Get ready for the ultimate crowd-pleaser: Million Dollar Mashed Potatoes. This dish takes everything you love about classic mashed potatoes and elevates it with a luxurious twist. Blending russet potatoes with silky cream cheese, rich butter, and a splash of milk, all cooked gently in a bath of chicken broth, you’ll be rewarded with cloud-like spoonfuls that melt right in your mouth. Whether you’re hosting a holiday feast or simply want to impress your loved ones at dinner, Million Dollar Mashed Potatoes will have everyone begging for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Million Dollar Mashed Potatoes Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Million Dollar Mashed Potatoes lies in a handful of simple ingredients that work together in perfect harmony. Each addition boosts flavor, creaminess, or color, so make sure to snag the freshest you can for your best bowl yet!

Russet potatoes (5 lbs): Starchy potatoes are key for super smooth and fluffy mash—don’t substitute for waxy types.
Salted butter (1 cup, divided): Using salted butter adds depth, richness, and the perfect hint of salt with every bite.
Cream cheese (8 oz): This is the “million dollar” secret, lending tang and unparalleled creaminess you can taste.
Milk (1/4 cup, plus more as needed): Softens and loosens your potatoes so they’re never gluey, just pure velvet.
Chicken broth (32 oz carton): Cooking potatoes in broth infuses them with savory flavor right from the start.
Salt and pepper, to taste: Adjust to your liking so every bite is perfectly seasoned.

How to Make Million Dollar Mashed Potatoes

Step 1: Prep the Potatoes

Start by peeling your russet potatoes and chopping them into hearty 1-inch chunks. Don’t worry about perfection—uniform pieces just help them cook evenly and quickly in the crock pot. Gather up your potato mountain and get ready for hands-off magic.

Step 2: Layer in the Slow Cooker

Toss all your potato chunks straight into the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker. Scatter half of the cubed salted butter over the top. Now, pour the whole carton of chicken broth in, making sure the potatoes are mostly submerged. This is where the flavors start to infuse deeply, making your Million Dollar Mashed Potatoes irresistible.

Step 3: Cook Until Fork-Tender

Cover the slow cooker and set it to high for 4 to 5 hours. Let the potatoes do their thing. When time’s up, poke a few with a fork—if they fall apart easily, you’re golden. Don’t overcook, or they’ll start to get waterlogged.

Step 4: Drain and Mash

Very carefully, drain off any excess broth, returning the potatoes promptly to the crock. Bring out your potato masher and get to work! Mash until your preferred level of smoothness—go full creamy or leave some satisfying little lumps for texture.

Step 5: Add Dairy and Seasoning

To your warm potatoes, add the remaining butter, all the cream cheese, and your initial splash of milk. Season with salt and pepper. Mash together again until everything is silky, rich, and combined to your liking. You can always add another splash of milk if you want even looser, creamier Million Dollar Mashed Potatoes.

Step 6: Keep Warm and Serve

Once your mashed potatoes reach dreamy perfection, pop the lid back on the slow cooker and switch it to its warm setting. This keeps them hot and fresh until you’re ready to serve—even if your dinner runs a bit late!

How to Serve Million Dollar Mashed Potatoes

Garnishes

The right garnish takes these potatoes over the top! Classic chopped chives or scallions add color and a fresh pop. Crispy bacon bits or a sprinkle of shredded sharp cheddar cheese are crowd favorites for added texture and flavor. Or, keep it elegant with a swirl of melted butter and crack of black pepper.

Side Dishes

Million Dollar Mashed Potatoes are an adaptable companion for so many mains. They shine alongside roasted chicken, juicy holiday turkey, grilled steak, seared pork chops, or even a simple vegetarian loaf. Pair them with crisp green beans, sauteed mushrooms, or vibrant side salads for a balanced plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Feeling playful? Scoop your mashed potatoes into mini ramekins for personal servings, or swirl them high on a platter and drizzle with rich gravy in front of guests. Piping them into rosettes or spooning them into a casserole and broiling with cheese gives you a decadent twist everyone will talk about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled to room temperature, store any leftover Million Dollar Mashed Potatoes in an airtight container in your fridge. They’ll stay perfectly creamy and flavorful for up to four days, ready to reheat whenever you’re craving comfort.

Freezing

Surprisingly, these potatoes freeze beautifully! Spoon cooled mash into freezer-safe bags or containers, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture.

Reheating

For best results, reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring regularly and adding a splash of milk or cream to bring back that signature fluff. If you’re in a hurry, microwave covered in short bursts, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of potato?

Russet potatoes are the best for the light, fluffy result that makes these Million Dollar Mashed Potatoes truly special, but Yukon Golds also work well if you prefer a slightly creamier, more golden mash. Avoid waxier varieties like red potatoes, as they won’t mash up quite as smoothly.

Is there a way to make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Just swap out the chicken broth for your favorite vegetable broth. You’ll still get amazing flavor and creamy consistency in your Million Dollar Mashed Potatoes, minus any meat-based ingredients.

Can I double this recipe for a big crowd?

You can, but you’ll want to use an extra-large slow cooker and maybe stir twice during cooking to ensure even results. Otherwise, split between two crock pots so you have plenty of Million Dollar Mashed Potatoes for every guest.

What if I don’t have a potato masher?

No masher, no problem! A sturdy fork or a hand mixer on low speed will get you similar results. Just avoid an immersion blender, which can turn the potatoes gluey.

How far ahead can I make Million Dollar Mashed Potatoes?

You can make them up to two days in advance. Just reheat gently with a splash of milk and maybe a pat of butter to restore the perfect creamy texture before serving.

Final Thoughts

Nothing says comfort and celebration like Million Dollar Mashed Potatoes. With their dreamy texture, rich flavors, and easy make-ahead prep, they’re sure to become your most requested side for every gathering. Give them a try, and get ready for everyone at the table to ask for the recipe!

Million Dollar Mashed Potatoes Recipe

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5.1 from 12 reviews

Million Dollar Mashed Potatoes is a luxurious side dish featuring a rich blend of creamy butter, sour cream, and cream cheese. With a velvety texture and irresistible flavor, it serves as the perfect accompaniment to any meal or holiday feast.

Author: Paula
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 10 servings
Category: Side Dish
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Potatoes:

5 lb russet potatoes, peeled and chopped into 1-inch pieces

Other Ingredients:

1 cup salted butter, divided
8 oz cream cheese, softened and cubed
1/4 cup milk
Salt and pepper, to taste
32 oz carton chicken broth

Instructions

Prepare Potatoes: Place the chopped potatoes in a slow cooker. Add half of the butter over the potatoes.
Add Broth: Pour chicken broth over the potatoes to cover them.
Cook: Cover and cook on high for 4-5 hours until potatoes are tender.
Drain and Mash: Drain excess broth and return potatoes to the pot. Mash until smooth.
Season and Add Ingredients: Season with salt and pepper. Add remaining butter, cream cheese, and milk. Mash until combined.
Adjust Consistency: Add more milk if needed for desired consistency.
Serve: Keep warm until serving.