Creamy, buttery, and incredibly easy to make, No-Boil Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes are the perfect side dish for any meal. This recipe saves you the hassle of boiling potatoes on the stove by letting the slow cooker do all the work. The result? Velvety smooth mashed potatoes infused with rich flavors, all with minimal effort.

Whether you’re preparing a holiday feast or a simple weeknight dinner, this dish is a lifesaver. No more draining heavy pots or worrying about overcooking—just set it, forget it, and enjoy perfect mashed potatoes every time. With a hint of garlic, melted butter, and a touch of cream, these mashed potatoes are pure comfort in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This No-Boil Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes Recipe

No Boiling Required – Skip the hassle of boiling and draining potatoes; the slow cooker does all the work.
Rich and Creamy Texture – Slow cooking allows the potatoes to absorb flavors deeply, creating the smoothest mashed potatoes ever.
Perfect for Gatherings – Keeps warm for hours, making it a stress-free side dish for holidays or parties.
Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavor – Just toss everything into the slow cooker and let it work its magic.
Customizable – Easily adjust butter, cream, garlic, or seasonings to suit your taste.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Making No-Boil Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes requires just a few essential tools to ensure a smooth cooking process:

Slow Cooker – The star of the recipe! It gently cooks the potatoes, making them tender without the need for boiling.
Potato Masher or Hand Mixer – A masher keeps the texture rustic, while a hand mixer creates ultra-smooth mashed potatoes.
Cutting Board & Knife – Used to chop the potatoes into even pieces for uniform cooking.
Measuring Cups & Spoons – Helps you get the right balance of butter, cream, and seasonings.
Wooden Spoon or Spatula – Useful for stirring the potatoes as they cook, ensuring even texture.

Having these tools ready will make the process effortless and mess-free.

Preparation Tips

Choose the Right Potatoes – Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes work best, as they create creamy and fluffy mashed potatoes.
Cut Evenly – Chop potatoes into uniform chunks to ensure even cooking in the slow cooker.
Don’t Skip the Butter & Cream – These ingredients add richness and prevent the mashed potatoes from becoming dry.
Cook on Low for Better Texture – While high heat speeds up cooking, low heat allows the potatoes to soften gradually, leading to a creamier consistency.
Mash While Warm – Mashing cold potatoes can lead to a gummy texture, so mix them right after cooking.

Following these simple tips guarantees perfectly smooth and flavorful mashed potatoes every time.

Ingredients for This No-Boil Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes Recipe

To make these creamy, flavorful mashed potatoes, you’ll need the following ingredients:

5 lbs Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
1 cup chicken or vegetable broth (for extra flavor)
1/2 cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces
1 cup heavy cream or whole milk (adjust based on desired creaminess)
4 cloves garlic, minced (optional, for extra flavor)
1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1/2 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
1/2 teaspoon onion powder (optional, for depth of flavor)
1/2 cup sour cream (for tanginess and extra creaminess)
Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (for garnish)
Extra butter, for topping (optional)

These ingredients come together to create rich, buttery mashed potatoes with a smooth texture and incredible flavor.

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

Peel and chop the potatoes into evenly sized chunks to ensure they cook at the same rate. Place them directly into the slow cooker.

Step 2: Add Broth and Seasonings

Pour the chicken or vegetable broth over the potatoes. Add minced garlic (if using), salt, black pepper, and onion powder. Stir gently to distribute the seasonings.

Step 3: Cook the Potatoes

Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are fork-tender. Avoid opening the lid frequently to retain heat.

Step 4: Mash the Potatoes

Once the potatoes are fully cooked, add the butter, heavy cream (or milk), and sour cream. Use a potato masher for a chunkier texture or a hand mixer for extra smooth mashed potatoes. Mash until you reach your desired consistency.

Step 5: Adjust Seasonings & Serve

Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed. Transfer to a serving dish, top with extra butter, and garnish with chopped parsley or chives. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

Broth for Extra Flavor – Using chicken or vegetable broth instead of just water enhances the depth of flavor.
Butter Matters – For the richest taste, use high-quality unsalted butter and adjust the salt accordingly.
Dairy Options – Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version. For a dairy-free option, use coconut milk or almond milk.
Make It Ahead – This dish stays warm in the slow cooker for hours, making it ideal for meal prep or holiday feasts.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Skipping the Broth – Cooking potatoes in broth instead of plain water adds richness. Don’t miss this step!
Overcooking on High Heat – Cooking too fast can make the potatoes mushy or dry. Low and slow is the way to go for creamier results.
Not Mashing While Warm – Cold potatoes become gummy when mashed. Mash them immediately after cooking for the best texture.
Using the Wrong Potatoes – Waxy potatoes (like red potatoes) don’t mash well. Stick with Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes for creamy results.
Overmixing – Using an electric mixer for too long can make the potatoes gluey. Mash just until smooth.

Following these tips ensures perfect, creamy, and flavorful mashed potatoes every time!

What to Serve With No-Boil Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes?

These creamy mashed potatoes pair beautifully with a variety of main dishes and sides. Here are some delicious serving ideas:

8 Perfect Pairings

Roast Turkey or Chicken – A classic holiday pairing, perfect for Thanksgiving or Sunday dinner.
Beef Pot Roast – The rich, tender meat with gravy complements the creamy potatoes perfectly.
Grilled or Baked Salmon – A lighter protein option that balances the richness of the mashed potatoes.
Meatloaf with Gravy – A comforting, homestyle meal that’s even better with buttery mashed potatoes.
Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork – The smoky, tangy flavor pairs well with creamy potatoes.
Garlic Butter Shrimp – A quick and flavorful seafood option to serve alongside mashed potatoes.
Sautéed or Roasted Vegetables – Try roasted Brussels sprouts, green beans, or honey-glazed carrots.
Homemade Gravy – A drizzle of classic brown gravy or creamy mushroom sauce takes this dish to the next level.

No matter what you serve, these mashed potatoes make the perfect comforting side dish for any meal!

Storage Instructions

Refrigeration: Store leftover mashed potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk or butter to restore creaminess.
Freezing: For longer storage, freeze mashed potatoes in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating Tips: Warm up mashed potatoes on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or in the microwave in short intervals, adding extra butter or cream to maintain moisture.

Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving)

Calories: ~250
Carbohydrates: ~35g
Protein: ~4g
Fat: ~12g
Saturated Fat: ~7g
Cholesterol: ~30mg
Sodium: ~300mg
Fiber: ~3g
Sugar: ~2g

Note: Nutrition values are approximate and depend on ingredient variations.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use red potatoes instead of Yukon Gold or Russet?

Red potatoes are waxy and don’t mash as smoothly as Yukon Gold or Russet. If you prefer a chunkier texture, they can work, but for the creamiest results, stick to Yukon Gold or Russet.

2. Can I make these mashed potatoes ahead of time?

Yes! You can make them a day in advance and store them in the fridge. Reheat on the stovetop or slow cooker with a little extra cream or butter to restore moisture.

3. How do I prevent my mashed potatoes from becoming gluey?

Overmixing is the main culprit. Use a potato masher or a hand mixer on low speed and avoid excessive stirring.

4. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Use plant-based butter and swap heavy cream for unsweetened coconut milk or almond milk. You can also use vegetable broth for added flavor.

5. How can I make these mashed potatoes extra flavorful?

Adding roasted garlic, parmesan cheese, or fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary can take the flavor to the next level.

6. Can I double this recipe for a crowd?

Absolutely! Just make sure your slow cooker is large enough. A 6-quart slow cooker can handle about 10 pounds of potatoes.

7. Do I need to peel the potatoes?

Not necessarily! If you prefer a more rustic texture, you can leave the skins on, especially if using Yukon Gold potatoes.

8. Can I use a food processor to mash the potatoes?

It’s not recommended. A food processor can overwork the starches, resulting in a gummy texture. Stick to a masher or hand mixer for the best results.

Conclusion

No-Boil Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes are the ultimate hassle-free side dish. With minimal prep and no need for boiling, this recipe delivers rich, creamy, and flavorful mashed potatoes every time. Whether you’re making them for a holiday feast or a simple weeknight dinner, they’re guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Try them once, and they’ll become a staple in your meal rotation!

No-Boil Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes

Author: Sally Thompson
Total Time: 31 minute
Yield: 8–10 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Creamy, buttery, and incredibly easy to make, these No-Boil Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes are the perfect side dish for any meal. By skipping the boiling step, this recipe allows the slow cooker to do all the work, resulting in smooth, flavorful mashed potatoes with minimal effort.

Instructions

Prepare the Potatoes – Peel and cut the potatoes into uniform chunks and place them in the slow cooker.
Add Broth and Seasonings – Pour the broth over the potatoes, then add garlic, salt, pepper, and onion powder.
Cook the Potatoes – Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Mash the Potatoes – Add butter, heavy cream, and sour cream. Use a potato masher for a chunkier texture or a hand mixer for a smoother consistency.
Adjust Seasonings & Serve – Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Transfer to a serving dish, top with extra butter, and garnish with fresh parsley or chives. Serve warm and enjoy!

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours (Low) or 3 hours (High)