Tools You’ll Need
You won’t need much equipment for this recipe.
- Slow cooker or crockpot
- Vegetable peeler
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Potato masher
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Large spoon or spatula
- Small skillet for cooking bacon, if needed
Ingredient Additions and Substitutions
This recipe is practically begging to be customized!
Use Different Cheese
Cheddar is delicious, but don't stop there.
Try:
- Monterey Jack
- Pepper Jack
- Colby Jack
- Gouda
- Parmesan
- A Mexican-style cheese blend
A combination of cheeses can be especially good.
Add Garlic
For garlic mashed potatoes, add roasted garlic or a little garlic powder.
Roasted garlic gives the potatoes a sweeter, deeper flavor.
Add Cream Cheese
Want them even creamier?
Add a little softened cream cheese.
It makes the potatoes wonderfully rich and silky.
Add Jalapeños
If you like a little heat, diced jalapeños or pickled jalapeños make a fantastic addition.
Swap the Bacon
You can leave out the bacon or replace it with cooked sausage, ham, or another savory topping.
Make Them Vegetarian
Simply omit the bacon and use your favorite vegetarian-friendly toppings.
How to Make Crockpot Loaded Mashed Potatoes
Let’s get cooking!
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
Peel the potatoes if desired and cut them into evenly sized chunks.
Try to keep the pieces similar in size so they cook at roughly the same rate.
Place the potatoes into the crockpot.
Step 2: Add Butter and Seasoning
Add the butter along with salt and pepper.
Pour in the milk or cream.
Give everything a quick stir.
Step 3: Cook the Potatoes
Cover the crockpot and cook until the potatoes are completely tender.
Depending on your slow cooker and the size of your potato pieces, cooking time can vary.
The potatoes should be soft enough that a fork slides into them easily.
Don’t rush this part!
If the potatoes aren’t tender enough, they won’t mash smoothly.
Step 4: Mash Everything Together
Once the potatoes are tender, use a potato masher to mash them directly in the crockpot.
Add the sour cream and continue mashing until you reach your preferred consistency.
I personally like a little texture rather than perfectly smooth potatoes, but that’s completely up to you!
Step 5: Add the Cheese
Stir in the shredded cheese while the potatoes are still hot.
Watch it melt into those creamy potatoes.
This is the moment when things start getting really good!
Step 6: Add the Loaded Toppings
Fold in some of the cooked bacon and green onions.
Save a little of each for sprinkling over the top.
Step 7: Finish and Serve
Taste the potatoes and adjust the salt and pepper as needed.
Top with more shredded cheese, crispy bacon, and sliced green onions.
Then serve warm.
The smell when these are sitting on the table is incredible!!
What to Serve With Crockpot Loaded Mashed Potatoes
These potatoes are incredibly versatile.
Serve them alongside:
- Roast chicken
- Turkey
- Roast beef
- Steak
- Meatloaf
- Pork chops
- Ham
- Grilled chicken
- Pot roast
- BBQ chicken
They’re especially wonderful alongside holiday meals.
Picture a big spoonful of creamy loaded potatoes next to turkey, gravy, roasted vegetables, and stuffing.
Now that’s a plate I want to come back to!
Tips for the Best Crockpot Mashed Potatoes
Cut the Potatoes Evenly
This helps them cook at the same rate.
Large and uneven pieces can result in some potatoes being tender while others are still firm.
Don’t Overwork the Potatoes
Once the potatoes are tender, mash them just until they reach the consistency you like.
Overworking potatoes can make them gummy rather than fluffy.
Warm Your Dairy
If you’re adding milk, cream, or other dairy ingredients, using them slightly warmed can help them incorporate smoothly into the hot potatoes.
Taste Before Serving
Potatoes can absorb a surprising amount of seasoning.
Always taste the finished mixture and adjust the salt and pepper before serving.
Save Some Toppings for the Top
Mixing bacon and cheese into the potatoes is delicious, but saving some for the top makes them look absolutely irresistible.
And we eat with our eyes first, right?
How to Keep Mashed Potatoes Warm in the Crockpot
This is one of the biggest advantages of this recipe.
Once the potatoes are finished, you can keep them in the slow cooker on a suitable warm setting while you finish preparing the rest of your meal.
If they begin to look thicker than you'd like, stir in a small splash of warm milk or cream.
Just be careful not to add too much at once.
A little goes a long way!
How to Store Leftover Mashed Potatoes
Allow leftover potatoes to cool and transfer them to an airtight container.
Refrigerate and use within a few days.
When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream and stir occasionally until hot and creamy again.
You can also add a little extra butter or cheese if the potatoes have lost some of their richness.
Can You Freeze Loaded Mashed Potatoes?
Yes, mashed potatoes can be frozen, although their texture may change slightly after thawing.
For best results, freeze them in an airtight freezer-safe container.
Thaw them in the refrigerator and reheat gently, stirring in a little milk or cream to restore their creamy texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these mashed potatoes ahead of time?
Absolutely!
That's one of the reasons I love this recipe. Prepare the potatoes ahead of your meal and keep them warm in the crockpot.
Give them a stir before serving and add a splash of warm milk or cream if needed.
What potatoes are best for mashed potatoes?
Russet and Yukon Gold potatoes are both excellent choices.
Russets tend to produce fluffy mashed potatoes, while Yukon Gold potatoes have a naturally buttery, creamy texture.
Can I leave the potato skins on?
Yes, if you like rustic mashed potatoes.
Just wash and scrub the potatoes thoroughly before cooking.
Can I use cream cheese instead of sour cream?
Yes. Cream cheese creates an especially rich and creamy result.
You can also use a combination of cream cheese and sour cream.
Why are my mashed potatoes gummy?
Overmixing or overworking the potatoes can make them gummy.
Mash them gently and stop as soon as you've reached your preferred consistency.
Can I make these without bacon?
Absolutely.
The bacon is part of the “loaded” topping, but the potatoes will still be delicious without it.
Try extra cheese, green onions, chives, roasted garlic, or jalapeños instead.
How do I make the potatoes extra cheesy?
Use a generous amount of shredded cheese and stir it into the potatoes while they’re still hot.
You can also sprinkle additional cheese over the top before serving.
General Recipe Information
Recipe: Crockpot Loaded Mashed Potatoes
Category: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Preparation: Easy
Cooking Method: Slow Cooker
Best For: Weeknight dinners, holidays, potlucks, and family gatherings
Cooking times can vary depending on the slow cooker, potato variety, and size of the potato pieces, so use tenderness as your main indicator rather than relying solely on the clock.
The Bottom Line
These Crockpot Loaded Mashed Potatoes are everything a great comfort-food side dish should be.
They’re creamy, cheesy, buttery, savory, and piled high with delicious toppings — and the slow cooker makes the whole process wonderfully convenient.
I love recipes that give you that homemade feeling without requiring you to spend the entire day in the kitchen.
And when you can make a holiday-worthy side dish while freeing up your stovetop and oven?
That’s a win!!
So grab your potatoes, cheese, bacon, and crockpot, and get ready for a bowl of mashed potatoes that might just have everyone asking for seconds.
More Comforting Side Dishes to Try
If you love easy, cozy side dishes, you may also enjoy:
- Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes
- Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
- Crockpot Mac and Cheese
- Loaded Baked Potato Casserole
- Garlic Butter Roasted Potatoes
- Cheesy Green Bean Casserole
- Slow Cooker Corn Casserole
Did You Make These Crockpot Loaded Mashed Potatoes?
I’d love to know how they turned out!
Leave a review and let me know what toppings you added. Did you go all-in with bacon and extra cheddar, or did you put your own twist on the recipe?
And if you take a photo, share it on Pinterest so other home cooks can see your delicious creation!
There’s nothing better than seeing a comforting recipe become part of someone else’s family table.
Approximate Nutrition Information
Nutritional values will vary depending on the exact potatoes, dairy products, cheese, butter, and toppings used.
Approximate per serving:
- Calories: 300–400
- Protein: 8–12g
- Carbohydrates: 30–40g
- Fat: 16–24g
- Saturated Fat: 8–12g
- Sodium: 400–700mg
For the most accurate nutritional information, calculate the nutrition using the exact ingredients and quantities used in your kitchen.
