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!
There 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.
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!
| Servings | Prep Time |
| 4 people | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time |
| 4 hours |
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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.
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- 2 lbs. red skinned potatoes, skins on
- 2 tbsp. butter
- 1/2 cup low-fat Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 2 cloves minced
- salt & pepper, to taste
- 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.
- Just before the potatoes are ready to serve, slice green onions and mince garlic.
- 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.
- Mix to ensure all ingredients are incorporated. Serve piping hot, and enjoy a big bowl of comfort!
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.
I’ve never tried making potatoes in a crockpot but I love how easy this would be!
And it’s one less thing you have to worry about on your stove, in your oven, or timed to perfection!
Oh yes, how I vividly remember the two season climate of Texas. We called it Summer and Not Summer, lol. I’m the opposite of you, I grew up in Texas and moved to the northeast when I was 24. And I’m still not used to the climate up here!
These potatoes look awesome. Yes, mashed potatoes are ALWAYS welcome, not matter what the weather is doing!
Yeah, not my favorite part about Texas. In fact, probably my LEAST favorite thing. I miss those 4 seasons!! But luckily, dishes like mashed potatoes work no matter the weather. :o)
I have never made taters in a crock pot… that needs to change soon, one of my favorites!
I LOVE the mashed potato bar at the wedding – we need to be friends.
Done. Friends we are. LOL Yeah, that mashed potato bar is what made me pick the caterer. LOL To hell with the other food–bring on a mashed potato bar!
I would never have thought to use a slow cooker for potatoes! These look so yummy and creamy, though. Will be trying it out!
They are so creamy and delicious, you’ll wonder why you haven’t done them in the crock pot before!
mashed potatoes know no season, they are always in season at my house!! love this slow cooker version. SO easy
I love it! Talk about a wedding that says a lot about your personality 🙂 I honestly don’t know why I don’t see more crockpot mashed potato recipes – such an easy idea.
I love that wedding picture! A mashed potato bar at your wedding is so unique! Thanks for sharing this recipe.
When the caterer offered it as an option, it was a no brainer. In fact, I think that’s all I got to eat that whole night! LOL
A mashed potato bar at your wedding? That is amazing!! This recipe looks so great for fall. Thanks!
Wait what?!?! You had a mashed potato bar at your wedding?!?! My best friend and I adore mashed potatoes, when we were kids it was the meal we’d made ourselves when we would hang out. I can’t believe neither one of us had a mashed potato bar at our wedding!
That wedding picture is awesome! We weren’t as creative and had a candy bar! Haha. Also I love anything I can use my slow cooker for!
Mashed Potato Bar at your wedding, well dang, I wish I was a guest at your wedding, that sounds so delicious. This is a great recipe.