The Ultimate Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes Uses Dairy As The Cooking Liquid

Achieving the perfect slow cooker mash

To master the art of using your Crock-Pot, it's essential to add the right amount of liquid, particularly when incorporating thick liquids like heavy cream. As cream heats, it loses water through evaporation, which can result in curdling and transform your delightful mash into a sticky mess. To prevent this, maintain a 7:1 ratio of heavy cream to water. This dilution allows your potatoes to thicken without becoming dry.

For an extra flavor enhancement, consider replacing the water with a thin liquid such as chicken, beef, or vegetable broth. These alternatives not only dilute the cream but also infuse your potatoes with an additional layer of savory richness. The choice of broth should complement the other flavors in your meal: beef broth pairs well with meatloaf or pot roast, chicken broth complements pork tenderloin and fried chicken, while vegetable broth is ideal for potatoes served alongside salmon and other seafood.

Lastly, don’t overlook the importance of butter in your mashed potatoes. While heavy cream provides the perfect texture, finishing with butter elevates them from comforting to truly luxurious. Once your potatoes are fork-tender (which should take about 3 to 4 hours on high), add between half a stick to a full stick of butter, allowing it to melt into the potatoes before mashing.