Print

Light & Creamy Crockpot Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Easy Homemade Recipe

crockpot garlic mashed potatoes - featured image

These Light & Creamy Crockpot Garlic Mashed Potatoes are the perfect easy side dish for busy weeknights or holiday dinners. Made with simple ingredients like russet potatoes, roasted garlic, and a touch of cream cheese, they come together in a slow cooker for a creamy, flavorful mash without the fuss.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cubed (about 6–7 medium potatoes)
  • 6–8 garlic cloves, peeled
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter or vegan butter
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
  • 4 ounces Neufchâtel or reduced-fat cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons fresh chives or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prep the garlic: Peel 6-8 garlic cloves and smash them lightly with the side of a knife to release oils.
  2. Sauté the garlic: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the smashed garlic cloves and cook, stirring occasionally, until fragrant and lightly golden (3-4 minutes). Do not let them burn. Remove from heat and set aside.
  3. Prep the potatoes: Peel 3 pounds of russet potatoes and cut them into 1-inch cubes. Rinse the cubes in cold water to remove excess starch, then drain well.
  4. Layer in the crockpot: Place the potato cubes in a 6-quart slow cooker. Add the sautéed garlic (including the oil and butter from the pan) and pour in 1 cup of low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Stir gently to coat.
  5. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the potatoes are fork-tender. If the potatoes look dry, add a splash more broth.
  6. Add the creaminess: Turn off the slow cooker. Add 4 ounces softened Neufchâtel cream cheese and 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt. Let sit for a minute, then mash or beat with a hand mixer until smooth. Start on low speed to avoid splattering, then increase to medium. Mash to desired consistency.
  7. Taste and adjust: Taste the potatoes and add more salt or pepper if needed. If too thick, stir in a little warm broth or milk. If too thin, let sit uncovered for a few minutes to thicken.
  8. Garnish and serve: Transfer to a serving bowl and top with fresh chopped chives or parsley. Serve hot.

Notes

Don’t skip sautéing the garlic—raw garlic in a slow cooker turns bitter. Cut potatoes evenly for even cooking. Start with 1 cup of broth; you can add more at the end if needed. Let cream cheese come to room temperature before adding to avoid lumps. These potatoes can sit on warm for up to 2 hours; stir in cream cheese and yogurt just before serving. For a dairy-free version, use vegan butter, vegan cream cheese, and plant-based Greek yogurt.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot mashed potatoes, garlic mashed potatoes, slow cooker mashed potatoes, light mashed potatoes, creamy mashed potatoes, easy mashed potatoes, holiday side dish, Thanksgiving mashed potatoes