Million Dollar Mashed Potatoes Recipe
If you’ve ever wanted to elevate your comfort food game to a whole new level, the Million Dollar Mashed Potatoes Recipe is the answer. This slow cooker masterpiece delivers a buttery, creamy, and utterly decadent mash that’s bursting with flavor and warmth. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a big cozy hug on a plate, perfect for holidays, family dinners, or whenever you want to impress without stressing. Rich cream cheese, tender russet potatoes, and just the right touch of garlic come together to create mashed potatoes so silky and luscious, you’ll be wondering why you ever made them any other way!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Million Dollar Mashed Potatoes Recipe is how these simple, accessible ingredients transform into something truly extraordinary. Each component plays an essential role, from the hearty russets giving you that perfect creamy texture to the chicken broth infusing subtle savory notes that the butter and cream cheese then enrich to creamy perfection.
- 5 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces: These starchy potatoes make for the fluffiest, smoothest mash.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cubed: Butter adds richness and a velvety mouthfeel that is absolutely essential.
- 3 cups chicken broth: Using broth instead of water introduces subtle savory depth to every bite.
- 8 ounces cream cheese, cubed: This is the secret ingredient that makes the potatoes incredibly creamy and slightly tangy.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Garlic powder brings a gentle kick of flavor that complements the potatoes beautifully.
- Salt, to taste: Essential for balancing all the flavors and enhancing the natural taste of the potatoes.
- Pepper, to taste: A little pepper adds just the right amount of spice for complexity.
How to Make Million Dollar Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker
Start by placing your peeled and cut russet potatoes into a large slow cooker. Pour in the chicken broth so the potatoes are just submerged, then scatter the cubed unsalted butter over the top. This simple setup will allow the flavors to meld together slowly, ensuring every bite is rich and tasty.
Step 2: Cook Potatoes
Set your slow cooker to low and let the potatoes simmer away for 6 to 8 hours, or speed things up on high for about 3 to 4 hours. You’ll know they’re ready when the potatoes are fork-tender and cozy from soaking in all that garlicky buttery broth.
Step 3: Drain and Mash
Once the potatoes have cooked to perfection, carefully strain off the cooking liquid but keep it handy — this flavorful broth will help you achieve that perfect mash consistency later. Begin mashing the potatoes using a hand masher or potato ricer for an extra smooth finish.
Step 4: Add Cream Cheese and Seasonings
Pour half of the reserved broth back into the mashed potatoes, then sprinkle in the garlic powder and dot with cubes of cream cheese. Cover the slow cooker and switch it to the “warm” setting, letting the cream cheese soften into the mash for 20 to 30 minutes. This melting step is key for silky, luscious potatoes.
Step 5: Stir and Adjust Consistency
After the cream cheese has softened, stir it into the mash along with the garlic powder, adding more reserved broth until you reach your ideal texture. Season to taste with salt and pepper, and prepare yourself for some serious comfort food magic.
Step 6: Keep Warm and Serve
If you’re not ready to serve immediately, keep your Million Dollar Mashed Potatoes Recipe on the “warm” setting for up to an hour. This makes it super easy to time your meal perfectly while keeping the potatoes irresistibly creamy and hot.
How to Serve Million Dollar Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a simple garnish can turn these mashed potatoes into a spectacular presentation. Try sprinkling chopped fresh chives or parsley for a pop of color and freshness. For an indulgent twist, a little extra pat of butter melting on top or a sprinkle of crispy fried onions will bring texture and flair.
Side Dishes
The Million Dollar Mashed Potatoes Recipe shines next to classic comfort food mains like roasted turkey, herb-crusted chicken, or juicy meatloaf. They also pair beautifully with sautéed green beans, glazed carrots, or a crisp Caesar salad to provide balance and brighten the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to make your mashed potatoes a star centerpiece, consider scooping them into individual ramekins topped with a swirl of gravy or bacon bits. Layering them in a casserole dish with melted cheese and breadcrumbs can transform them into an irresistible baked side that still captures that creamy essence you love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Million Dollar Mashed Potatoes Recipe store wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Make sure to press a piece of plastic wrap directly on the surface to prevent dryness and preserve that creamy goodness.
Freezing
You can freeze these mashed potatoes for up to 2 months by packing them into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags. When freezing, try to remove as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn and maintain their rich texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of reserved broth, milk, or cream to bring back the original creaminess and avoid dryness during reheating. You’ll be amazed at how fresh and delicious they taste even days later!
FAQs
Can I make the Million Dollar Mashed Potatoes Recipe without a slow cooker?
Absolutely! While the slow cooker makes it incredibly hands-off and develops flavor nicely, you can boil the potatoes in chicken broth on the stove until tender, then follow the same mashing and mixing steps. Just be sure to reserve some cooking liquid to adjust consistency.
What type of potatoes work best for this recipe?
Russet potatoes are ideal because of their starchy texture, which mashes up fluffy and smooth. Yukon Golds could work in a pinch, but the classic russet is the gold standard for this dish.
Can I substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth?
Yes, using vegetable broth is a great option to keep the recipe vegetarian-friendly without losing flavor. It adds a nice depth and keeps the potatoes savory and delicious.
How do I make these mashed potatoes dairy-free?
To make a dairy-free version, swap out the butter for a plant-based alternative and use a dairy-free cream cheese. Coconut cream or cashew cream can also add richness while keeping the texture smooth.
Can I add extra flavor to the potatoes?
Definitely! You can mix in roasted garlic, fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme, or even a bit of grated Parmesan for an extra flavor boost. Just be careful to balance additions so the creamy base shine through.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so deeply satisfying about a bowl of creamy, buttery mashed potatoes, and the Million Dollar Mashed Potatoes Recipe takes this classic comfort food to another level. Easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and endlessly versatile, it’s one of those dishes that will quickly become a beloved staple in your recipe collection. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll wonder how mashed potatoes could ever taste this good before!
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Million Dollar Mashed Potatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
Creamy and indulgent Million Dollar Mashed Potatoes made in a slow cooker. This recipe uses russet potatoes cooked with chicken broth and butter, then blended with cream cheese and garlic powder for rich, velvety mashed potatoes perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 5 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cubed
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 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. Dot the top of the potatoes with cubed unsalted butter to add richness as it cooks.
- Cook Potatoes: Cook the potatoes on low heat for 6 to 8 hours or on high heat for 3 to 4 hours. The potatoes are done when they become very tender and easily pierced with a fork.
- Drain and Mash: Once tender, strain off the cooking liquid but reserve it. Use a hand masher or potato ricer to mash the potatoes to your preferred consistency, ensuring a smooth base.
- Add Cream Cheese and Seasonings: Pour half of the reserved cooking liquid over the mashed potatoes to moisten them. Add the garlic powder and dot the top with the cubed cream cheese. Cover and set the slow cooker to the warm setting for 20 to 30 minutes to allow the cream cheese to soften fully.
- Stir and Adjust Consistency: Stir the softened cream cheese into the mashed potatoes thoroughly. Add more reserved cooking liquid as needed to achieve your desired creamy texture. Season the potatoes with salt and pepper to taste.
- Keep Warm and Serve: Keep the mashed potatoes on the warm setting for up to one hour before serving to maintain their heat and creamy texture, then serve warm as a delicious side dish.
Notes
- Use russet potatoes for the best fluffy and creamy texture.
- Adjust the amount of reserved cooking liquid added to reach your preferred consistency.
- For a dairy-free alternative, substitute butter and cream cheese with plant-based versions.
- Season to taste with additional herbs such as chives or parsley if desired.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
