Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes {Slow Cooker}

If you’re looking for a cozy side dish that just screams comfort, then you’ve come to the right place! These Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes {Slow Cooker} have become a beloved staple in my home. They’re creamy, flavorful, and so easy to make—all thanks to our trusty slow cooker. Whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a special family gathering, these mashed potatoes are sure to impress.

What makes this recipe truly special is the roasted garlic. It adds a wonderful depth of flavor that elevates the humble potato into something extraordinary. Plus, you can easily adjust the creaminess to your liking. Trust me; once you try them, they’ll become your go-to mashed potatoes!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Preparation: Just chop, toss, and let your slow cooker do all the work while you relax.
• Rich Flavor: The roasted garlic and fresh thyme create an irresistible aroma and taste that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
• Creamy Texture: Customize how creamy you want them with just the right amount of heavy cream—perfectly smooth every time!
• Family-Friendly: Kids love them, and they pair well with almost any main dish, making them great for family dinners.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: These potatoes can be prepared ahead of time and kept warm in the slow cooker until you’re ready to serve.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients makes cooking so much more enjoyable. For these delightful Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes {Slow Cooker}, you’ll need:

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

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are a few tasty variations you might enjoy:

• Add More Herbs: Mix in other herbs like rosemary or chives for an extra burst of flavor.
• Go Dairy-Free: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk for a lighter option that still tastes amazing.
• Cheesy Goodness: Stir in some grated cheese like cheddar or parmesan for a decadent twist.
• Mix in Vegetables: Fold in cooked broccoli or cauliflower for added nutrition and color.

How to Make Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes {Slow Cooker}

Step 1: Prep Your Slow Cooker

Start by spraying the inside of a three-quart slow cooker with cooking spray. This little step ensures that your delicious potatoes won’t stick and makes clean-up a breeze later on!

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

Now it’s time to add all those lovely ingredients! Toss in the chopped red potatoes, fresh thyme, roasted garlic cloves, butter, salt, pepper, and chicken broth. Mix everything together gently before covering the slow cooker. Cooking on high for 4-5 hours or low for 7-8 hours allows all those flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 3: Cream It Up!

Once your cooking time is up, it’s time to add the heavy cream. Start with ⅓ cup and taste test—if you prefer it creamier, feel free to add more! Remember that regular milk won’t give you that rich texture we love in mashed potatoes.

Step 4: Mash Away!

Using a hand mixer on low speed or a trusty potato masher, blend your potatoes until they reach your desired consistency. Be gentle around the edges of the crockpot; we don’t want any mishaps! Taste again and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

Step 5: Final Touches

Before serving, sprinkle some fresh parsley over the top and fold it in gently. This adds a lovely pop of color and freshness that complements the richness of the mashed potatoes.

And there you have it—your very own Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes {Slow Cooker} ready to enjoy! Whether it’s alongside your favorite roast or as part of holiday feasts, these potatoes will surely bring smiles all around.

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

Creating the perfect roasted garlic mashed potatoes is all about technique and a few small adjustments. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out creamy and delicious every time!

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh thyme and quality red potatoes make a significant difference in flavor. The fresher your ingredients, the more vibrant your mashed potatoes will taste.

• Don’t skip roasting the garlic: Roasting garlic mellows its sharp flavor and brings out a sweet nuttiness. This step adds depth to your mashed potatoes that you simply can’t achieve with raw garlic.

• Adjust liquid gradually: Start with ⅓ cup of heavy cream and add more only if needed. This helps you control the consistency, ensuring you don’t end up with overly watery mashed potatoes.

• Mix gently: If using a hand mixer, blend on low speed to avoid over-mixing. Over-mixing can lead to gummy mashed potatoes, which we want to avoid for that perfect creamy texture.

• Taste as you go: Always season incrementally. Tasting throughout the cooking process allows you to adjust salt and pepper levels according to your preferences.

How to Serve Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes {Slow Cooker}

Serving roasted garlic mashed potatoes can be as delightful as making them! These creamy spuds are versatile and can complement various meals beautifully. Here’s how to present them:

Garnishes

• Chopped chives: A sprinkle of fresh chives adds a mild onion flavor and a splash of color.
• Shredded cheese: A handful of shredded cheese, like cheddar or parmesan, melted over the top creates an indulgent finish.
• Drizzle of olive oil: A light drizzle of high-quality olive oil enhances the richness and provides a lovely sheen.

Side Dishes

• Steamed green beans: Their bright color and crisp texture provide a beautiful contrast to the creamy potatoes, making for a well-rounded plate.
• Roasted Brussels sprouts: Nutty roasted Brussels sprouts add savory depth while complementing the flavors of the garlic in the potatoes.
• Grilled chicken: The simplicity of grilled chicken pairs wonderfully with these flavorful mashed potatoes, making for an easy yet satisfying meal.
• Garden salad: A fresh garden salad with light vinaigrette balances out the richness of the mashed potatoes and adds crunch to your meal.

With these serving suggestions, your roasted garlic mashed potatoes will not only taste amazing but also look stunning on your dinner table! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make a big batch to enjoy throughout the week or serve at gatherings. Here’s how to store and manage your delicious leftovers.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the mashed potatoes to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days.
• Be sure to label your container with the date for easy tracking.

Freezing

• If you have extra mashed potatoes, they freeze beautifully!
• Spoon them into freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible.
• Label and freeze for up to 2 months.
• For best results, consider portioning them into smaller servings.

Reheating

• To reheat from the refrigerator, place in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
• For frozen mashed potatoes, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Add a splash of broth or cream while reheating for a creamy texture.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes {Slow Cooker} that might help you out.

Can I use other 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 Russet potatoes. Just be mindful that cooking times may vary slightly.

How do I make Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes {Slow Cooker} vegan?

To make this dish vegan-friendly, substitute the salted butter with a plant-based butter alternative and replace heavy cream with coconut milk or almond milk. Adjust seasonings as needed!

Can I prepare the roasted garlic ahead of time?

Absolutely! Roasted garlic can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for about a week. This will save you time when you’re ready to whip up your mashed potatoes!

Final Thoughts

I hope you feel inspired to try making these Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes {Slow Cooker}. They’re not just comforting; they bring together wonderful flavors that enhance any meal! Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a festive gathering, these mashed potatoes will surely impress everyone at your table. Enjoy every creamy bite and happy cooking!