Slow Cooker Loaded Mashed Potatoes

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Treat your taste buds to a mouthwatering symphony of flavors with these Slow Cooker Loaded Mashed Potatoes. Creamy red potatoes are slow-cooked to perfection with butter and seasonings, then generously loaded with gooey cheese, crispy bacon, tangy sour cream, and fresh scallions. This comforting side dish is not only easy to make but also guaranteed to steal the show at any meal.

Ingredients:

  • 2.5 pounds red potatoes, cut into one-inch pieces
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • ½ cup milk
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • ¼ cup sour cream
  • 4 strips bacon, cooked and diced into small pieces

Directions:

  1. Prepare Slow Cooker: Grease the bottom of the slow cooker with cooking spray or a little oil to prevent sticking.
  2. Add Potatoes: Place the chopped red potatoes in the slow cooker, then pour in the low-sodium chicken broth.
  3. Season: Add butter to the slow cooker, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on high for 4 hours or low for 6 hours, until the potatoes are very tender.
  5. Mash Potatoes: Once the potatoes are cooked, remove the lid and mash them until creamy using a potato masher or an electric hand mixer on low speed.
  6. Add Milk: Stir in the milk until well combined, adjusting the consistency as desired.
  7. Add Cheese, Sour Cream, and Bacon: Mix in the shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, and diced bacon until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
  8. Keep Warm: If not serving immediately, set the slow cooker to “warm” until ready to serve.
  9. Serve: Before serving, top the loaded mashed potatoes with more shredded cheese and sliced scallions for extra flavor and presentation.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 4 hours on high or 6 hours on low | Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes | Servings: 5

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serving Tips:

  1. Serve Slow Cooker Loaded Mashed Potatoes as a decadent side dish for holiday feasts, potlucks, or family gatherings.
  2. Pair with grilled steak, roasted chicken, or glazed ham for a comforting and satisfying meal.
  3. Garnish with additional crispy bacon bits, shredded cheese, and chopped scallions for added flavor and presentation.
  4. Serve alongside a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
  5. Create a mashed potato bar with various toppings such as caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms, and roasted garlic for guests to customize their dish.
  6. Use leftovers to make loaded mashed potato bowls with leftover meat, gravy, and vegetables.
  7. Pack leftovers in individual containers for a convenient grab-and-go lunch option.
  8. Serve as a hearty base for shepherd’s pie or stuffed potato skins.
  9. Use as a filling for homemade pierogies or empanadas for a tasty twist.
  10. Transform leftovers into mashed potato pancakes by shaping into patties, frying until golden brown, and serving with sour cream or applesauce.
  11. Serve as a comforting side dish with grilled cheese sandwiches or hearty soups.
  12. Top with a fried egg for a delicious breakfast or brunch option.
  13. Layer leftover mashed potatoes with ground meat and vegetables to make a savory casserole.
  14. Use as a topping for shepherd’s pie or pot pie for added richness and flavor.
  15. Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe bags for quick and easy meal prep.

Storage Tips:

  1. Store leftover Slow Cooker Loaded Mashed Potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  2. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk or broth to maintain moisture.
  3. Freeze leftover mashed potatoes in freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months.
  4. Thaw frozen mashed potatoes overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  5. To reheat frozen mashed potatoes, place in a saucepan with a little milk or butter over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
  6. Avoid reheating mashed potatoes in the slow cooker, as they may become too dry or overcooked.
  7. Use leftover mashed potatoes to make shepherd’s pie, potato pancakes, or loaded potato soup.
  8. Repurpose mashed potatoes as a thickening agent for soups, stews, or gravies.
  9. Incorporate leftover mashed potatoes into bread dough for added moisture and flavor.
  10. Use mashed potatoes as a base for homemade gnocchi or dumplings for a comforting pasta alternative.

Variations:

  1. Loaded Sweet Potato Mash: Substitute red potatoes with sweet potatoes for a sweeter twist.
  2. Herb-Infused Mashed Potatoes: Add chopped fresh herbs such as parsley, chives, or rosemary for added freshness and aroma.
  3. Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potatoes: Stir in roasted garlic and grated Parmesan cheese for a rich and savory flavor profile.
  4. Tex-Mex Loaded Potatoes: Top mashed potatoes with salsa, avocado slices, and jalapenos for a spicy Tex-Mex twist.
  5. Buffalo Chicken Mashed Potatoes: Mix in shredded buffalo chicken, blue cheese crumbles, and hot sauce for a tangy and spicy variation.
  6. Loaded Baked Potato Casserole: Layer mashed potatoes with bacon, cheese, and green onions in a casserole dish, then bake until bubbly and golden brown.
  7. Loaded Potato Skins: Scoop out baked potato halves, fill with mashed potatoes, and top with cheese, bacon, and sour cream for a fun appetizer.
  8. Ranch-Style Mashed Potatoes: Mix in ranch seasoning mix, shredded cheddar cheese, and crispy bacon for a flavorful ranch-inspired variation.
  9. Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes: Blend cooked cauliflower with mashed potatoes for a lighter, lower-carb alternative.
  10. Loaded Breakfast Potatoes: Serve mashed potatoes topped with scrambled eggs, sausage crumbles, and shredded cheese for a hearty breakfast option.
  11. Greek-Style Mashed Potatoes: Mix in crumbled feta cheese, chopped Kalamata olives, and diced tomatoes for a Mediterranean-inspired twist.
  12. Loaded Potato Salad: Use mashed potatoes as the base for a creamy potato salad loaded with bacon, hard-boiled eggs, and pickles.
  13. Irish Colcannon: Mix mashed potatoes with cooked cabbage or kale for a traditional Irish dish.
  14. Loaded Potato Soup: Thin mashed potatoes with chicken broth and cream, then top with cheese, bacon, and green onions for a comforting soup.
  15. Vegan Loaded Mashed Potatoes: Substitute butter, milk, and cheese with plant-based alternatives for a vegan-friendly version.

FAQs:

  1. Can I make Slow Cooker Loaded Mashed Potatoes ahead of time? Yes, prepare the mashed potatoes in advance and reheat before serving.
  2. Can I use russet potatoes instead of red potatoes? Yes, you can use russet potatoes, but adjust the cooking time accordingly as they may require longer to cook.
  3. Can I make Slow Cooker Loaded Mashed Potatoes without bacon? Yes, omit the bacon for a vegetarian-friendly version or substitute with vegetarian bacon bits.
  4. Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth? Yes, vegetable broth can be used as a substitute for chicken broth for a vegetarian option.
  5. Can I add other toppings to Slow Cooker Loaded Mashed Potatoes? Absolutely! Feel free to customize with your favorite toppings such as caramelized onions, chopped herbs, or diced jalapenos.
  6. Can I make Slow Cooker Loaded Mashed Potatoes without a slow cooker? Yes, you can cook mashed potatoes on the stovetop and then add toppings as desired.
  7. How can I prevent mashed potatoes from becoming too thick? Gradually add milk or broth until you reach your desired consistency, and avoid overmixing.
  8. Can I freeze Slow Cooker Loaded Mashed Potatoes? Yes, freeze in individual portions for convenient reheating later.
  9. Can I make Slow Cooker Loaded Mashed Potatoes dairy-free? Yes, use dairy-free alternatives such as vegan cheese and non-dairy milk for a dairy-free version.
  10. How do I reheat Slow Cooker Loaded Mashed Potatoes? Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk or broth until heated through.

With its creamy texture and irresistible toppings, these Slow Cooker Loaded Mashed Potatoes are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or a holiday feast, this hearty side dish will leave everyone coming back for seconds. Plus, the convenience of using a slow cooker makes it a stress-free addition to any menu. So, fire up your slow cooker and get ready to enjoy the ultimate comfort food experience with these delectable loaded mashed potatoes.