Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes {Slow Cooker}

If you’re looking for a cozy side dish that feels like a warm hug, then you’ve come to the right place! Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes {Slow Cooker} are my go-to comfort food. The rich, buttery flavor of these potatoes combined with the sweet, mellow notes of roasted garlic creates a side that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a festive family gathering, this recipe will have everyone coming back for seconds!

What makes this dish even more special is how easy it is to prepare. Just toss everything into your slow cooker and let it work its magic while you focus on other things. Trust me, the enticing aroma wafting through your home will make your mouth water in anticipation!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: Simply throw all the ingredients in your slow cooker and let it do the work for you.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of roasted garlic and fresh thyme elevates the classic mashed potatoes to something extraordinary.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Kids and adults alike will love digging into this creamy goodness at dinner.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Perfect for meal prep or holiday gatherings, as you can easily prepare them in advance.
• Customizable Creaminess: Adjust the heavy cream to your liking for just the right texture.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t need anything fancy for this recipe! Just simple, wholesome ingredients that will turn into creamy perfection. Here’s what 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! Feel free to mix things up based on what you have on hand or your personal tastes.

• Add Cheese: Stir in some shredded cheese like cheddar or parmesan before serving for extra richness.
• Herb Infusion: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary or chives to change up the flavor profile.
• Creamy Alternatives: Swap heavy cream with sour cream or Greek yogurt for a tangy twist.
• Garlic Lovers Unite: If you’re a fan of garlic, add an extra head of roasted garlic to amp up that delicious flavor.

How to Make Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes {Slow Cooker}

Step 1: Prepare Your Slow Cooker

Start by spraying the inside of your three-quart slow cooker with cooking spray. This step helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup a breeze! Next, add in your chopped potatoes, fresh thyme, roasted garlic cloves, butter, salt, pepper, and broth. Give it a gentle stir to combine everything well.

Step 2: Cook Until Tender

Cover your slow cooker and set it on high for about 4-5 hours or low for 7-8 hours. This slow cooking process allows all those flavors to meld beautifully together while making the potatoes incredibly tender.

Step 3: Blend to Perfection

Once cooked, add the heavy cream according to your preference—start with ⅓ cup and adjust if you want them creamier! Using a hand mixer or potato masher, blend until smooth (or leave them a bit rustic if that’s your style). Be careful not to overmix; we don’t want gummy potatoes here!

Step 4: Final Touches

After blending, taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Finally, sprinkle some chopped parsley on top and fold it through gently before serving.

And there you have it—deliciously creamy Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes made effortlessly in your slow cooker! Enjoy every bite!

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

These mashed potatoes are sure to impress, and with a few tips, you can make them even better!

• Choose the right potatoes: Using red potatoes is ideal for this recipe as they have a waxy texture that contributes to creamy mashed potatoes. Their natural sweetness complements the roasted garlic beautifully.

• Don’t rush the roasting: If you’re making your own roasted garlic, take your time! Roasting until golden caramelizes the sugars and enhances flavor, giving your mashed potatoes that rich, sweet taste.

• Adjust to texture preference: Start with ⅓ cup of heavy cream and mix. If you prefer a creamier texture, add more until you reach your desired consistency. This allows you to customize based on your taste.

• Use fresh herbs: Fresh thyme adds an aromatic quality that dried herbs simply can’t match. Feel free to experiment with other herbs like rosemary or chives for different flavors!

• Season gradually: After mashing, taste and adjust seasoning as needed. This ensures every bite is perfectly flavorful and tailored to your liking.

How to Serve Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes {Slow Cooker}

Serving these roasted garlic mashed potatoes is a breeze! They can be presented in various ways to delight your guests at any gathering or weeknight dinner.

Garnishes

• Chopped chives: These add a mild onion flavor and a pop of color.
• Shaved Parmesan cheese: For a nutty richness; just sprinkle it on top before serving.
• Olive oil drizzle: A light drizzle of high-quality olive oil can enhance the flavor profile while adding an elegant touch.

Side Dishes

• Garlic Butter Green Beans: Tender green beans sautéed in garlic butter provide a fresh contrast to the creamy potatoes.

• Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy on the outside and tender inside, these sprouts bring a delightful crunch and earthy flavor that pairs wonderfully with the richness of the mashed potatoes.

• Herbed Chicken Breast: Juicy chicken seasoned with fresh herbs makes for a protein-packed dish that complements the savory notes of the mashed potatoes perfectly.

• Simple Garden Salad: A refreshing mix of greens with a tangy vinaigrette balances out the heaviness of the mashed potatoes, making for a well-rounded meal.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your roasted garlic mashed potatoes are bound to be a hit at any table! Enjoy every creamy bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes recipe is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy creamy, flavorful potatoes throughout the week without any fuss.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the mashed potatoes to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer them into an airtight container.
• Refrigerate for up to 3-5 days.

Freezing

• Scoop the cooled mashed potatoes into freezer-safe bags or containers.
• Flatten the bags to remove excess air and seal tightly.
• Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen mashed potatoes in the refrigerator overnight.
• Reheat in a pot over low heat, stirring frequently until warm.
• For creaminess, add a splash of vegetable or chicken broth or a bit more heavy cream while reheating.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes in the slow cooker.

Can I use different types of potatoes for Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes {Slow Cooker}?

Absolutely! While red potatoes give a lovely creamy texture, you can also use Yukon Gold or even russet potatoes. Just keep in mind that different types may alter the final consistency slightly.

How can I make these mashed potatoes vegan-friendly?

To make Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes {Slow Cooker} vegan, simply substitute the butter with plant-based butter and replace heavy cream with unsweetened almond milk or coconut cream. They will still come out delicious!

What herbs pair well with roasted garlic mashed potatoes?

Fresh herbs like rosemary, chives, and dill complement roasted garlic beautifully. Feel free to mix them in alongside thyme for an extra flavor boost!

Can I double this Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes {Slow Cooker} recipe?

Yes! You can easily double the ingredients and prepare them in a larger slow cooker. Just ensure not to exceed your slow cooker’s maximum fill line.

Final Thoughts

I hope this Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes recipe brings warmth and joy to your table! The combination of roasted garlic and fresh herbs creates a comforting dish that is sure to delight family and friends alike. Enjoy experimenting with flavors, and don’t hesitate to make it your own! Happy cooking!