Make Ahead Slow Cooker Crockpot Mashed Potatoes

These creamy, fluffy mashed potatoes can be made ahead using your Crockpot Slow Cooker and then reheated or kept warm right in the pot! This is an easy “dump the ingredients in the pot” dish.

Why Make Ahead

If you are preparing mashed potatoes for the holiday or any big event you may be overwhelmed. Determining what can be made in advance is a game changer. You can make this dish a couple of days in advance and it will also free up your oven and stove with the use of the slow cooker.

What Type of Potatoes to Use

The type you use will depend on the texture you are going for. Russet potatoes are really starchy and they are fluffy. They are the best to use for fluffy potatoes.

Yukon gold potatoes have smooth, waxy flesh, that is also moist. Red potatoes are similar to Yukon and are really creamy. If you want super smooth potatoes you can use Yukon gold or red potatoes.

How to Season the Potatoes

Potatoes are bland on their own. Spices and salt are a must. I love to use garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

Other spices I love to add from time to time are smoked paprika, Cajun Seasoning, or Creole seasoning for extra flavor and a twist.

Do You Leave the Skin on the Potatoes

This is up to you. The skin has lots of nutrients, so it’s beneficial. You can remove the skin if you wish.

How to Cook Make Ahead Slow Cooker Crockpot Mashed Potatoes

Detailed measurements and full instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

1. Add diced potatoes and broth to the slow cooker.
2. Slow cook until the potatoes are soft and tender.
3. Open the slow cooker. Do not drain the broth the potatoes were cooked in. Mash the potatoes with a potato masher.
4. Add buttermilk (or cream or milk), sour cream or Greek yogurt, and spices. Stir until combined.

Cook Time/How Long to Cook

Cook on High for 3-4 hours or Low for 6-7 hours. Cook until the potatoes are soft and tender. It takes 3 hours for me.

Over Working the Potatoes

Once the potatoes are cooked it’s time for mashing. Be careful not to over work the potatoes and mash them more than necessary. This will result in thin, runny potatoes.

What Type of Milk or Cream to Use

My favorite ingredient is buttermilk. Buttermilk has lactic acid that will result in creamy and fluffy mashed potatoes. It’s a game-changing ingredient. My second favorite is heavy whipping cream. Either of these can be substituted with half and half or milk.

Half and half and milk aren’t as thick and rich as buttermilk or cream, so the use of it will alter the texture of the potatoes.

Ideas for Add-ins and Substitutions

• Crumbled Bacon
• Cream Cheese
• Shredded Parmesan Cheese
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese
• Parsley
• Green Onions
• Chives

How to Keep the Potatoes Warm in the Crockpot

If you plan to serve these immediately or the same day, leave them in the Crockpot on the Keep Warm Setting. If you are reheating them from cold, add them to the slow cooker on High until warm. Then switch it to the Keep Warm setting until you plan to serve.

How to Store/How Long Will They Last in the Fridge

Store the potatoes in the fridge tightly covered and sealed. For best results, serve within 2 days, but they will last in the fridge for 3-4 days.

Freezer Tips

You can freeze these tightly sealed and they are best when used within a month. After that, they will start to get freezer burned and form ice crystals. Defrost overnight in the fridge.

Gravy Recipes

Turkey Gravy From Drippings
Yellow Gravy Without Drippings

More Slow Cooker Crockpot Recipes

Slow Cooker Crockpot Candied Sweet Potatoes
Slow Cooker Crockpot Collard Greens
Slow Cooker Crockpot Bone In Turkey Breast
Slow Cooker Crockpot Oxtail
Slow Cooker Crockpot Neck Bones
Slow Cooker Crockpot Black Eyed Peas
Slow Cooker Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup
Slow Cooker Chili Mac
Slow Cooker Crockpot Chicken Fajitas
Slow Cooker Crockpot Gumbo