NoTexas.  It has 2 seasons.  Steamy and hot, and then the rest of the year.  I know it sounds like a fantastic wonderland to some. But for this Midwestern transplant, this time of year makes me yearn for 4 distinct seasons.  Texas doesn’t have that.  (insert sad face here)

So it shouldn’t come as no surprise that I begin to crave comfort food meant for a cool day and cold nights.  Food meant to be eaten while wearing a big, cable-knit sweater.  Food meant for chowing down while wearing fuzzy socks and curling up on a couch in front of a fire.  Sigh.  Sounds like heaven to me!

Crock-Pot-Mashed-PotatoesThere will be many (many) of these recipes coming out of my kitchen in the coming months, no matter what the temperature outside actually is.  I decided to start with a steamy side dish that is a crowd-pleaser to pretty much any human being out there–mashed potatoes.

In fact, I love mashed potatoes so much that I actually had a mashed potato bar at my wedding reception.  Yes, I’m serious.  And yes, it was AWESOME.

Mashed Potato Bar
Oh my god, who is that young chick??

Heck, try a mashed potato bar at your next get together!  Mashed potatoes, margarita glasses for serving, and all the toppings you can grab.  Bacon, green onions, tomatoes, cheese, sour cream, gravy, butter, broccoli, carrots–you name it! Admit it. Now you are trying to figure out if you have all of that on hand to do this tonight.

So get your steam on with this super simple and DELICIOUS version of a comfort food classic–Steamed & Mashed Crock Pot Red Potatoes!

 

 

Steamy Sides--Crock Pot Red Potatoes
Print Recipe
This version of a classic comfort side dish is a snap, and perfect for a busy day when you have more important things to do than peel potatoes, and stand around waiting for them to boil. Steaming them in the crock pot removes a couple steps, and has them cooked perfectly and ready for mashing when you and your hungry brood are ready for some steamy comfort on the side of whatever else winds up on the table.
Servings Prep Time
4 people 15 minutes
Cook Time
4 hours
Servings Prep Time
4 people 15 minutes
Cook Time
4 hours
Steamy Sides--Crock Pot Red Potatoes
Print Recipe
This version of a classic comfort side dish is a snap, and perfect for a busy day when you have more important things to do than peel potatoes, and stand around waiting for them to boil. Steaming them in the crock pot removes a couple steps, and has them cooked perfectly and ready for mashing when you and your hungry brood are ready for some steamy comfort on the side of whatever else winds up on the table.
Servings Prep Time
4 people 15 minutes
Cook Time
4 hours
Servings Prep Time
4 people 15 minutes
Cook Time
4 hours
Ingredients
Servings: people
Instructions
  1. Wash and dry potatoes. Leave the skins on--lots of nutrients in there! Depending on size of the red potatoes, cut each potato into 2-3 inch width. Place into crock pot insert. Cook covered on high for 4 hours. No need to add any liquid as the potatoes will release moisture and will help steam the potatoes.
  2. Just before the potatoes are ready to serve, slice green onions and mince garlic.
    Potato Ingredients
  3. Add ingredients into crockpot insert, on top of potatoes. Use potato masher (see notes below for info on a good one) to incorporate all of the ingredients and smash the potatoes.
    Steamed Potatoes Ready to Mash
  4. Mix to ensure all ingredients are incorporated. Serve piping hot, and enjoy a big bowl of comfort!
Recipe Notes

For these super tasty Steamed & Mashed Red Potatoes, I don't use a hand mixer or other electric device.  Good ole' elbow grease gets the job done easily and quickly--and assures you don't wind up with gummy or over-mixed potatoes (hey, that's a thing!).  I am a huge fan of the OXO Potato Masher with Cushioned Handle.  It never slips, and mashes perfectly.  Oh, and did I mention that it cleans up with a quick rinse?  Love it.

And as for my crock pot, well, many of you know I hold a deep and abiding love for my All Clad 7-Quart Slow Cooker.  It's a bit of a splurge, but for someone like me who is always finding a way to break a ceramic insert for a slow cooker, the aluminum insert in this one is a life saver (and insert saver).  Oh, and did I mention that the insert can go onto the stove top or into the oven as well?  Yeah, it's a multi-tasker, so it's always in my kitchen.

*Note: the links to products mentioned here are affiliate links, which means that I receive a small percentage of sales from these links.  No additional cost is passed on to you, the customer.

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