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Creamy Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes with Chives – Easy Side Dish

slow cooker mashed potatoes with chives - featured image

These creamy slow cooker mashed potatoes with chives are the ultimate hands-off side dish, delivering velvety, buttery perfection with minimal effort. Perfect for holiday feasts or cozy weeknight dinners, they free up your stovetop and your sanity.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 pounds Russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 2-inch chunks
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cut into tablespoons
  • 1 cup whole milk, plus more for adjusting consistency
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more for garnish
  • 1/4 cup fresh chives, finely chopped, plus more for garnish
  • 1/2 cup sour cream (optional but recommended)

Instructions

  1. Prep the Potatoes: Peel 4 pounds of Russet potatoes and cut into 2-inch chunks. Rinse in cold water to remove excess starch, then drain well.
  2. Layer in the Slow Cooker: Place potato chunks in a 6-quart slow cooker. Scatter 1 cup (2 sticks) of unsalted butter pieces over the top.
  3. Add the Liquids: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup whole milk, 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth, 2 teaspoons kosher salt, and 1 teaspoon black pepper. Pour evenly over the potatoes and butter. Gently shake the slow cooker to settle the liquid.
  4. Cook Low and Slow: Cover and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours, until potatoes are fork-tender. Avoid lifting the lid too often.
  5. Mash and Mix: Turn off the slow cooker. Do not drain the liquid. Use a potato masher to roughly break up the potatoes, then switch to a hand mixer and beat on low to medium speed until smooth and creamy.
  6. Add the Finishing Touches: Stir in 1/2 cup sour cream (if using) and 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt if needed. If too thick, stir in a splash of warm milk or broth.
  7. Rest and Serve: Let the mashed potatoes sit in the warm slow cooker with the lid on for 5-10 minutes. Transfer to a serving bowl and top with a pat of butter, a sprinkle of black pepper, and extra chives.

Notes

For the creamiest results, bring dairy ingredients to room temperature before adding. Do not over-mix to avoid gluey texture. Potatoes can be held on ‘Warm’ setting for up to 2 hours; stir in a splash of warm milk if needed. For a dairy-free version, use vegan butter and unsweetened oat milk.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker mashed potatoes, creamy mashed potatoes, chives, easy side dish, holiday side dish, comfort food