If you’re looking for a no-fuss, ultra-comforting side dish that basically cooks itself, these Slow Cooker Cheesy Garlic Herb Mashed Potatoes are it. Rich, creamy, and bursting with roasted garlic flavor and melted cheeses, they’re everything you love about homemade mashed potatoes — made even easier with the magic of a slow cooker.
Using Yukon Gold potatoes gives you a buttery base without much effort, and the slow cook time lets all those savory flavors meld beautifully. With cheddar, parmesan, sour cream, and fresh herbs folded in, the result is silky, indulgent mashed potatoes that hold their own alongside any main course. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a festive holiday dinner, this dish is always a crowd-pleaser.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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3 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and chopped
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6 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
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1 cup low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian)
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1/2 cup unsalted butter, cubed
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1 cup sour cream
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1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
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1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
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1/2 cup whole milk or cream
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2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
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1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
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Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
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Extra butter and herbs for garnish (optional)
Directions:
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Add the potatoes, garlic, and chicken broth to the bowl of a slow cooker. Dot with butter cubes.
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Cover and cook on high for 3–4 hours or on low for 6–7 hours, until potatoes are fork-tender.
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Once cooked, mash the potatoes directly in the slow cooker using a potato masher until mostly smooth.
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Stir in the sour cream, cheddar cheese, parmesan, and milk. Continue to mix until creamy.
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Fold in the chopped chives and thyme, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Cover and keep warm until ready to serve. Just before serving, top with a pat of butter and extra herbs if desired.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 4 hours (on high) | Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
Kcal: 370 kcal | Servings: 8 servings
Why Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes Are a Game Changer
Mashed potatoes are a universal comfort food. They show up on family tables, at holiday feasts, and alongside everything from meatloaf to turkey. But what makes this Slow Cooker Cheesy Garlic Herb Mashed Potatoes recipe truly special is the method — the slow cooker. This one-pot method frees up your stovetop, saves you time, and ensures that your mashed potatoes stay warm and creamy until ready to serve. No more boiling water, draining hot pots, or reheating cold mashed potatoes before guests arrive. The slow cooker takes care of it all, making this dish incredibly convenient for busy home cooks or holiday hosts.
The Secret to Rich, Creamy Mashed Potatoes
The base of this dish is Yukon Gold potatoes, known for their buttery texture and golden color. Unlike starchy russets, Yukon Golds have a naturally rich flavor that makes them ideal for mashing. When cooked low and slow, they absorb the broth and garlic flavors deeply, breaking down into a soft, pillowy consistency. The inclusion of both cheddar and parmesan cheeses takes things to the next level. Cheddar brings sharpness and body, while parmesan adds umami and complexity. A generous scoop of sour cream and a splash of cream or milk ensure these mashed potatoes stay silky, moist, and indulgent.
Herbs & Garlic: Building Layers of Flavor
What elevates this from an average mashed potato recipe to something crave-worthy is the use of fresh herbs and garlic. Garlic cloves are cooked alongside the potatoes, mellowing and sweetening as they simmer. This slow infusion avoids the bitterness that can sometimes come from sautéing garlic too quickly. Fresh thyme and chives are added at the end to preserve their bright, fresh flavors. The thyme adds an earthy depth, while chives bring a hint of oniony freshness that cuts through the richness of the cheese and butter.
Perfect for Holidays and Entertaining
One of the biggest challenges during big meals — like Thanksgiving, Christmas, or even Sunday roasts — is managing oven and stovetop space. The beauty of these slow cooker mashed potatoes is that they cook themselves while you focus on other dishes. They don’t require babysitting or stirring every 10 minutes. And because they’re served directly from the crock, they stay warm for hours. This means you don’t have to rush through plating or stress about reheating right before serving. It’s one less thing to worry about on an already busy day.
A Crowd-Pleasing Side for Every Occasion
Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner or planning a holiday buffet, this dish is universally loved. It’s vegetarian-friendly, making it ideal for diverse guests, and it can be easily customized to suit dietary needs. Want to make it even richer? Use cream instead of milk. Looking for a more intense garlic flavor? Roast the garlic first before adding it to the slow cooker. Need to scale up for a larger group? Simply double the recipe and use a larger slow cooker. The flexibility of this dish makes it a staple for gatherings of all sizes.
Kid-Friendly and Comfort-Food Approved
Kids love mashed potatoes, and this version is no exception. The cheesy, garlicky flavor is mild yet savory, making it appealing even to picky eaters. The creamy texture is smooth and easy to eat, which makes it great for all ages — from toddlers to grandparents. It pairs well with protein like roasted chicken, grilled steak, or even vegetarian mains like lentil loaf or stuffed peppers. And let’s be honest — it’s also perfect on its own, as a warm bowl of comfort on a cold day.
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes
To get the most out of this recipe, it’s important to start with evenly chopped potatoes. This ensures they cook at the same rate and break down evenly. You don’t need to peel them perfectly — a little skin adds texture and nutrients. Also, use freshly shredded cheese if possible, rather than pre-packaged varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents that can affect the meltability. When mashing, avoid using a blender or food processor as it can make the potatoes gummy. A simple potato masher or even a hand mixer on low speed will do the trick.
Make-Ahead and Storage Options
Another perk of this dish is its make-ahead potential. You can prep everything — chop the potatoes, mince the garlic, and shred the cheese — the night before. Simply store each component in the fridge and dump it all into the slow cooker the next morning. After cooking, leftovers store beautifully in the fridge for 3–4 days. Reheat on the stove with a splash of milk or butter to loosen them up. You can even freeze mashed potatoes, though the texture may become slightly grainy — still great for quick lunches or weekday dinners.
Common Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is versatile enough to allow for plenty of tweaks. You can swap in different cheeses like gruyère or mozzarella for a unique flavor profile. Want to make it dairy-free? Use vegan butter, plant-based sour cream, and oat or almond milk — just be sure to use non-dairy cheeses that melt well. Fresh parsley, dill, or even sage can be used in place of chives and thyme if you prefer other herbaceous notes. You can also add a pinch of smoked paprika or a spoonful of cream cheese for even more depth.
Pairing Ideas for a Full Meal
Slow Cooker Cheesy Garlic Herb Mashed Potatoes pair beautifully with a variety of main dishes. For a traditional holiday meal, they’re the perfect side to roasted turkey, glazed ham, or beef tenderloin. For a weekday dinner, serve them alongside grilled pork chops, meatballs, or even a hearty mushroom stew. Because they’re so flavorful, they complement rather than compete with bold entrées. A fresh green salad or roasted veggies on the side will round out the meal and provide a nice contrast to the rich creaminess of the potatoes.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Cheesy Garlic Herb Mashed Potatoes are more than just a side dish — they’re a solution to many cooking woes. They combine the ease of slow cooking with the indulgent flavor of cheesy, garlicky comfort food. Perfect for holidays, busy weeknights, or potluck gatherings, this dish is a guaranteed hit that requires minimal effort for maximum reward. With their creamy texture, savory aroma, and hands-off cooking method, these mashed potatoes deserve a permanent spot in your recipe rotation. So next time you’re planning a meal, let your slow cooker handle the side dish — your future self (and your guests) will thank you.