If you’re looking for a comforting side dish that not only warms the heart but also fills the belly, you’ve come to the right place! These Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes {Slow Cooker} are an absolute favorite in my home. They’re creamy, flavorful, and just the right amount of indulgent—perfect for family gatherings or a cozy weeknight dinner. Plus, with the magic of the slow cooker, you can set it and forget it while you focus on other things!

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You’ll find that it uses wholesome ingredients that you likely already have on hand. Whether you’re preparing Thanksgiving dinner or just want to treat yourself on a busy night, these mashed potatoes are sure to impress everyone at your table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy Preparation: Just toss everything into the slow cooker and let it do the work for you!
Family-Friendly Flavor: With roasted garlic and fresh herbs, these mashed potatoes are a hit with both kids and adults.
Make-Ahead Convenience: Perfect for meal prep! You can whip these up ahead of time and reheat them when needed.
Customizable Creaminess: Adjust the heavy cream to your liking for a texture that’s just right for you.
Rich Flavor Profile: The roasted garlic adds depth while fresh thyme gives it that home-cooked taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple, wholesome ingredients! This recipe is all about bringing out natural flavors, so you won’t need anything fancy.

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! Feel free to mix things up based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

Add some cheese: For an extra creamy twist, try stirring in some grated parmesan or cheddar cheese before serving.
Experiment with herbs: Swap out fresh thyme for rosemary or chives for a different flavor profile.
Make it vegan: Substitute butter with olive oil and replace heavy cream with your favorite plant-based milk or cream alternative.
Add veggies: Stir in some steamed broccoli or cauliflower florets at the end for added nutrition.

How to Make Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes {Slow Cooker}

Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker

Spray the inside of your three-quart slow cooker with cooking spray. This little step ensures that nothing sticks and makes cleanup a breeze later on! Now, add in those lovely potato pieces along with fresh thyme, roasted garlic cloves, salted butter, salt, pepper, and chicken broth. Cover it up tight—this is where the magic begins!

Step 2: Cook Low and Slow

Set your slow cooker to cook for about 4-5 hours on high or 7-8 hours on low. During this time, all those flavors will meld beautifully together. The gentle heat allows your potatoes to become tender without any fuss—just give them time!

Step 3: Creamy Finish

When it’s time to serve, add your heavy cream to achieve your desired level of creaminess; start with about ⅓ cup. If you’d like them even richer, go ahead and add that extra bit! Use a hand mixer for a smooth texture or a potato masher if you prefer something more rustic. Remember to mix gently so everything blends well without damaging your slow cooker.

Step 4: Season and Serve

Taste a spoonful and adjust seasoning as needed—maybe a pinch more salt or pepper? Finally, sprinkle chopped parsley over the top before serving. It adds such a lovely touch of color and freshness!

And there you have it! A delicious batch of Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes {Slow Cooker} ready to be enjoyed by all.

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

Creating the perfect roasted garlic mashed potatoes in your slow cooker can be a breeze with a few handy tips!

Choose the right potatoes: Red potatoes are great for their creamy texture and naturally buttery flavor. They hold up well during cooking and mash beautifully, making them ideal for this recipe.
Don’t rush the roasting: If you’re roasting your garlic head yourself, allow it to get nice and caramelized. This enhances its sweetness and depth, resulting in a richer flavor in your mashed potatoes.
Adjust cream to taste: Start with ⅓ cup of heavy cream and adjust according to your preference. Remember that the creamier the mixture, the more indulgent your mashed potatoes will be!
Use a hand mixer carefully: When blending, keep the speed low to avoid splattering or over-mixing. This helps maintain a fluffy texture rather than turning them into gluey potatoes.
Season progressively: Taste as you go! Adding salt and pepper in stages allows you to find the perfect balance without overwhelming the dish.

How to Serve Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes {Slow Cooker}

These roasted garlic mashed potatoes are not only delicious but also versatile when it comes to serving. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a festive gathering, here are some ideas to present this dish beautifully.

Garnishes

Chopped chives: Fresh chives add a pop of color and a mild onion flavor that complements the richness of the potatoes.
Shredded cheese: A sprinkle of your favorite cheese (like cheddar or parmesan) can add an extra layer of flavor and creaminess.
Olive oil drizzle: A light drizzle of high-quality olive oil on top before serving gives an elegant touch and enhances the dish’s flavors.

Side Dishes

Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies like carrots, Brussels sprouts, or zucchini tossed in olive oil and herbs make for a colorful and nutritious side that balances out the meal.
Grilled Chicken Breast: Simple yet flavorful grilled chicken seasoned with herbs complements these creamy potatoes perfectly while keeping your meal light.
Green Salad: A refreshing salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a zesty vinaigrette provides a crisp contrast to the richness of mashed potatoes.
Steamed Asparagus: Lightly steamed asparagus drizzled with lemon juice adds brightness to your plate, making it visually appealing and delicious.

With these tips and serving suggestions in mind, you’re all set to impress at your next meal! Enjoy those creamy roasted garlic mashed potatoes made effortlessly in your slow cooker.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes {Slow Cooker} recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can make it ahead of time, store it, and enjoy creamy mashed potatoes throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

Allow the mashed potatoes to cool completely.
Transfer them to an airtight container.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days.

Freezing

Cool the mashed potatoes completely before freezing.
Place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, removing as much air as possible.
Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date for reference!

Reheating

Thaw frozen mashed potatoes in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheat in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently, until heated through. You can add a splash of broth or cream to help restore creaminess.
Alternatively, reheat in the microwave at 50% power, stirring occasionally.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this delicious recipe!

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

Yes! While red potatoes create a creamy texture, you can also use Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes. Just keep in mind that cooking times might vary slightly.

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

To make this recipe vegan-friendly, simply substitute the butter with plant-based butter and replace the heavy cream with coconut milk or any unsweetened non-dairy milk of your choice.

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

These mashed potatoes pair wonderfully with roasted vegetables, grilled chicken, or as a side for your favorite plant-based protein dishes.

Can I use fresh garlic instead of roasted garlic?

While fresh garlic will provide a different flavor profile, you can sauté minced fresh garlic in olive oil before adding it to the slow cooker if you prefer that taste.

Final Thoughts

I hope you give these Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes {Slow Cooker} a try! They’re not only simple to prepare but also bring a comforting warmth to any meal. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and serving them at your next gathering or cozy dinner at home. Happy cooking!