Few things in life are as universally loved as a bowl of mashed potatoes—especially when they’re infused with the deep, mellow flavor of roasted garlic. These Slow Cooker Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes take a beloved classic and elevate it with rich garlic notes and creamy texture, all with the ease of slow cooking. It’s a recipe that feels gourmet, but is incredibly simple to make.
Roasting garlic transforms its sharpness into a sweet, buttery flavor that melds beautifully with potatoes. That roasted garlic, when whipped into tender, slow-cooked potatoes, creates a silky, flavor-packed dish that complements everything from roasted chicken to holiday roasts. The beauty is that while the flavors suggest hours of labor, your slow cooker does most of the work.
With this recipe, you roast the garlic separately for that classic caramelized taste, and then combine it with potatoes that have slowly softened in broth. The result is a side dish that feels indulgent yet approachable—a perfect match for festive occasions or cozy weeknight dinners.
Garlic lovers will adore the depth this dish offers. The slow cooker gently cooks the potatoes until they’re perfectly tender, allowing you to mash them easily with butter and the sweet, roasted garlic. A touch of cream cheese makes them extra smooth, while broth provides savory depth without weighing them down.
What sets this dish apart is how hands-off it is. Once the garlic is roasted and the potatoes are in the slow cooker, you can focus on preparing the rest of your meal. There’s no need to watch a boiling pot or worry about draining hot water. Just a few simple steps and the result is pure comfort in a bowl.
These mashed potatoes are ideal for holidays, especially Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter. They free up stove space, require no last-minute juggling, and can be kept warm in the slow cooker until serving. That’s a win-win during any busy dinner preparation.
The combination of roasted garlic and slow-cooked potatoes delivers a flavor that feels rich and rustic. It’s earthy, buttery, and so satisfying. Serve them with a ladle of gravy or just a pat of melted butter on top—they’re delicious either way.
You can also make this recipe ahead. Roast the garlic a day before, refrigerate it, and simply stir it in when the potatoes are done. It’s a smart make-ahead move that shaves time off your busy cooking schedule.
Texture matters with mashed potatoes, and this recipe delivers on every front. You’ll get a creamy consistency that’s not too loose or too stiff—just perfectly smooth, with tiny flecks of roasted garlic throughout.
This is also a great side for a crowd. The slow cooker makes a large batch easily, and the flavor is familiar but elevated. Even guests who claim to dislike garlic will be surprised by how mellow and delicious roasted garlic tastes in this context.
Mashed potatoes are a staple, but this version brings them to a whole new level without being intimidating. The ingredients are simple. The steps are straightforward. And the flavor is unforgettable.
Whether you’re planning a holiday meal or just want to treat your family to something special, this recipe is a reliable go-to. It’s the kind of dish that gets compliments and second helpings every time.
So gather your garlic, your potatoes, and your slow cooker—and get ready for mashed potatoes that taste like they came from a fine restaurant, without ever turning on your stove.
Servings: 8 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours (on high) or 7–8 hours (on low)
Roasting Time (Garlic): 45 minutes
Total Time: 5 hours (on high)
Ingredients:
- 5 pounds Yukon Gold or russet potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 heads garlic
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ cup milk or half-and-half, warmed (as needed)
- Optional garnish: chopped chives, roasted garlic cloves, melted butter
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Slice the tops off the garlic heads to expose the cloves, drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast for 40–45 minutes until soft and golden. Let cool.
- Place the potatoes and chicken broth into a 6-quart slow cooker. Cover and cook on high for 4 hours or low for 7–8 hours until very tender.
- Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves out of their skins and add them to the slow cooker along with butter, cream cheese, salt, and pepper.
- Mash the potatoes using a potato masher or hand mixer until smooth and creamy. Add warm milk or half-and-half as needed for desired consistency.
- Adjust seasoning to taste. Keep warm in the slow cooker until ready to serve.
- Garnish with extra roasted garlic or chopped chives before serving, if desired.
Tips:
- Roast the garlic ahead of time for easier prep.
- For extra garlicky flavor, use three heads of garlic.
- Use Yukon Gold for creamier texture; russet for fluffier texture.
- Don’t skip the cream cheese—it adds smoothness and tang.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheat gently.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Roasted garlic adds deep, mellow flavor.
- Creamy, fluffy mashed potatoes with almost no effort.
- Ideal for holidays and meal prep.
- No boiling or draining required.
- A comforting classic made even better.
Slow Cooker Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes are a flavorful, hands-off side dish that brings rich roasted garlic into creamy, dreamy mashed potatoes. Perfect for holiday feasts or weeknight dinners, this recipe combines ease, elegance, and irresistible taste in every bite.
