Make Ahead Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes
I love mashed potatoes. Really, who doesn’t? And, in my humble opinion, these are the best mashed potatoes that I have ever eaten! These potatoes are incredibly smooth and the cream cheese adds a delicious richness to them.
But the best thing about this recipe? It is a make ahead slow cooker mashed potato recipe – that everyone loves!
I know what you are thinking. Normally when you reheat mashed potatoes, they get grainy. Not so with these potatoes. These mashed potatoes reheat marvelously, eliminating the need to stand over the mixer mashing potatoes as the family gathers for Thanksgiving dinner. In fact, these potatoes are now one of my annual contributions to Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners.
My Mom got this recipe from her sister-in-law, Ann. We have eaten Aunt Ann’s potatoes for many holiday dinners, and they are absolute perfect every single time. This really is the best mashed potato recipe you will ever try. It is the only way I make mashed potatoes.
We’ve always made this recipe ahead of time, which is a total game changer. We used to bake them in the oven to reheat the potatoes. While you can certainly do that, my preferred way to reheat the potatoes is in the slow cooker. It doesn’t tie up the stove and it is one less thing you have to do on a busy holiday.
For Thanksgiving, I typically make the mashed potatoes 2 to 3 days before, and put them in my crock pot. I put the crock liner in my fridge (covered) and leave it there until I am ready to reheat them on Thanksgiving morning. It is so nice to wake up and just put the slow cooker mashed potatoes in the crock pot to warm as you move on to other things.
Trust me. Try this slow cooker recipe once, and you’ll be convinced too! It really is the best mashed potato recipe.
This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. You can read more in my disclosure policy.
Here is our family recipe for the best mashed potatoes.
Make Ahead Mashed Potato Ingredients:
- 5 pounds potatoes
- 6 ounces cream cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 teaspoon onion salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons butter
How to Make Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes:
Peel and cube potatoes. Boil in salted watered under tender. Drain. Mash potatoes until smooth (no lumps) in mixer.
Add remaining ingredients and mix until light and fluffy. Cool. Cover and store in refrigerator. May be used anytime within 2 weeks. Also, may be stored in the freezer for later use.
When ready to use, dot the top of the potatoes with butter. Heat in your slow cooker on low for 3-4 hours, or until warmed through. Stir occasionally to check temperature.
This recipe makes 8 cups of potatoes, or 12 servings, depending on many mashed potatoes you eat!
Additional Notes:
If you prefer to heat your potatoes in the oven, bake them at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.
Want more easy & delicious recipes?
Sign up for our newsletter & get your free recipe book!
Make Ahead Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes
This creamy mashed potato recipe makes perfect mashed potatoes every time. You can make these mashed potatoes ahead of time and store in the refrigerator (or freezer) until you are ready to serve.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 5 pounds potatoes
- 6 ounces cream cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 teaspoon onion salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- Peel and cube potatoes. Boil in salted watered under tender. Drain.
- Mash potatoes until smooth (no lumps) in mixer.
- Add remaining ingredients and mix until light and fluffy.
- Cool. Cover and store in refrigerator. May be used anytime within 2 weeks. Potatoes may also be stored in the freezer until ready to use.
- When ready to use, dot the top of the potatoes with butter. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until heated through.
- You may also heat the potatoes by cooking in a slow cooker on low for 4 hours or until warmed through.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12 servings
- Calories: 238
- Sugar: 5.9g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 11.1g
- Saturated Fat: 6.9g
- Carbohydrates: 30.9g
- Fiber: 4.6g
- Protein: 4.9g
- Cholesterol: 29mg
This is the way my grandma Margaret made mashed potatoes! 😇 It frees up so much time & I keep mine in the slow cooker to free up oven space. Everyone loves them! I have made them 2 days ahead of time & they turn out great! Thank you Kristen for sharing everyone can certainly use less holiday/company stress!
This is a way to free up oven space especially at Thanksgiving time. You can make them a day or two before company comes and then put them in the slow cooker. Especially good if you aren’t a gravy fan.
These are the best mashed potatoes ever! These are the only mashed potatoes I make.