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This crock pot million dollar mashed potatoes recipe transforms simple ingredients into the creamiest, most luxurious side dish you'll ever taste. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, leaving you with perfectly tender potatoes that mash into clouds of buttery goodness your family will request again and again.
These potatoes have saved countless holiday dinners at my house. Last Thanksgiving, my stovetop was completely occupied with other dishes, but these crock pot potatoes turned out even better than my traditional recipe, earning them permanent "million dollar" status in our family cookbook.
Ingredients
- Russet potatoes: perfect for mashing due to their high starch content and fluffy texture
- Salted butter: divided to develop flavor during cooking and enhance creaminess at finish
- Chicken broth: adds depth of flavor as potatoes cook and absorbs into them
- Cream cheese: the secret ingredient that creates that velvety smooth texture
- Milk: adjustable amount to achieve your preferred consistency
- Salt and pepper: for seasoning to your personal taste preference
How To Make Crock Pot Million Dollar Mashed Potatoes
- Prep the potatoes:
- Peel russet potatoes and cut into 1-inch chunks to ensure even cooking. Uniform sizing is crucial for consistent tenderness throughout.
- Load the slow cooker:
- Place potato chunks in the crock pot, then dot with half the butter cubes. The butter will melt slowly, infusing the potatoes with rich flavor as they cook.
- Add cooking liquid:
- Pour the entire carton of chicken broth over the potatoes. This provides both flavor and moisture for perfectly tender results without waterlogging.
- Slow cook:
- Cover and cook on high for 4-5 hours until potatoes are fork tender. The slow cooking process allows the potatoes to maintain their starches better than boiling.
- Drain and mash:
- Carefully remove excess broth, then return potatoes to the crock pot. Mash to your preferred texture smooth or slightly lumpy depending on your preference.
- Add richness:
- Incorporate remaining butter, cream cheese cubes, and milk. The warm potatoes will melt these ingredients beautifully as you continue mashing.
- Final seasoning:
- Taste and adjust salt and pepper levels. The potatoes will absorb flavors as they rest on the warm setting.
- Keep warm:
- Cover and set to warm until ready to serve, which makes this perfect for holiday meals or busy weeknight dinners.
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The cream cheese is truly the magic ingredient in this recipe. I discovered this technique from my grandmother who always added "a little something special" to her mashed potatoes. Years later, she finally revealed her secret was cream cheese, and now our family cannot imagine mashed potatoes any other way. The tanginess balances the richness perfectly.
Make-Ahead Instructions
These million dollar mashed potatoes can be completely prepared up to 2 days in advance, making them perfect for holiday meal planning. Once cooled, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, place them back in the slow cooker on low for 2-3 hours, adding a splash of milk or cream if needed to restore creaminess. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating throughout.
Flavor Variations
The versatility of this recipe allows for countless delicious variations. Try adding roasted garlic cloves during the final mashing step for a subtle sweetness and depth. Fold in chopped fresh herbs like chives, rosemary or thyme just before serving. For a loaded version, top with crispy bacon bits, shredded cheddar and sliced green onions. My personal favorite is stirring in 1/4 cup of sour cream and a teaspoon of horseradish for an incredible tangy kick.
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Serving Suggestions
These luxurious potatoes pair beautifully with almost any main dish. Serve alongside a holiday turkey or ham for special occasions, or with meatloaf or roast chicken for Sunday family dinners. The rich texture and flavor stand up well to hearty gravies and sauces. For an elegant presentation, serve in a warmed bowl with a generous pat of butter melting on top, sprinkled with fresh chopped parsley or chives. These potatoes also make an exceptional base for a loaded mashed potato bar where guests can add their own toppings.
Storage Tips
Leftover million dollar mashed potatoes maintain their quality remarkably well compared to traditional versions. Store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze in portion sized containers for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a small amount of milk or butter to refresh the texture. The cream cheese in the recipe helps prevent the gummy consistency that can plague reheated mashed potatoes.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do I prevent the potatoes from becoming too watery?
Ensure to drain all excess broth from the potatoes after cooking before mashing. This will help you achieve the creamy consistency you're looking for.
- → Can I use a different type of potato?
Yes, Yukon Gold potatoes are a great alternative as they give a buttery and smooth texture. However, russet potatoes are ideal for a fluffier consistency.
- → Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can prepare the potatoes and keep them on the warm setting in the crock pot for several hours until ready to serve. Add a little more milk if they thicken over time.
- → How can I make this dish more flavorful?
You can add roasted garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, or fresh herbs like chives or parsley to enhance the flavors further.
- → Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted butter?
Yes, unsalted butter works just as well. You can adjust the salt content to your taste when seasoning the mashed potatoes.
- → What can I serve with these mashed potatoes?
This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted meats, grilled vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying meal.