These easy Slow Cooker Loaded Mashed Potatoes are rich, creamy and loaded with all the classic savory toppings for the ultimate hands-off side dish perfect for busy weeknights and entertaining.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, the slow cooker is the MVP of mealtime for making life a little easier, and these Slow Cooker Loaded Mashed Potatoes are always at the top of our “must make” list every holiday season. Easy to prep and full of classic flavors, these homemade mashed potatoes are made with simple ingredients and almost entirely hands off, so they’re perfect for holiday dinners, family gatherings, busy weeknights, or anytime you’re craving something warm and cozy.
Tender potatoes are slow-cooked in savory broth for extra flavor, then mashed with butter, creamy, melty cheeses, crispy bacon and all the classic loaded mashed potato toppings you crave for a rich and ultra satisfying side dish everyone loves. These Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes are a time saver and space saver, too — they don’t take up any extra oven or stovetop space. If you’re looking for easy homemade comfort food at its finest, you’re in the right place.
If you like this side dish, be sure to try some of our other favorite potato recipes. We love these easy Twice Baked Mashed Potatoes and these delicious Mashed Potato Puffs for another fun recipe using potatoes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hands-off Crockpot Method: The slow cooker does all the work for you, plus it frees up stovetop and oven space.
- Potatoes Cook Low and Slow: The savory broth they cook in allows them to absorb a ton of flavor before any toppings even get added in.
- Keeps Warm in Crockpot: Thanks to the slow cooker, again, the potatoes stay warm so they’re great for potlucks and holiday gatherings.
- Fully Loaded Flavor: These are packed with all the classic toppings you crave — cheese, bacon, sour cream and green onion in each bite.
Ingredients
- Potatoes: The creamy, smooth base. We like Yukon Golds or red potatoes best for their ultra creamy texture..
- Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium for the savory broth the potatoes cook in.
- Milk: Adds rich, creaminess.
- Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: Adds savory seasoning.
- Butter: For richness.
- Boursin Cheese: Creamy, herby and packed with flavor, use your favorite variety or swap in 1/2 block of cream cheese.
- Salt and Pepper: Season generously, to taste.
- Bacon: Crisp and smokey, a classic loaded potato topping.
- Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and bold, use freshly grated.
- Chives: Subtly onion flavor and a nice, fresh finishing touch.
How To Make Crock Pot Loaded Mashed Potatoes
1. Prep the potatoes: Peel if desired, then chop into 1-inch cubes. Add them to your slow cooker.
2. Season & cook: Pour in the chicken broth and sprinkle with garlic powder and onion powder. Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until fork-tender.
3. Mash to perfection: Add the butter and milk and mash the potatoes right inside the crockpot. Leave them a little lumpy or make them ultra-smooth—your choice!
4. Add the creamy goodness: Stir in the Boursin cheese or cream cheese until melted. Mix in half the cheddar and half the bacon bits.
5. Top & melt: Sprinkle the remaining cheese and bacon over the potatoes. Cover again and heat until the cheese is gooey and melted.
6. Serve warm: Add chives for freshness, give everything one more stir if desired, and enjoy!
Expert Tips
- Cook the Potatoes in Broth: Doing this rather than cooking in plain water helps the potatoes build big flavor themselves before any toppings are added.
- Mash Directly in the Crockpot: To save on cleaning extra dishes and keeps the potatoes warm while finishing them.
- Reserve some Toppings: Set aside some cheese, bacon, and green onion to sprinkle on top just before serving for the best presentation.
- Use the “Warm” Setting: The crockpot’s warm setting makes this a great make-ahead side for potlucks and holidays — make them ahead and keep them warm
Variations & Substitutions
- Add Roasted Garlic: Rich, savory-sweet, and creamy, stir this in for an extra depth of flavor.
- Lighten It Up: Swap sour cream for Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
- Set Up a Toppings Bar: So guests can build and load their own potatoes.
- Use Yukon Gold Potatoes: These are our #1 preferred for their extra creamy, buttery texture.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat with a splash of milk or broth to loosen.
You can freeze leftover potatoes, too. Store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months, then fully thaw in the fridge overnight before you’re ready to serve. Thawing can make them a bit watery, so reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat with a splash of milk to thicken them back up.
These are ideal to make ahead for potlucks and entertaining. Cook the potatoes in the slow cooker and keep them on the warm setting until you’re ready to serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
You don’t need to, you can keep the skins on if you don’t mind some extra texture in your potatoes. We recommend peeling them for the smoothes, creamiest texture.
Yes! Make them and keep them on the warm setting right in the slow cooker while you entertain.
We love the classics like crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, chives and sour cream.
More Comforting Side Dish Recipes
- Creamy Stovetop Mac and Cheese
- Mom’s Skillet Cornbread
- Creamy Potato Salad
- Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese
Crockpot Loaded Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients
Method
- Peel if desired, then chop into 1-inch cubes. Add them to your slow cooker.
- Pour in the chicken broth and sprinkle with garlic powder and onion powder. Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until fork-tender.
- Add the butter and mash the potatoes right inside the crockpot. Leave them a little lumpy or make them ultra-smooth—your choice!
- Stir in the Boursin cheese or cream cheese until melted. Mix in half the cheddar and half the bacon bits.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese and bacon over the potatoes. Cover again and heat until the cheese is gooey and melted.
- Add chives for freshness, give everything one more stir if desired, and enjoy!
Video
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat with a splash of milk or broth to loosen.
- Freeze leftover potatoes — Store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months, then fully thaw in the fridge overnight before you’re ready to serve. Thawing can make them a bit watery, so reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat with a splash of milk to thicken them back up.
- These are great to make ahead for potlucks and entertaining. Cook the potatoes in the slow cooker and keep them on the warm setting until you’re ready to serve.
Can’t wait to make this.