No-Boil Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes

These mashed potatoes are creamy, buttery, and ridiculously easy. No boiling, no draining—just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it work its magic.

I made them for a holiday dinner, and they were a total hit. The slow cooker makes them perfectly tender, and the butter melts right in. Plus, it frees up stove space!

They’re rich, fluffy, and perfect for feeding a crowd. Great for busy nights, holidays, or any time you want comfort food without the hassle. Trust me, you’ll never go back.

Let’s make mashed potatoes the easy way! Grab your slow cooker—these no-boil mashed potatoes are waiting. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hands-Free Cooking: Let the slow cooker do the heavy lifting while you focus on your main dish. No more watching pots or worrying about boil-overs.
• Deep, Layered Flavor: The potatoes absorb the broth and butter during cooking, giving them a richness that boiling water just can’t match.
• Perfectly Creamy Texture: Slow, gentle cooking keeps the potatoes from becoming waterlogged. The added dairy creates a velvety finish.
• Ideal for Entertaining: This dish scales easily and stays warm without drying out—perfect for large meals or potlucks.
• Minimal Cleanup: Fewer pots and pans mean less mess to deal with at the end of your meal.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time: 15 minutes
This includes peeling and cutting the potatoes, measuring the broth, and getting the butter and cream ready. If you’re adding garlic, take a minute to mince it finely for even flavor.

Cook Time:

• High setting: 4–5 hours
• Low setting: 7–8 hours

The potatoes will be tender enough to mash when easily pierced with a fork or knife.

Total Time: About 5–8 hours, depending on your cooker’s heat level and your timing needs.

Servings: Serves 8–10 as a side dish. Perfect for family meals, holiday gatherings, or potlucks.

Difficulty: Easy. This is a beginner-friendly recipe with a professional result, thanks to the slow cooker’s steady heat and the right ratio of liquid and fat.

Required Kitchen Tools

• Slow Cooker (6-quart or larger): Big enough to handle the potatoes and liquid without overflowing.
• Potato Masher or Hand Mixer: For mashing to your desired smoothness. Some chefs use a ricer for extra silkiness.
• Cutting Board and Knife: To peel and cut the potatoes into even-sized chunks.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: To ensure accurate proportions, which helps the potatoes absorb just the right amount of liquid and fat.
• Optional: Garlic press or microplane for finely mincing fresh garlic if using.

Ingredients for No-Boil Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes

These are not just basic ingredients—they’re building blocks for deeply flavored, luxurious mashed potatoes:

• 5 lbs Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes: Yukon Golds add creaminess and a buttery flavor, while Russets give a fluffier texture. You can use one or combine both for a balanced mash.
• 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth: Provides moisture and infuses the potatoes with subtle savory flavor. Vegetable broth works for a vegetarian version.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces: Melts into the potatoes as they cook, ensuring every bite is rich and luscious. Cutting the butter into pieces helps it distribute evenly.
• 1 cup heavy cream or whole milk: For creaminess and body. Heavy cream gives a richer result, but whole milk works well for a lighter version.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced (optional): Infuses the potatoes with a mellow, aromatic depth. For stronger garlic flavor, add it at the start; for milder flavor, stir it in later.
• 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste: Enhances the natural potato flavor and balances the richness of butter and cream. Adjust salt to your preference.
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste: Adds subtle warmth and complexity.
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (optional): Brings a mild savory note that complements the garlic and broth.
• 1/2 cup sour cream: Stirred in at the end for a tangy lift and extra creaminess.
• Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (for garnish): Brightens up the dish and adds a fresh pop of color.
• Extra butter, for topping (optional): A final touch of richness if desired.

Variations for No-Boil Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are a classic, but they’re also wonderfully adaptable. Here are a few ways to make this recipe your own:

• Herb-Infused: Add sprigs of rosemary or thyme to the slow cooker with the potatoes. Remove before mashing for a subtle herbal note.
• Garlic-Lover’s Version: Use roasted garlic instead of raw for a sweeter, milder flavor. Simply squeeze the roasted garlic into the potatoes before mashing.
• Cheesy Upgrade: Stir in 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar or Parmesan cheese when mashing for an ultra-creamy, cheesy result.
• Dairy-Free Option: Replace butter with olive oil and use coconut milk or a plant-based milk alternative. Choose a vegetable broth to keep it vegetarian.
• Extra Tangy: Add a dollop of cream cheese or a splash of buttermilk along with the sour cream for a more tangy, creamy mash.

How to Make No-Boil Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Potatoes

Peel the potatoes (if desired) and cut them into even-sized chunks, about 2-inch pieces. This ensures they cook evenly. Yukon Golds can be left with the skin on for a more rustic texture if you like.

2. Load the Slow Cooker

Place the potatoes into the slow cooker. Pour in the broth, scatter the butter pieces over the top, and add the minced garlic (if using), salt, pepper, and onion powder.

3. Set and Forget

Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Cook on:

• High for 4–5 hours, or
• Low for 7–8 hours,
  until the potatoes are fork-tender and soft enough to mash.

4. Mash and Mix

Once cooked, mash the potatoes directly in the slow cooker using a potato masher or hand mixer. Pour in the cream or milk and stir in the sour cream until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

5. Garnish and Serve

Transfer the mashed potatoes to a serving dish or keep them warm right in the slow cooker. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives and an extra pat of butter if desired.

Serving and Presentation

These mashed potatoes are a versatile side that pairs beautifully with almost any main course:

• Holiday Roasts: Ideal with turkey, ham, or roast beef.
• Comfort Classics: Serve alongside meatloaf, pot roast, or baked chicken.
• Vegetarian Options: Pair with roasted vegetables or a hearty bean stew for a satisfying meatless meal.

For a rustic presentation, serve them right from the slow cooker. For a more elegant look, transfer to a warmed serving bowl, drizzle with melted butter, and top with fresh herbs.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Cut Potatoes Evenly: Uniform chunks cook at the same rate, ensuring even texture.
• Layer Flavors: Use high-quality broth and real butter for the richest taste.
• Mash to Your Preference: For chunkier potatoes, use a hand masher. For ultra-smooth, use a ricer or hand mixer.
• Keep Warm: If serving later, set the slow cooker to “Warm” and stir occasionally to maintain creaminess.

Nutrition (per serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	250
Total Fat	15g
Saturated Fat	9g
Cholesterol	40mg
Sodium	400mg
Carbohydrates	27g
Fiber	3g
Sugars	2g
Protein	4g

FAQs

Can I leave the skin on the potatoes?
Yes! Especially if you’re using Yukon Gold potatoes. Their thin skins add texture and a rustic look. Just be sure to scrub them well before chopping.

What if I don’t have a slow cooker?
You can mimic the effect by cooking the potatoes covered in a Dutch oven at low heat in the oven, though the timing will differ. The slow cooker really simplifies things, though.

Can I make this dairy-free?
Absolutely. Use olive oil or a plant-based butter alternative and swap out the cream and sour cream for unsweetened plant-based milk and a dairy-free yogurt. The flavor will be a bit different, but still delicious.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes. The mashed potatoes can be made a day in advance, then reheated in the slow cooker on low. Add a splash of milk or broth to bring them back to creamy life.

Conclusion

No-Boil Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes are a game-changer for home cooks. They offer deep flavor, creamy texture, and an effortless cooking method that frees up your time and energy. Whether you’re planning a holiday meal or just want a comforting side dish, this recipe has you covered.

These potatoes don’t just sit on the side of the plate—they make the meal feel complete. Their rich, creamy consistency, infused with buttery and savory notes, turns a simple dish into a highlight of any table.