Slow Cooker Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole

This all-occasion Slow Cooker Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole is a flavorful, crowd-pleasing side that pairs perfectly with a variety of entrées. Made entirely in the slow cooker, it’s an effortless dish ideal for busy oven days or hectic holiday meals. After the potatoes are mashed to creamy perfection, they’re topped with shredded cheese, crumbled bacon, and a generous dollop of sour cream. A final sprinkle of green onions adds a fresh finish to this comforting classic.

Can You Keep Mashed Potatoes Warm in a Crockpot?

Yes, you absolutely can! Whether you’re making this potato casserole or making classic mashed potatoes on the stovetop, slow cookers are handy for keeping food warm until serving.

Ingredients to Make Slow Cooker Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole Recipe

If your family is anything like mine, you can never go wrong with a potato side dish. Potatoes are not only budget-friendly, but incredibly versatile too. When I’m entertaining or facing a busy oven day, I love creating delicious slow-cooked versions that are easy to prepare and serve. As a busy mom, I always develop recipes for my website with practicality in mind, avoiding too many “specialty” ingredients and focusing on simplicity. With that in mind, the ingredients for this recipe are easy to find, and the method is so simple it’s perfectly suited for cooks of all skill levels. Serve it when entertaining, weekday family meals, Christmas, Thanksgiving, Easter or any special occasion. I’ve also included the oven instructions! Ingredients you’ll need to make Crock Pot Loaded Mashed Potatoes: (Scroll down for the full printable recipe card.)

• Potatoes – Yukon Gold potatoes or a similar golden potato.
• Stock – Low sodium chicken stock or broth adds moisture.
• Butter – Salted butter gives the potatoes a rich flavor.
• Seasonings – Dry Buttermilk Ranch Dressing mix and black pepper.
• Bacon – Cooked and crumbled classic bacon for a smoky flavor.
• Cheese– Shredded sharp cheddar cheese and chive and onion cream cheese amps up the flavor.
• Sour Cream – Full fat or light sour cream gives the potatoes a creamy texture.
• Onion – Green onions for a mild onion flavor and a pop of color.

How to Make the Best Slow Cooker Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole Recipe

• Prep the Potatoes – Scrub the potatoes, leaving the peel intact.
• Arrange in Crockpot – Place whole potatoes into the crock of a 6 quart slow cooker.
• Liquid – Pour chicken broth over the potatoes.
• Cook – Cover and cook per the cook time in the recipe until the potatoes are fork tender.
• Mash the Potatoes – Do not drain. Using an electric hand mixer or a potato masher, mash the potatoes with the cooking broth until smooth but some chunks remain. (Pro Tip: Use a mixer for a smoother texture and a potato masher for a chunkier texture.)
• Season – Add cream cheese, sour cream, butter, Ranch mix and black pepper to taste. Whip until fully incorporated.   
• Mix-Ins – Add shredded cheese, bacon and green onion. Stir to combine.
• Garnish – Sprinkle the top of the potatoes with reserved cheese. Garnish with bacon and green onions, then serve.

Kitchen Equipment to Make Slow Cooker Loaded Mashed Potatoes

• A 6 quart or larger crockpot or slow cooker.
• Sharp knife and chopping board for prepping the ingredients and vegetable peeler.
• Cheese grater to grate the cheddar cheese.
• Measuring cups and spoons
• A hand mixer or a potato masher.

Recipe Variations, Tips and Substitutions

• Potatoes – You could easily adapt this recipe using russet potatoes or red potatoes.
• Ranch Seasoning – Dry Ranch salad dressing mix will likely have ample salt for the entire dish. This is purely subjective so feel free to taste and adjust the salt to your personal taste.
• Cheese – The sky’s the limit with cheese. You can make this potato casserole with sharp cheddar cheese, mild cheddar cheese, swiss cheese, colby jack or spicy pepper jack cheese.
• Oven Variation – You can also bake this potato casserole in the oven. See the Cook’s notes in the recipe template for the full instructions.

Storage and Leftovers

• Leftovers – Store leftover Slow Cooker Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole in an airtight container chilled in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating – Reheat in single servings in the microwave. You can also pop it into a buttered baking dish and bake it at 350°F for 20 minutes or just until heated through.
• Freezer – You can freeze leftovers for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge and reheat just before serving.

More Slow Cooker and Crockpot Recipes to Make

• Slow Cooker Creamed Corn is sweet and decadent.
• My recipe for Easy Cheesy Slow Cooker Grits is a game changer.
• Slow Cooker Sweet Cornbread proves you can bake in your slow cooker, too.
• Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Casserole is topped with marshmallows and pecans.
• You never have to worry about dry dressing when you make this Crockpot Cornbread Dressing.
• Slow Cooker Roast Chicken and Vegetables is a one dish meal.
• Crockpot Funeral Potatoes.  from Show Me the Yummy.

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Helpful Kitchen Items:

• Oval Crockpot
• Cheese Grater
• Spatula
• Chopping Board and Knives