted garlic mashed potatoes {slow cooker} vegan?

Absolutely! Substitute the butter with plant-based butter and use almond or coconut milk instead of heavy cream to keep it creamy without dairy.

How can I enhance the flavor of my mashed potatoes?

Feel free to experiment with different herbs like rosemary or chives, or add ingredients such as cream cheese or sour cream for extra richness!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes {Slow Cooker}! They’re not just comfort food; they’re made with love and perfect for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners. Enjoy every creamy bite and feel free to share your experience. Happy cooking!

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