Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes {Slow Cooker} are the perfect side dish for any meal. This recipe offers a rich and creamy texture infused with the delightful flavor of roasted garlic. It’s an effortless way to elevate your dinner, whether it’s a casual weeknight meal or a festive gathering. With minimal prep time and the convenience of a slow cooker, you’ll enjoy delicious mashed potatoes without the fuss!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: Simply throw everything into the slow cooker and let it work its magic while you prepare other dishes.
Flavorful: Infused with roasted garlic and fresh thyme, these mashed potatoes are anything but ordinary.
Versatile: Perfectly pairs with various main courses, making it suitable for family dinners, parties, or holidays.
Creamy Texture: The addition of heavy cream provides a rich consistency that everyone will love.
Healthy Option: Using fresh ingredients means you can feel good about what you’re serving.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable. Below are essential items you will need for this recipe.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Slow cooker
Cooking spray
Potato masher or hand mixer
Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

Slow cooker: This essential tool allows for hands-off cooking, ensuring flavors meld beautifully over hours.
Potato masher or hand mixer: Using either helps achieve your desired consistency, whether smooth or rustic.
Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements ensure that each ingredient is perfectly balanced for optimal flavor.

Ingredients

Learn how to make roasted garlic mashed potatoes in the slow cooker. This recipe is quick and easy and makes the creamiest mashed potatoes that are flavored with fresh herbs right in the crockpot!

For the 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

How to Make Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes {Slow Cooker}

Step 1: Prepare Your Slow Cooker

Spray the inside of a three-quart slow cooker with cooking spray. Add the red potatoes, fresh thyme, roasted garlic cloves, salted butter, salt, black pepper, and chicken broth. Cover with a lid.

Step 2: Cook the Mixture

Allow the slow cooker to cook for 4-5 hours on high or 7-8 hours on low. This will ensure that your potatoes become tender and absorb all those delicious flavors.

Step 3: Mash It Up!

Once cooked, add heavy cream according to your preference. Start with ⅓ cup; if you want creamier mashed potatoes, add up to the full ½ cup. Use a hand mixer on low speed or a potato masher for a rustic texture. Be careful not to get too close to the base of the crockpot while blending.

Step 4: Season and Serve

Taste your mashed potatoes and season with additional salt and pepper as needed. Finally, sprinkle chopped parsley over top before serving for an added burst of color and flavor!

How to Serve Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes {Slow Cooker}

Roasted garlic mashed potatoes are a delightful and creamy side that pairs wonderfully with various dishes. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your meal.

Pair with Grilled Chicken

Grilled chicken is a great choice for a hearty meal. The flavors of the roasted garlic complement the smoky taste of the chicken.

Serve with Beef Stew

A comforting beef stew makes an excellent pairing. The rich gravy from the stew blends beautifully with the creamy mashed potatoes.

Accompany with Lemon Herb Turkey

Lemon herb turkey adds brightness to your plate. The citrus notes contrast nicely with the savory roasted garlic flavor.

Top with Sautéed Vegetables

Sautéed vegetables can provide a colorful and healthy addition. Choose seasonal veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or green beans for added texture and flavor.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley can elevate your dish. Sprinkle them on top for an aromatic finish that enhances both appearance and taste.

How to Perfect Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes {Slow Cooker}

Achieving perfect roasted garlic mashed potatoes is easier than you think. Follow these tips to ensure they turn out creamy and flavorful every time.

Choose the right potatoes: Red potatoes are ideal due to their waxy texture, which results in creamier mashed potatoes.
Use fresh ingredients: Fresh thyme and roasted garlic enhance the flavor significantly. Avoid dried herbs for best results.
Adjust creaminess: Start with ⅓ cup of heavy cream, then add more if desired. This allows you to control the richness.
Mix slowly: When blending, use low speed to prevent overmixing, which can make potatoes gummy instead of fluffy.
Season well: Taste before serving and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Proper seasoning elevates the overall taste.
Keep warm until serving: If not serving immediately, keep the mashed potatoes in the slow cooker on warm mode to maintain their temperature.

Best Side Dishes for Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes {Slow Cooker}

Roasted garlic mashed potatoes pair well with many side dishes, making them versatile for any meal. Here are some fantastic options to consider.

Grilled Asparagus: Lightly seasoned asparagus adds crunch and color to your plate. Simply toss in olive oil, salt, and pepper before grilling.
Honey Glazed Carrots: Sweet carrots bring a lovely contrast to savory potatoes. Cook them in butter and honey until tender.
Steamed Broccoli: Bright green broccoli provides a nutritious balance. Steam lightly and drizzle with lemon juice for extra zest.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy Brussels sprouts offer a nutty flavor that complements mashed potatoes well. Roast until golden brown.
Zucchini Fritters: These crispy fritters add a fun twist to your dinner table while maintaining a light profile.
Caesar Salad: A refreshing Caesar salad balances out hearty dishes while adding crispness and tanginess.
Baked Sweet Potatoes: The natural sweetness of baked sweet potatoes contrasts beautifully with roasted garlic flavors.
Stuffed Bell Peppers: Colorful stuffed peppers filled with quinoa or rice provide additional texture while being wholesome and satisfying.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

It’s easy to make mistakes when preparing roasted garlic mashed potatoes in the slow cooker. Here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them.

Overcooking the potatoes: If you leave the potatoes in the slow cooker for too long, they can become mushy. Stick to 4-5 hours on high or 7-8 hours on low to keep them firm yet tender.
Not seasoning enough: Garlic mashed potatoes need adequate seasoning. Don’t skimp on salt and pepper; taste and adjust as needed during the cooking process for the best flavor.
Skipping the roasting of garlic: Roasting garlic enhances its sweetness and depth of flavor. Always roast your garlic beforehand for a rich taste instead of using raw garlic.
Using cold cream or broth: Cold liquids can cool down the mixture and affect the texture. Make sure your cream or broth is at room temperature before adding it to the potatoes.
Using a blender instead of a masher: Blending can make mashed potatoes gluey. For a creamy texture, use a hand mixer or potato masher instead.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Allow cooling completely before sealing to prevent condensation.

Freezing Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes {Slow Cooker}

Transfer cooled mashed potatoes into freezer-safe containers.
Freeze for up to 2 months, ensuring there’s no excess air in containers.

Reheating Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes {Slow Cooker}

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil and heat for about 20 minutes or until warmed through.
Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until hot. Add a splash of broth if needed for moisture.
Stovetop: Warm over low heat, stirring often. Add more cream or broth if necessary to achieve desired consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions related to roasted garlic mashed potatoes cooked in a slow cooker.

Can I use other types of potatoes?

Yes! While red potatoes are ideal for their creamy texture, you can also use Yukon gold or even russet potatoes.

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

Substitute butter with plant-based margarine and heavy cream with coconut cream or a non-dairy milk alternative.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prep the ingredients ahead and store them in the fridge. Simply add everything into the slow cooker when you’re ready to cook.

What herbs work best with this recipe?

In addition to thyme, you can try rosemary or chives for added flavor variations that complement roasted garlic well.

Final Thoughts

Roasted garlic mashed potatoes made in a slow cooker offer a deliciously creamy side dish perfect for any meal. This recipe is versatile; feel free to customize it with your favorite herbs or by adjusting the creaminess level. Try it out—you’ll love how easy and flavorful it is!

Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes {Slow Cooker}

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Author: Aylani
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 hours
Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes
Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x
Category: Side Dish
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American

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Description

Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes made in the slow cooker are a creamy, flavorful side dish that will elevate any meal without the hassle. Infused with the rich taste of roasted garlic and fresh thyme, this recipe is designed for convenience and satisfaction. Perfect for busy weeknights or festive gatherings, these mashed potatoes offer a delightful comfort food experience. Simply combine the ingredients, set your slow cooker, and enjoy perfectly creamy mashed potatoes that everyone will love.

Ingredients

Scale

2 lbs. red potatoes, cut into 1 ½ inch pieces
1 teaspoon fresh thyme
1 head roasted garlic (12–15 cloves)
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

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Instructions

Prepare your slow cooker by spraying it with cooking spray.
Add cut red potatoes, roasted garlic cloves, butter, thyme, salt, pepper, and broth.
Cover and cook on high for 4-5 hours or low for 7-8 hours until potatoes are tender.
Once cooked, add heavy cream to your desired consistency (start with ⅓ cup). Mash using a potato masher or hand mixer until smooth.
Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.