Can I put Bob Evans mashed potatoes in the crockpot?

Using a crockpot to make mashed potatoes is certainly possible, but there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure you end up with delicious, fluffy mashed potatoes at the end. In this article, we’ll go over the pros and cons of making Bob Evans mashed potatoes in a crockpot and provide tips for getting perfect results.

The Benefits of Crockpot Mashed Potatoes

There are a few potential benefits to using a crockpot instead of the stovetop to make your mashed potatoes:

Hands-off cooking: Once you add the potatoes and liquid to the crockpot, it does all the work for you. No need to watch a pot on the stove.
Consistent heating: The crockpot provides steady, even heat to cook the potatoes through without scorching.
Flavor development: The long cook time allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Keeps potatoes hot: If you’re making mashed potatoes ahead of time for a meal, the crockpot will keep them piping hot until serving time.

For busy home cooks, using a crockpot can make mashed potato prep simple and convenient. You can prep them in the morning and have perfectly cooked potatoes ready for mashing at dinnertime.

Potential Drawbacks of Crockpot Mashed Potatoes

However, there are a few potential cons to keep in mind:

Watery texture: The moist environment of the crockpot combined with the long cook time can sometimes make potatoes waterlogged and gluey.
Mashing challenges: Mashing in the crockpot can lead to lumps since you don’t have direct heat to help break down the potatoes.
Loss of nuanced flavor: Delicate potato flavors can become diluted and muted with long crockpot cooking.

Slow cooking times: While hands-off, crockpot cooking takes hours instead of the 30-40 minutes to boil potatoes on the stove.

You’ll need to take some extra care to get light, fluffy texture and maximize flavor development when making mashed potatoes in the crockpot.

Choosing the Right Potato Variety

To get the best results from your crockpot mashed potatoes, start with the right potatoes:

Russet potatoes: The starchiness and fluffy texture of russets makes them a smart choice for crockpot cooking. They’ll hold their shape well and develop a creamy interior.
Yukon Gold potatoes: With a smooth, buttery flavor, Yukon golds are excellent for mashing. Their moderate starch content gives great texture.
Avoid red potatoes: The firm, waxy texture of red potatoes won’t break down properly during crockpot cooking.

Stick with russet or Yukon gold potatoes for tender, flavorful crockpot spuds. The right potato variety can prevent water logging and maintain the fluffy texture.

Crockpot Cooking Time for Potatoes

Crockpot cooking time can vary based on:

Amount of potatoes – The more potatoes in the crock, the longer they’ll take to cook through.

Size of potato pieces – Smaller pieces will cook faster than large chunks.
Function setting – Most crockpots have low, high, and warm settings. High heat expedites cooking.

For 1-2 pounds of medium diced potatoes, cook times usually range from 3-5 hours on high. Whole small potatoes may take 6-8 hours. Use this cooking time estimate as a starting point and check potatoes periodically for doneness.

Potatoes are done when easily pierced with a fork. If underdone, replenish cooking liquid and continue cooking until tender.

Prepping Potatoes for the Crockpot

Proper prep is key for crockpot potato success. Follow these tips:

Cut uniform pieces about 1-2 inches in size so potatoes cook evenly.

Use a vegetable peeler or paring knife to remove any eyes, blemishes, and green spots.
Rinse cut potatoes in cold water to remove excess starch.
Pat potatoes dry before adding to crockpot.

Don’t overfill crockpot – leave at least 1-2 inches of space at the top.

Prepping your potatoes properly allows them to cook through tender while retaining their shape in the crockpot.

Crockpot Potato Cooking Liquid

The liquid in the crockpot provides moisture to cook the potatoes through. Use one of these options:

Water: For plain potatoes, cover with water 1-2 inches above potato pieces.
Broth: Substitute broth for all or part of water for more flavor.
Milk: For creamier potatoes, replace half the water with milk.

Butter: Add 2-3 tbsp melted butter for rich, velvety potatoes.

Replenish with more liquid during cooking if needed to prevent drying out. The potato pieces should remain fully submerged.

Seasoning Crockpot Potatoes

Season your potatoes while cooking to infuse them with flavor. Consider adding:

1-2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
Minced garlic

Chopped herbs like rosemary, thyme, or sage
Spices like paprika or onion powder

Limit salt to 1-2 tsp as the crockpot tends to intensify seasonings. You can add more later when mashing.

Mashing Crockpot Potatoes

Once cooked, potatoes need to be mashed. There are a few options for this step:

Mash in crockpot: Use a potato masher to roughly mash potatoes in the crockpot. This isn’t ideal for getting a smooth texture.
Transfer to bowl: Scoop potatoes into a bowl and use a masher or ricer for fluffier spuds.

Use electric mixer: Beat potatoes in a stand mixer or with a hand mixer for smoothest results.

For lightest, lump-free potatoes, transfer to a bowl and mash using a tool or mixer. Add milk, butter, and any other mix-ins when mashing.

Tips for Creamy Crockpot Mashed Potatoes

Getting smooth, creamy potatoes can take a little finesse with the crockpot. Here are some tips:

Replace half the water with milk when cooking.
Stir in sour cream, cream cheese, or grated cheese when mashing.
Let potatoes steam off heat for 5 minutes before mashing to dry out.

For lump-free spuds, pass through a food mill or ricer.
Slowly beat in softened butter after initial mashing.

With the right ingredients and gentle mixing, you can achieve cloud-like creamy crockpot mashed potatoes.

Keeping Crockpot Potatoes Warm

If your potatoes will be sitting for a bit before serving, take these steps to keep them warm and tasty:

Keep crockpot on warm setting or lowest temperature.
Transfer mashed potatoes to a slow cooker hot box or insulated container.

Place lid on potatoes or cover with foil to retain heat.
Stir occasionally to distribute heat evenly.
Add warm milk or broth if potatoes dry out.

With proper hot holding, your crockpot mashed potatoes can stay warm and ready to serve for up to 2 hours.

Crockpot Mashed Potato Recipe

This simple recipe yields creamy, comforting crockpot mashed potatoes:

Ingredients:

3 lbs russet or Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1″ pieces

1 1/2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
4 tbsp butter, divided
1/2 cup milk, warmed

2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

1/4 cup sour cream or cream cheese

Instructions:

Add potato pieces and broth to slow cooker. Dot with 2 tbsp butter. Cook on high heat for 4-5 hours.
Once potatoes are fork tender, drain excess liquid. Mash potatoes in crockpot or transfer to a bowl.

Beat in remaining butter and warm milk until smooth and creamy.
Stir in garlic, salt, pepper, and sour cream. Adjust seasonings.
Serve potatoes warm with extra butter, salt, and pepper.

These savory, garlicky mashed potatoes are sure to become a favorite crockpot staple!

Making Bob Evans Crockpot Mashed Potatoes

To recreate the taste of Bob Evans mashed potatoes in the crockpot, follow their signature mashing method:

Cook potatoes in broth seasoned with garlic, onion, and poultry seasoning.

Drain potatoes and mash by hand with a potato masher or ricer.
Gradually beat in butter, milk, salt, and pepper.
Stir in a bit of sour cream for extra creaminess.

Bob Evans uses a mix of fresh and instant potatoes. For crockpot, go all fresh potatoes for the creamiest texture. With the right prep and ingredients, you can enjoy Bob Evans-style mashed potatoes from the convenience of your slow cooker.

Mashed Potato Crockpot Recipe Variations

Once you master basic crockpot mashed potatoes, try giving them some flavor twists:

Variation	Ingredients
Garlic Mashed Potatoes	Add 4-6 cloves minced garlic
Ranch Mashed Potatoes	Stir in 1 packet Ranch seasoning mix
Cheesy Potatoes	Mix in 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Bacon Potato	Top with cooked, crumbled bacon
Sour Cream and Chive	Fold in 1/2 cup sour cream and 2 tbsp chives

Let your imagination run wild! The crockpot is the perfect way to cook up yummy mashed potato creations.

Crockpot Scalloped Potatoes

For an easy crockpot meal, make cheesy, creamy scalloped potatoes:

Ingredients:

3 lbs potatoes, thinly sliced
1 onion, thinly sliced

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
3 tbsp butter, melted
2 cups milk

1/4 cup flour
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper

Instructions:

Lightly grease crockpot and layer 1/3 of the potatoes in bottom.
Top with 1/3 of onion, 1/3 of cheese, and a drizzle of melted butter.
Repeat layers twice more, ending with cheese.

In a bowl, whisk together milk, flour, salt and pepper. Pour over top.
Cover and cook on low 6-8 hours.

These indulgent, melty crockpot scalloped potatoes are perfect with roasted chicken or pork.

Troubleshooting Crockpot Mashed Potatoes

Having trouble getting perfect results from your crockpot potatoes? Here are some common issues and solutions:

Problem	Solution
Watery, gluey texture	Don’t overfill crockpot, cut potatoes uniformly, and drain well before mashing.
Lumpy texture	Use a ricer or food mill for smoothest spuds.
Bland flavor	Season cooking liquid well and add butter, garlic, herbs when mashing.
Too dry	Cover and stir periodically. Add more liquid if needed.
Scorching on sides	Don’t fill crockpot more than 2/3 full to prevent scorching.

With a few simple adjustments, you can perfect your crockpot mashed for a fuss-free side dish!

Conclusion

Crockpot mashed potatoes are totally doable with the right prep and cooking techniques. Select sturdy potatoes, dice small, and don’t overfill the crock. Cook in seasoned liquid until fork tender. Then mash until fluffy and creamy. With a few tries, you can master delicious Bob Evans-style crockpot mashed potatoes. Get ready to enjoy this favorite comfort food without all the hassle!