Million Dollar Mashed Potatoes

These million dollar mashed potatoes are the best version of a classic side dish ever! Just a few simple ingredients and a slow cooker does all the work for you. The end result is creamy and fluffy mashed potatoes the whole family will love.

Million Dollar Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Get ready for the best mashed potatoes around! Cream cheese is the secret ingredient. If you are thinking to yourself “that’s not how my mom makes mashed potatoes” then get ready to rethink your whole life.

Cream cheese makes them richer, creamier, and down right tastier than you can ever imagine. Couple this with making them in a slow cooker and you have a dish that is better and easier than any potato recipe out there.

Not only delicious but super easy to make because of the slow cooker. I love a crockpot recipe any day of the week. And if you think you can’t use it for special occasions, this recipe will change you mind.

Speaking of special occasions, Thanksgiving dinner is more manageable because you can put them in to cook and keep your stove top and over free for the rest of the meal.

My other favorite potato dishes are this homemade potato salad, air fryer smashed potatoes, cottage potatoes, and these old fashioned creamed potatoes.

Ingredients Needed

Potatoes – Russet potatoes are the best for this recipe. Or substitute red potatoes with the skins on.

Butter – I like to use salted butter as the potatoes need seasoning but use what you have. You can always add salt later.

Broth – Chicken broth adds flavor! Substitute vegetable broth if desired.

Cream cheese – Full fat makes these extra creamy. Substitute sour cream or plain Greek yogurt.

Milk – I use whole milk or substitute heavy cream.

Pantry staples – Salt, black pepper

Looking for more leftover worthy dishes? Follow LTB on Pinterest and pin to a board!

How to Make Million Dollar Mashed Potatoes

First: In a slow cooker, add the peeled and diced potatoes. Pour in chicken broth and half the butter.

Second: Cover and cook on high for 4 hours. Carefully drain the potatoes and return to the crockpot and turn to warm setting.

Third: Stir in the remaining butter, cream cheese, and milk. Use a potato masher or whisk a combine and the get the texture and consistency you like in mashed potatoes.

Fourth: Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or fresh chives and enjoy.

For the full recipe and detailed baking instructions, please see the recipe card at the end of this post.

How long do they last?

Any leftovers can be stored in the fridge, in an airtight container, for 3-5 days. Although, I tend to eat up any leftovers the next day.

If you want to make them ahead of time, you can freeze them for up to 6 months. Thaw overnight and reheat. Stir in some additional butter and milk to bring them back to that creamy consistency.

Do I have to use chicken broth?

​By all means you can use water but adding broth just makes the flavor richer and more decadent. Substitute vegetable broth or stock if you are keeping them vegetarian.

How many people does 1 pound of potatoes feed?

One pound of potatoes feeds 2 people, maybe three if they aren’t super hungry. Two pounds of potatoes is perfect for a family of four.

I know, it seems like they should feed more because of the weight. A typical serving of most foods is 4 ounces so it’s a little confusing.

When I have the family over for dinner I grab a 5 pound bag of potatoes which feeds 10-12 people. But I like to have leftovers for the next day so sometimes I make a little more.

What is the best way to mash potatoes?

Don’t use an electric mixer or hand mixer even though it seems easier. Overworking the potatoes can activate the starch and make them gummy and thick, not light and fluffy.

I like to use a potato masher specifically. Some like to use a potato ricer but I like some texture in my mashed potatoes so I don’t want them completely smooth.

Can make them on the stove top?

You absolutely can, but I like to use my slow cooker to free up my stove top space and myself so I can de doing other things.

To make million dollar mashed potatoes on the stove top, just place the potatoes in a large pot and add the butter and broth. Cook the potatoes until fork tender, drain and continue with the recipe as written.

Can I substitute the cream cheese?

If you are not a fan of cream cheese, substitute sour cream or plain Greek yogurt instead.

What are the best potatoes to use?

You can use just about any potato to make mashed potatoes. I mean, mashed sweet potatoes are amazing! I love butter or yukon gold potatoes for the color and buttery flavor.

Red potatoes with the skins for texture but my all time favorite are Russet potatoes. They have the perfect starch content and make the lightest and fluffiest mashed potatoes around!

Tapas Tips & Tricks

• Peel and cut potatoes into similar sizes so they cook evenly.
• Use broth instead of water for richer flavor.
• Don’t season with too much salt until the end. You can always add but you can’t take it away.
• Add different seasoning mixes to try different flavors. I like Italian seasoning or Ranch seasoning in mine.
• Million dollar mashed potatoes are delicious on their own but feel free to garnish with green onions, cheddar cheese, bacon, and even jalapeno peppers.
• Stir in some mashed roasted garlic cloves! 

If you love this recipe as much as I do, please write a five-star review in the comment section below (or on Pinterest with the “tried it” button – you can now add pictures into reviews, too!), and be sure to help me share on facebook!

These Million Dollar Mashed Potatoes is one my favorite dishes to serve for an easy weeknight dinner, special occasions, and all my holiday dinners! I know it will be yours too.

LeftoversThenBreakfast.com. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encourages and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited.