Million Dollar Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Imagine the creamiest, dreamiest mashed potatoes you’ve ever tasted – that’s what these Million Dollar Mashed Potatoes deliver! This slow cooker masterpiece transforms humble russets into a velvety, rich side dish that tastes like it belongs in a high-end steakhouse. The best part? Your slow cooker does most of the work while you focus on other things. Perfect for holidays, special dinners, or anytime you want to elevate your comfort food game!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hands-off Cooking: Let your slow cooker do the heavy lifting while you handle other dishes or simply relax.
• Restaurant-Quality Results: These potatoes are seriously luxurious – creamy, buttery, and perfectly seasoned.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Ideal for holiday meal planning when your stovetop is overcrowded.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Even picky eaters can’t resist these velvety smooth potatoes.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Russet Potatoes: The foundation of our dish – their high starch content creates fluffy, light potatoes that absorb flavors wonderfully.
• Chicken Broth: Adds rich flavor while the potatoes cook, much tastier than just using water.
• Unsalted Butter: Brings richness and silky texture; unsalted lets you control the overall seasoning.
• Cream Cheese: The secret weapon that makes these potatoes truly “million dollar” worthy – adds incredible creaminess and tanginess.
• Garlic Powder: Provides subtle savory notes without overpowering the dish.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring everything together – always taste and adjust before serving.

Variations

Loaded Mashed Potatoes

Transform these into a meal-worthy side by adding crispy bacon bits, shredded cheddar cheese, and sliced green onions after mashing.

Herb-Infused Potatoes

Stir in 2-3 tablespoons of chopped fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or chives before serving for a garden-fresh twist.

Roasted Garlic Version

Swap the garlic powder for 1-2 heads of roasted garlic cloves mashed into the potatoes for deeper, sweeter garlic flavor.

Parmesan Upgrade

Add 1/2 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese along with the cream cheese for an extra dimension of nutty, savory goodness.

How to Make Million Dollar Mashed Potatoes

Step 1: Prep and Start Cooking

Peel and cut your russet potatoes into large chunks, about 2 inches each. Add them to your slow cooker along with the chicken broth. Dot the cubed butter across the top of the potatoes. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the potatoes are fork-tender.

Step 2: Mash the Potatoes

Once the potatoes are cooked through, carefully drain the cooking liquid into a bowl or measuring cup – don’t throw it away! Return the potatoes to the slow cooker and mash them right in the pot. You can use a potato masher for a more rustic texture or a potato ricer for ultra-smooth results.

Step 3: Add Final Ingredients

Pour about half of the reserved cooking liquid back over the potatoes. Add the garlic powder and place the cubed cream cheese on top. Cover and set to warm for 20-30 minutes, allowing the cream cheese to soften completely.

Step 4: Final Mix and Season

Stir everything together thoroughly, incorporating the now-softened cream cheese throughout the potatoes. Add more of the reserved cooking liquid as needed until you reach your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then keep warm until ready to serve.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Overmix: Excessive stirring or using a food processor can make potatoes gluey rather than fluffy.
• Save That Liquid: The starchy cooking liquid is gold – it adds flavor and helps achieve the perfect consistency without watering down the taste.
• Room Temperature Cream Cheese: If you forget to cube your cream cheese ahead of time, unwrap and microwave it for 15-20 seconds to soften.
• Taste Before Serving: Potatoes absorb a lot of salt, so always do a final taste test before serving and adjust seasonings as needed.

How to Serve

These Million Dollar Mashed Potatoes are the ultimate sidekick to so many main dishes:

Perfect Pairings:

• Serve alongside a juicy steak or prime rib for a classic steakhouse experience
• Pair with roasted chicken or turkey for holiday meals
• Spoon into a bowl and create a well for rich gravy
• Complement with braised short ribs or pot roast

Garnish Options:

• A pat of butter melting on top
• Fresh chives or parsley sprinkled over
• A light dusting of paprika for color
• Freshly cracked black pepper

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled mashed potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They will thicken considerably when cold, which is perfectly normal.

Freezing

These potatoes freeze surprisingly well! Portion them into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2 months. For best results, leave a little space for expansion and press out excess air.

Reheating

Gently reheat refrigerated potatoes in the microwave, stirring occasionally, or on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of milk, cream, or broth to restore the creamy consistency. For frozen potatoes, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

For an extra-special touch when reheating, transfer to a buttered baking dish, top with a sprinkle of cheese, and bake at 350°F until hot and bubbly.

FAQs

Can I use other types of potatoes for this recipe?
While russets are ideal for their fluffy texture, Yukon Golds work beautifully too and bring a naturally buttery flavor. Avoid waxy potatoes like red potatoes, as they can become gummy when mashed.

Why are my mashed potatoes gluey?
Gluey potatoes usually result from overworking them, especially with high-powered tools like food processors. Stick with a masher or ricer, and mix just until combined for the best texture.

Can I make these without a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Boil the potatoes in the chicken broth until tender (about 20-25 minutes), drain and reserve the liquid, then follow the remaining steps in a large pot on low heat, incorporating the butter, cream cheese, and seasonings.

How can I make these potatoes ahead for a big holiday meal?
Complete the recipe as directed, then transfer to a buttered baking dish. Cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, bring to room temperature for 30 minutes, then bake covered at 350°F for about 30 minutes until heated through.

Final Thoughts

These Million Dollar Mashed Potatoes truly live up to their name – they’re an investment in flavor that pays delicious dividends! The slow cooker method not only frees up your stove but infuses the potatoes with incredible flavor as they cook. Whether you’re serving them for a special occasion or simply upgrading your weeknight dinner, these potatoes bring comfort food to a whole new level. Trust me, once you try them, regular mashed potatoes will never quite measure up again!

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