Imagine diving into a creamy, cheesy cloud of potato perfection that requires minimal effort and delivers maximum flavor! These Crockpot Cheesy Mashed Potatoes are about to revolutionize your side dish game, transforming ordinary potatoes into a mouthwatering masterpiece that will have your family and guests begging for seconds. With just a few simple ingredients and the magic of slow cooking, you'll create a dish so irresistibly smooth and rich, it'll become an instant classic at your dinner table.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 4 hrs
Total Time: 4 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 3 pounds potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash and peel potatoes thoroughly, then cut them into uniform 1-inch cubes to ensure even cooking.
- Lightly grease the interior of your crockpot with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Place the cubed potatoes into the crockpot, spreading them evenly across the bottom.
- Cut butter into small pieces and distribute over the potatoes.
- Sprinkle salt and freshly ground black pepper evenly across the potato surface.
- Pour milk slowly over the potatoes to help prevent uneven moisture distribution.
- Cover the crockpot and set to low heat setting, allowing potatoes to cook for approximately 4 hours.
- After 4 hours, check potato tenderness by piercing with a fork. Potatoes should be soft and easily mashed.
- Use a potato masher or electric mixer to mash the potatoes until smooth and creamy.
- Fold in sour cream, mixing thoroughly to incorporate a rich, tangy flavor.
- Gradually add shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until cheese is completely melted and integrated.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve hot, optionally garnishing with extra cheese, chopped chives, or crumbled bacon.
Tips
- Choose the Right Potatoes: Use starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for the creamiest texture.
- Uniform Cutting: Ensure all potato cubes are roughly the same size to guarantee even cooking.
- Prevent Sticking: Always grease your crockpot before adding ingredients.
- Low and Slow: Stick to the low heat setting to allow potatoes to become tender without burning.
- Don't Overmix: When mashing, mix just until smooth to avoid gluey potatoes.
- Cheese Matters: Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melting and flavor.
- Customize Your Flavor: Experiment with different cheese blends or add roasted garlic for extra depth.
- Keep Warm: If not serving immediately, switch your crockpot to warm setting to maintain temperature and texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Cholesterol: 55mg
