Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes With Sour Cream and Chives

Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes With Sour Cream and Chives

When stovetop and oven space is at a premium, the slow cooker can be a good friend. This hands-off, one-pot recipe makes creamy, slightly tangy mashed potatoes, and, unlike most mashed potato recipes, this one doesn’t call for milk. The potatoes give off enough moisture as they braise, so just some extra butter and sour cream is enough to make them smooth. After mashing, the potatoes hold very well on warm for up to 3 hours: Just add the chives and give the potatoes a quick stir before serving.

Ingredients

  • 5 pounds Yukon gold potatoes

    peeled and cut into roughly 1-inch chunks

  • 8 tablespoons/1/2 cup unsalted butter

    melted, plus 3 tablespoons, cut into chunks, 1 stick

  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
    plus more to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 bunch chives

    minced, about ⅓ cup

Directions

  1. 1

    Toss together the potatoes, melted butter, salt and a generous amount of black pepper in a 6- to 8-quart slow cooker. Cook on high until the potatoes are very tender, stirring once or twice if possible to encourage even cooking, about 4 hours.

  2. 2

    Add the sour cream and remaining 3 tablespoons butter and mash the potatoes with a masher until they are smooth and creamy. Just before serving, fold in the chives and season again with black pepper. Taste and add more salt only if necessary.

Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes With Sour Cream and Chives

Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes With Sour Cream and Chives

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About this Recipe

Craving a comforting side of mashed potatoes without the last-minute kitchen chaos? These Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes with Sour Cream and Chives are your secret weapon, freeing up precious stovetop and oven space, especially during busy meal prep.

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe shines by leveraging the slow cooker for truly hands-off convenience, creating creamy, flavorful mashed potatoes in a single pot. Uniquely, it foregoes traditional milk, relying on the natural moisture released by the potatoes as they braise. The addition of rich butter and tangy sour cream provides all the necessary creaminess and body, setting these apart from typical versions.

What to Expect

Prepare for an exceptionally smooth, creamy mashed potato experience with a delightful, subtle tang from the sour cream. The Yukon gold potatoes break down beautifully, yielding a consistent texture, while the fresh chives add a vibrant, oniony counterpoint. This dish is designed for ease, allowing you to focus on other parts of your meal, and it maintains its delicious quality while holding warm for up to three hours, making it perfect for entertaining.

Customization & Variations

While the recipe is perfect as written, you can easily adjust the seasoning. Feel free to add more kosher salt or freshly ground black pepper to taste after mashing. If fresh chives are unavailable, a smaller amount of dried chives can be used, though fresh provides the best flavor and aroma. For a slightly richer taste, increase the melted butter, or for more tang, add an extra dollop of sour cream.

Serving & Context

These slow cooker mashed potatoes are an ideal accompaniment for holiday meals, Sunday roasts, or any dinner where you need a reliable, crowd-pleasing side. Their ability to hold warmth beautifully makes them perfect for potlucks or buffets. Serve them simply, allowing the fresh chives to be the elegant garnish.

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