If you’re craving comfort food that melts in your mouth and feels like a warm hug on a plate, look no further than this Million Dollar Mashed Potatoes Recipe. It transforms humble russet potatoes into an incredibly creamy and flavorful side dish that’s perfect for holidays, family dinners, or anytime you want to treat yourself. Slow-cooked to perfection with butter, cream cheese, and a touch of garlic, this recipe delivers rich taste and luscious texture that’ll keep everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Million Dollar Mashed Potatoes Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role in bringing out deep creaminess and subtle savory notes while keeping things straightforward enough for any home cook.
- 5 pounds russet potatoes: These starchy potatoes break down beautifully to create a fluffy yet creamy base.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cubed: Butter adds richness and a silky texture that is essential in any great mashed potato dish.
- 3 cups chicken broth: Using broth instead of water infuses gentle savory undertones, elevating the flavor without overpowering.
- 8 ounces cream cheese, cubed: This ingredient makes the potatoes ultra-smooth with a subtle tang that balances the richness.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Just the right hint of mild garlic to enhance the taste without taking center stage.
- Salt, to taste: Essential for bringing out all the flavors and seasoning the potatoes perfectly.
- Pepper, to taste: A light sprinkle of pepper adds warmth and a touch of spice for depth.
How to Make Million Dollar Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker
Start by placing the peeled and cut russet potatoes into a large slow cooker, then pour in the chicken broth. Dot the top of the potatoes with the cubed unsalted butter, which will slowly melt and seep into each piece, infusing the dish with rich creaminess right from the beginning.
Step 2: Cook Potatoes
Set your slow cooker on low for 6 to 8 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours. This slow, gentle cooking process makes the potatoes super tender and perfectly cooked through, setting the stage for the silky mash texture that you’ll love.
Step 3: Drain and Mash
Once the potatoes are fork-tender, strain off the cooking liquid, but don’t discard it—this flavorful broth enhances the texture and moisture of the mash later. With a hand masher or potato ricer, mash the potatoes to your desired consistency, whether you prefer them a bit chunky or completely smooth.
Step 4: Add Cream Cheese and Seasonings
Pour half of the reserved cooking liquid back over the mashed potatoes and sprinkle the garlic powder evenly. Then dot the top with the cubed cream cheese. Cover your slow cooker and set it to the “warm” setting for 20 to 30 minutes, allowing the cream cheese to soften and infuse the potatoes with tangy, luscious creaminess.
Step 5: Stir and Adjust Consistency
Give everything a thorough stir to incorporate the softened cream cheese evenly. If you want your potatoes a bit looser or creamier, add more of the reserved cooking liquid until you reach the perfect texture. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste—this final touch will make the flavors sing.
Step 6: Keep Warm and Serve
Keep your Million Dollar Mashed Potatoes Recipe warm in the slow cooker’s “warm” setting for up to an hour before serving. This ensures the potatoes stay fluffy, creamy, and crowd-pleasing right up until mealtime.
How to Serve Million Dollar Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped chives or parsley over the top for a burst of color and fresh flavor. A light dusting of shredded cheddar or crispy fried onions also adds an irresistible crunch and extra richness.
Side Dishes
These mashed potatoes are the perfect partner to roasted meats like turkey, ham, or a juicy steak. They also pair beautifully with green beans, glazed carrots, or a crisp salad to balance the creamy texture.
Creative Ways to Present
For a show-stopping holiday table, pipe the mashed potatoes into decorative swirls on a baking sheet, then lightly brown them under the broiler. Alternatively, scoop them into individual ramekins and top with bacon bits and cheddar for personalized servings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover mashed potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep in mind that they may thicken, but you can easily restore creaminess when reheated.
Freezing
You can freeze the mashed potatoes for up to 2 months. Use a freezer-safe container and leave some room for expansion. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen the potatoes and keep that heavenly creamy texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes for the Million Dollar Mashed Potatoes Recipe?
While russet potatoes are ideal for this recipe due to their fluffy texture, Yukon Golds can also work well if you prefer a slightly buttery flavor and creamier consistency.
Is it possible to make this recipe without a slow cooker?
Yes, you can boil the potatoes in chicken broth on the stove until tender, then follow the mashing and seasoning steps. The slow cooker, however, enhances tenderness and flavor with minimal effort.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make a dairy-free version, substitute the butter and cream cheese with plant-based alternatives, and ensure your chicken broth is also dairy-free. The texture will be slightly different but still delightful.
How do I adjust for a smaller or larger crowd?
Simply scale the ingredients up or down proportionally. The slow cooker method is forgiving, so just adjust the cooking time based on the volume to ensure potatoes cook through.
What’s the best way to get smooth, lump-free mashed potatoes?
Use a potato ricer or food mill for the smoothest results. If mashing by hand, be patient and mash thoroughly. Avoid overmixing as that can make potatoes gluey.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Million Dollar Mashed Potatoes Recipe enough for anyone who loves creamy, cozy comfort food with a flavorful twist. It’s straightforward, wonderfully rich, and bound to become a cherished dish in your recipe collection. So grab those potatoes, set your slow cooker, and get ready to wow your family and friends with this incredible mash experience.
Print
Million Dollar Mashed Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Million Dollar Mashed Potatoes are creamy, rich, and full of flavor, made effortlessly in a slow cooker. These mashed potatoes combine russet potatoes, butter, chicken broth, and cream cheese for a smooth texture and decadent taste, making them a perfect side dish for any meal or holiday gathering.
Ingredients
Potatoes and Broth
- 5 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 3 cups chicken broth
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cubed
Seasonings and Add-ins
- 8 ounces cream cheese, cubed
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Place the peeled and cut russet potatoes along with the chicken broth into a large slow cooker. Top the mixture evenly with the cubed unsalted butter.
- Cook Potatoes: Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 6-8 hours, or alternatively set to high for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are very tender and easily pierced with a fork.
- Drain and Mash: Once cooked, strain the potatoes to remove the cooking liquid, reserving it. Mash the potatoes using a hand masher or potato ricer until you achieve your preferred consistency.
- Add Cream Cheese and Seasonings: Pour half of the reserved liquid back into the mashed potatoes. Sprinkle in the garlic powder and dot the top with cubed cream cheese. Cover the slow cooker and switch it to the warm setting for 20-30 minutes, allowing the cream cheese to soften completely.
- Stir and Adjust Consistency: Mix the softened cream cheese into the potatoes thoroughly. Add more reserved cooking liquid as needed to reach your desired smoothness. Season the mashed potatoes with salt and pepper to taste.
- Keep Warm and Serve: Keep the mashed potatoes warm on the slow cooker’s warm setting for up to one hour before serving to maintain their creamy texture.
Notes
- Use russet potatoes for the best texture in mashed potatoes.
- Adjust the amount of reserved cooking liquid to achieve your preferred consistency.
- Butter and cream cheese add richness but can be adjusted for dietary preferences.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- These mashed potatoes keep well on the warm setting but should not be left for longer than one hour to preserve freshness.
