These Slow Cooker Cheesy Mashed Potatoes are creamy, buttery, cheesy, and incredibly easy to prepare. Instead of standing over the stove while preparing a holiday dinner or family meal, you can let the slow cooker do most of the work. Tender potatoes are slowly cooked until soft, mashed with butter and cream, then finished with plenty of melted cheddar cheese for an irresistibly comforting side dish.
This easy mashed potato recipe is especially useful for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Sunday dinners, potlucks, and busy family gatherings. Keeping the potatoes warm in the slow cooker also makes them an excellent make-ahead side dish, allowing you to focus on the main course while dinner comes together.
Why You’ll Love These Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes
- Easy hands-off preparation
- Creamy, cheesy, and buttery
- Perfect for holiday dinners
- Keeps warm in the slow cooker
- Great for potlucks and family gatherings
- Easy to prepare ahead of time
- Uses simple, affordable ingredients
Ingredients
- 3 lbs (1.4 kg) Yukon Gold or russet potatoes
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives or green onions
Optional Toppings
- Extra shredded cheddar cheese
- Crumbled cooked bacon
- Chopped parsley
- Sour cream
- Fresh chives
- Extra melted butter
How to Make Slow Cooker Cheesy Mashed Potatoes
1. Prepare the Potatoes
Peel the potatoes if desired and cut them into evenly sized chunks, about 1–2 inches each.
Using pieces of similar size helps them cook evenly.
Place the potatoes directly into a 6-quart slow cooker.
2. Add the Seasonings and Broth
Add the minced garlic, salt, black pepper, onion powder, and chicken broth.
Add 2 tablespoons of the butter and stir gently.
Cover the slow cooker with the lid.
3. Slow Cook the Potatoes
Cook on HIGH for 3–4 hours or LOW for 5–6 hours, depending on your slow cooker.
The potatoes are ready when they can be easily pierced with a fork and break apart without resistance.
Avoid opening the lid too often because this allows heat to escape and can increase the cooking time.
4. Mash the Potatoes
Once the potatoes are completely tender, check the amount of liquid remaining in the slow cooker.
If there is a lot of excess liquid, carefully drain some of it. Leave a small amount because it can help keep the potatoes creamy.
Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, sour cream, and warmed milk.
Mash the potatoes directly in the slow cooker using a potato masher.
For the creamiest texture, mash until mostly smooth but avoid overmixing. Overworking potatoes can make them gummy.
5. Add the Cheese
Add the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese.
Stir gently until the cheese melts completely and is evenly distributed throughout the potatoes.
Taste and adjust the salt and pepper if necessary.
If the potatoes are thicker than you prefer, gradually add another 2–4 tablespoons of warm milk.
6. Keep Warm and Serve
Set the slow cooker to WARM.
Sprinkle the mashed potatoes with chopped chives or green onions.
For an extra indulgent presentation, top with additional shredded cheddar, crumbled bacon, and a little melted butter.
Serve warm alongside your favorite main course.
Recipe Details
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 3–6 hours
Total Time: About 3 hours 15 minutes to 6 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 8–10
Cuisine: American
Category: Side Dish
Tips for the Best Cheesy Mashed Potatoes
Choose the right potatoes. Yukon Gold potatoes naturally have a buttery texture, while russet potatoes create light and fluffy mashed potatoes. You can also use a combination of both.
Cut the potatoes evenly. Similar-sized pieces cook at the same rate, preventing some pieces from becoming overcooked while others remain firm.
Warm the milk first. Cold milk can cool the potatoes and make the finished dish less creamy.
Don’t overmix. Mash just until smooth and creamy. Excessive mixing can make mashed potatoes sticky.
Shred your own cheese. Freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly than many pre-shredded varieties.
Easy Variations
This slow cooker side dish is easy to customize.
For loaded mashed potatoes, stir in 6 slices of cooked and crumbled bacon along with the cheese.
For garlic mashed potatoes, increase the garlic to 5–6 cloves or use roasted garlic instead.
For extra creamy potatoes, replace the milk with half-and-half or add 1/4 cup heavy cream.
For a spicy version, add 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
You can also substitute pepper Jack cheese for Monterey Jack if you want a little heat.
For a holiday version, add fresh rosemary, thyme, or parsley.
What to Serve with Cheesy Mashed Potatoes
These potatoes are a perfect companion to hearty main dishes.
Serve them with:
- Roast chicken
- Turkey
- Beef roast
- Meatloaf
- Grilled steak
- Pork chops
- Roast beef
- Baked ham
- Homemade gravy
They are especially delicious underneath a generous spoonful of homemade beef or turkey gravy.
Make-Ahead Instructions
One of the biggest advantages of this make-ahead mashed potato recipe is that you can prepare it before your guests arrive.
Prepare the potatoes according to the recipe, then keep them covered on the WARM setting for up to about 2 hours.
If they become too thick while sitting, stir in a few tablespoons of warm milk or cream.
For longer make-ahead storage, allow the finished potatoes to cool and refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
To reheat, return them to the slow cooker on LOW and stir occasionally. Add warm milk or cream as needed until they reach the desired consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these mashed potatoes without peeling the potatoes?
Yes. Yukon Gold potatoes have thin skins, so you can leave the skins on for a more rustic mashed potato dish. Just wash and scrub them thoroughly first.
Can I use cream cheese?
Absolutely. Add 4 ounces of softened cream cheese along with the sour cream for an even richer and creamier texture.
Can I use different cheese?
Yes. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, Gruyère, and pepper Jack all work well.
Can I freeze cheesy mashed potatoes?
Yes. Allow them to cool completely, place them in an airtight freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently with a little milk or cream.
Final Thoughts
These Slow Cooker Cheesy Mashed Potatoes make an ordinary side dish feel special without adding extra work to your kitchen routine. The slow cooker gently cooks the potatoes until tender, while butter, sour cream, and melted cheese create a rich and creamy texture.
Whether you’re preparing a holiday dinner, Sunday roast, potluck, or simple family meal, this easy mashed potato recipe is a convenient way to serve a comforting homemade side dish. Keep the potatoes warm in the slow cooker, add your favorite toppings, and enjoy a creamy, cheesy side that pairs beautifully with almost any main course.
