If you’re looking for a comforting side dish that practically makes itself, you’re in for a treat with these Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes {Slow Cooker}. This recipe is a family favorite in my home, combining the warmth of roasted garlic with the creamy goodness of mashed potatoes. Plus, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or holiday gatherings. Just toss everything into the slow cooker and let it do its magic while you enjoy some quality time with your loved ones!

The rich flavors of fresh herbs and roasted garlic create an irresistible dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Trust me, once you try these mashed potatoes, they’ll become a staple at your table!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy Preparation: Just chop, toss, and let your slow cooker handle the rest! Perfect for busy days.
Family-Friendly Appeal: Creamy and flavorful, even picky eaters won’t be able to resist these mashed potatoes.
Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare them in advance and warm them up when you’re ready to serve. Ideal for gatherings!
Delicious Flavor: The combination of roasted garlic and fresh thyme makes each bite a taste sensation.
Versatile Side Dish: Pair them with any main dish, from hearty stews to grilled chicken.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes {Slow Cooker} require simple and wholesome ingredients that you might already have in your kitchen. Gather these items, and you’re just moments away from creamy perfection!

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

One of the best parts about these mashed potatoes is how flexible the recipe is! Feel free to get creative with your flavors or make substitutions that suit your taste.

Add Extra Vegetables: Stir in some steamed cauliflower or carrots for added nutrition and texture.
Spice it Up: If you love heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños for a kick!
Herb Swap: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary or oregano to give your mashed potatoes a unique twist.
Cheesy Delight: For cheese lovers, fold in some grated Parmesan cheese or crumbled feta cheese just before serving.

How to Make Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes {Slow Cooker}

Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker

Start by spraying the inside of your three-quart slow cooker with cooking spray. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier! Then add the chopped red potatoes, fresh thyme, roasted garlic cloves, salted butter, salt, black pepper, and broth. Give everything a gentle stir to mix well before covering.

Step 2: Cook Until Tender

Set your slow cooker to cook on high for about 4–5 hours or low for around 7–8 hours. Cooking on low allows those flavors to deepen beautifully! The goal here is to make sure the potatoes are fork-tender so they mash up perfectly later.

Step 3: Mash It Up

Once cooked, it’s time to make these beauties creamy! Start by adding heavy cream based on your preference—beginning with ⅓ cup is a good idea; if you want more indulgence, go ahead and add up to ½ cup. Use a hand mixer for smooth mashed potatoes or a potato masher if you prefer them rustic. Remember to mix gently at first so everything combines nicely without splattering.

Step 4: Final Touches

Taste your mashed potatoes and adjust seasoning if needed—sometimes they need just a little extra salt or pepper! Finally, sprinkle the chopped parsley on top and fold it in gently before serving. This adds not just color but also a lovely fresh flavor!

These Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes {Slow Cooker} are sure to be a hit at any meal. Enjoy!

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

With just a few simple tricks, you can elevate your mashed potatoes to creamy perfection!

Choose the right potatoes: Red potatoes are great for mashed potatoes because their waxy texture creates a smooth and creamy base. This variety holds up well during cooking and mashes beautifully.
Don’t skip the roasting: Roasting the garlic not only mellows its flavor but also adds a sweet, nutty richness to your mashed potatoes. A head of roasted garlic will give a depth of flavor that raw garlic simply can’t match.
Adjust creaminess to taste: Start with ⅓ cup of heavy cream and then add more as needed. This allows you to control the consistency; some like it thick and hearty, while others prefer a silkier texture.
Use a hand mixer gently: If you prefer ultra-creamy mashed potatoes, using a hand mixer is key! Just be cautious—mix on low speed to avoid overworking the potatoes, which can make them gummy.
Season gradually: After mixing in your salt and pepper, take a moment to taste before serving. Adjusting seasoning at this stage ensures each bite is packed with flavor!

How to Serve Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes {Slow Cooker}

These roasted garlic mashed potatoes are not only delicious but can also be presented in various delightful ways!

Garnishes

Chopped chives: Sprinkle fresh chives over your mashed potatoes for a pop of color and an oniony bite.
Shredded cheese: A light topping of shredded cheese (like cheddar or mozzarella) adds extra creaminess and flavor that many guests will love.
Olive oil drizzle: A finishing drizzle of high-quality olive oil can enhance the flavors while adding an elegant touch.

Side Dishes

Grilled vegetables: Charred veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus pair perfectly with the creamy mash, adding color and freshness to your plate.
Roasted chicken thighs: Juicy roasted chicken thighs complement the richness of the potatoes wonderfully. The crispy skin provides a satisfying crunch!
Green salad: A simple salad with mixed greens dressed lightly in vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the heaviness of the mashed potatoes.
Herbed quinoa: Fluffy quinoa tossed with fresh herbs serves as a nutritious side dish that balances out the meal nicely while keeping it wholesome.

Now you’re all set to impress your family or guests with these deliciously creamy roasted garlic mashed potatoes! Enjoy every savory bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can whip up a big batch ahead of time, making weeknight dinners or holiday gatherings a breeze. Here’s how to store and reheat your delicious mashed potatoes.

Storing Leftovers

Allow the mashed potatoes to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Label the container with the date to keep track of freshness.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the mashed potatoes in a freezer-safe container or bag.
Portion out the mashed potatoes into smaller servings for easy thawing.
They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Be sure to label with the date!

Reheating

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
Reheat in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to help regain creaminess.
Stir frequently until heated through, or use a microwave, stirring every minute until warm.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this recipe!

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

Absolutely! While red potatoes are great for their creamy texture, you can also use Yukon golds or even russets. Just be mindful that cooking times may vary slightly.

How do I make Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes {Slow Cooker} vegan?

To make this dish vegan, simply substitute the butter with plant-based butter and replace the heavy cream with coconut cream or any non-dairy milk of your choice. The flavor will still be delightful!

Can I make these mashed potatoes ahead of time?

Yes! These mashed potatoes can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge or freezer. Follow the storage instructions above for best results.

What can I serve with Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes {Slow Cooker}?

These creamy mashed potatoes pair wonderfully with roasted vegetables, grilled chicken, or any main dish. They’re also perfect for holiday feasts alongside your favorite entrees!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes! They truly bring comfort and joy to any meal. Their creamy texture and rich flavors will surely impress your family and friends. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe and share your delicious creations! Happy cooking!