If you’re looking for a side dish that will steal the spotlight at your next dinner, then look no further! These Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes {Slow Cooker} are not only creamy and comforting but also incredibly easy to make. Imagine coming home after a long day to the delightful aroma of garlic and herbs wafting through your kitchen. It’s the kind of warm embrace that makes you feel right at home.

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, they’re fantastic for family gatherings or holiday dinners, making them a versatile addition to any meal. Trust me; once you try these mashed potatoes, they’ll become a new favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless preparation: Just toss everything into your slow cooker and let it do the work while you relax.
Rich and flavorful: The roasted garlic adds a depth of flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Family-friendly: Kids love mashed potatoes! This version is creamy and delicious, perfect for even the pickiest eaters.
Make-ahead convenience: Prepare it in advance and have an easy side ready when you need it.
Customizable: You can easily adjust the creaminess to fit your personal taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To whip up these delightful Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes, you’ll need some simple and wholesome ingredients. Each one plays a special role in creating that creamy texture and rich flavor that we all adore.

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, allowing you to adapt it to your taste! Here are some fun ideas to switch things up:

Add cheese: Stir in some shredded cheese like cheddar or parmesan for an extra layer of richness.
Herb it up: Experiment with different herbs such as rosemary or chives for a fresh twist.
Mix in veggies: Fold in steamed broccoli or cauliflower for added nutrition and color.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes for a little kick of heat.

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 prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze! Next, add the cut red potatoes, thyme, roasted garlic cloves, butter, salt, pepper, and chicken broth. Cover it up and let the magic happen—cook on high for 4-5 hours or low for 7-8 hours.

Step 2: Mash It Up!

Once your potatoes are tender after slow cooking, it’s time to add that heavenly creaminess! Pour in the heavy cream—start with ⅓ cup first. If you want them extra creamy, go ahead and use the full ½ cup. Use a hand mixer for a smooth texture or grab a potato masher if you prefer a more rustic mash. Just remember to mix gently; we don’t want any splatters!

Step 3: Season & Serve

Give those mashed potatoes a taste and season with additional salt and pepper if needed. Sprinkle chopped parsley on top for a touch of color before serving. These Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes are now ready to delight your family or guests—enjoy every creamy bite!

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

With just a few handy tips, you can elevate your roasted garlic mashed potatoes to the next level!

Choose the right potatoes: Opt for red potatoes or Yukon Golds as they have a naturally creamy texture and hold up well in the slow cooker, giving you that perfect, smooth consistency.
Roast your garlic properly: Make sure to roast your garlic until it’s golden and soft. This enhances its sweetness and flavor, ensuring your mashed potatoes are rich and aromatic. Simply wrap the head of garlic in foil and roast alongside your potatoes if time allows!
Adjust cream to taste: Start with less heavy cream and add more as needed. This way, you have control over the creaminess of the dish and can customize it to suit your preferences.
Use a hand mixer carefully: If you prefer ultra-smooth mashed potatoes, use a hand mixer on low speed. Mixing too quickly or too vigorously can turn your potatoes gummy—nobody wants that!
Taste before serving: Always give your mashed potatoes a quick taste test before serving. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to ensure they’re perfectly flavored for your guests.

How to Serve Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes {Slow Cooker}

Serving roasted garlic mashed potatoes is all about presentation! These creamy delights can be the star of any meal or holiday gathering.

Garnishes

Chopped chives: Sprinkle some fresh chives on top for a pop of color and mild onion flavor.
Extra roasted garlic: For true garlic lovers, adding a few extra roasted cloves on top can enhance that rich flavor!
Olive oil drizzle: A light drizzle of high-quality olive oil adds both flavor and a beautiful sheen to your dish.

Side Dishes

Grilled vegetables: Colorful grilled veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus add a smoky contrast to the creamy potatoes.
Lemon herb chicken: Juicy lemon herb chicken pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, creating a satisfying main course that complements their richness.
Green salad: A crisp green salad with vinaigrette balances out the heaviness of the potatoes while adding freshness to your plate.
Stuffed bell peppers: These vibrant stuffed peppers filled with quinoa or rice make for a hearty yet healthy side dish that rounds out your meal perfectly.

Now that you have all these tips and serving suggestions at your disposal, you’re ready to impress everyone with your delicious roasted garlic mashed potatoes made in the slow cooker! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These roasted garlic mashed potatoes are perfect for meal prep, making them a convenient addition to your weekly menu. You can prepare them in advance, store them properly, and enjoy their creamy goodness any day of the week.

Storing Leftovers

Allow the mashed potatoes to cool completely before storing.
Transfer them to an airtight container.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

Let the mashed potatoes cool completely before freezing.
Portion them into freezer-safe bags or containers.
Label with the date and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
Reheat in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally.
Add a splash of broth or cream if needed to restore creaminess.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about these delicious roasted garlic mashed potatoes.

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

Absolutely! While red potatoes give a creamy texture, you can also use Yukon Gold or even a mix for added flavor. Just remember to adjust cooking times if necessary.

How do I make Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes {Slow Cooker} without heavy cream?

You can substitute heavy cream with almond milk or oat milk for a lighter version. The resulting texture will be less creamy, but still delicious!

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

These mashed potatoes pair wonderfully with roasted vegetables, grilled chicken, or vegetarian dishes. They make an excellent side dish for any meal!

Can I add cheese to Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes {Slow Cooker}?

Yes! Feel free to mix in some shredded cheese like cheddar or mozzarella right before serving for extra flavor and richness.

How long do Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes {Slow Cooker} last in the fridge?

When stored properly in an airtight container, these mashed potatoes will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these roasted garlic mashed potatoes! They’re not just a side dish; they’re comfort food that brings warmth and happiness to any meal. Whether it’s a special gathering or a cozy dinner at home, these creamy delights will surely impress everyone at your table. Happy cooking, and may every bite bring you comfort and satisfaction!