Ultimate Slow Cooker Gouda Mashed Potatoes: Creamy, Cheesy & Effortless Holiday Side

Forget the fuss of boiling potatoes on a crowded stovetop. Imagine rich, creamy mashed potatoes, infused with the subtle, nutty flavor of Gouda cheese, all made effortlessly in your slow cooker. These Slow Cooker Gouda Mashed Potatoes are a game-changer, especially when you’re preparing a holiday feast or simply want a delicious, comforting side dish without all the usual hassle. Red potatoes cook slowly to tender perfection, then are mashed with decadent Gouda, tangy Greek yogurt, butter, and milk, creating a side that’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

Why These Gouda Mashed Potatoes Are a Must-Try

For many, plain mashed potatoes, while a classic, can sometimes feel a bit… understated. While some purists adore their simplicity, my taste buds always crave a little something extra – a burst of flavor, a hint of richness, or a creamy, tangy twist. That’s where these Gouda Mashed Potatoes truly shine. They elevate a humble side dish into something truly memorable, transforming it into a luxurious experience.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its carefully chosen ingredients. Gouda cheese, with its mild, slightly sweet, and nutty profile, adds an incredible depth of flavor without overwhelming the natural taste of the potatoes. It melts beautifully, integrating seamlessly into the creamy texture. Paired with a dollop of Greek yogurt, these potatoes achieve a delightful tang and a lighter texture than traditional sour cream, making them both incredibly flavorful and a slightly healthier option. I personally love using Stonyfield Greek yogurt for its consistent quality and creamy consistency.

The Unbeatable Convenience of Your Slow Cooker

Perhaps the biggest win with these Gouda Mashed Potatoes is the use of a slow cooker. This kitchen appliance is a true lifesaver, especially during busy times like the holiday season. Instead of dedicating precious stove burners and constant attention to a pot of boiling potatoes, your slow cooker handles all the heavy lifting. Simply chop your potatoes, toss them in with broth and garlic, and let them gently cook for hours. This hands-off approach not only saves you time and effort but also frees up valuable stove space for other dishes. Imagine preparing your turkey, gravy, or green bean casserole without juggling multiple pots of potatoes! It’s a true win-win that simplifies holiday meal prep considerably.

The Distinctive Charm of Gouda Cheese

Gouda has always held a special place in my heart – and my fridge! Its versatility, mild flavor, and excellent melting qualities make it a fantastic choice for dishes like mashed potatoes. While there’s a local restaurant that serves incredible smoked Gouda smashed red potatoes, which are wonderfully chunky with a smoky depth, I opted for classic Gouda in this recipe. Smoked Gouda can be quite strong, and for a diverse group of holiday guests, a more neutral flavor profile is often appreciated. However, if you’re a fan of that smoky kick, feel free to substitute a good quality smoked Gouda for a portion of the regular Gouda – it’s a delightful variation!

The beauty of using Gouda is that it offers a rich, buttery undertone that complements the potatoes beautifully without overpowering them. It melts into a smooth, velvety texture, ensuring every bite is loaded with cheesy goodness. Combined with the freshness of Greek yogurt, it strikes a perfect balance between indulgence and lightness.

Tips for Perfect Mashed Potato Consistency

Achieving the ideal mashed potato texture is a personal preference. Some love a super creamy, smooth consistency, while others prefer a more rustic, slightly chunky mash. This recipe offers the flexibility to achieve either. When I make these, I often leave a small amount of the red potato skin on for extra texture and a pop of color, giving them a delightful “smashed” potato feel. If you prefer a truly smooth mash, simply peel all the potatoes completely.

Once the potatoes are fork-tender after their slow cooker journey, transferring them to a KitchenAid mixer is a fantastic way to achieve consistent results. Start with a low speed to incorporate the butter, Greek yogurt, salt, pepper, and shredded Gouda. As you gradually add the warm milk, increase the mixer speed to medium. This allows you to control the creaminess. If you desire an ultra-creamy, almost whipped texture, continue mixing and add a touch more warm milk until your desired consistency is reached. For a chunkier mash, use a hand potato masher instead of a mixer, leaving some delightful lumps.

Customizing Your Slow Cooker Gouda Mashed Potatoes

While these Gouda mashed potatoes are incredibly flavorful on their own, they also serve as a perfect canvas for your favorite toppings and variations. Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, feel free to experiment:

Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of freshly chopped chives or parsley adds a bright, herbaceous note that complements the richness of the Gouda beautifully.
Crispy Bacon: For a more indulgent twist, crumbled crispy bacon bits are an irresistible addition. The smoky, salty crunch provides a wonderful contrast to the creamy potatoes.
Caramelized Onions: Sweet, slow-cooked caramelized onions folded into the mash or served on top can add another layer of savory depth.
Garlic Confit: Instead of minced garlic, try adding a few cloves of roasted garlic or garlic confit for a milder, sweeter garlic flavor.
Spice It Up: A pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce can give your mashed potatoes a subtle kick.
Smoked Gouda Variation: As mentioned, substituting some of the regular Gouda with smoked Gouda will impart a fantastic smoky flavor, ideal for a barbecue or robust dinner.

Serving Suggestions for Any Occasion

These Slow Cooker Gouda Mashed Potatoes are versatile enough to grace any table, from a casual weeknight dinner to the most elaborate holiday spread. They make an excellent side for:

Holiday Dinners: Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter – they free up valuable stovetop space and impress guests with their gourmet flavor.
Roast Dinners: Pair them with roasted chicken, turkey, beef, or pork for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Steak or Chops: The creamy, cheesy notes perfectly complement a perfectly cooked steak or pork chop.
Potlucks and Gatherings: They travel well in the slow cooker (kept on a “warm” setting) and are always a hit.
Comfort Food Nights: Sometimes, you just need a big bowl of cheesy, creamy goodness, and these fit the bill perfectly.

The beauty of these potatoes is their ability to feel both classic and elevated, satisfying everyone at the table.

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5 from 1 vote

Slow Cooker Gouda Mashed Potatoes

By
Julia Jolliff

Prep:

15 minutes

Cook:

4 hours

Total:

4 hours

15 minutes

Servings:

4
servings

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Slow Cooker Gouda Mashed Potatoes make a delicious side dish for the holidays. The red potatoes cook away in your slow cooker leaving you more room on your stove.

Ingredients

▢

1.5-2
lbs.
red potatoes,
peeled and cut into 1 inch cubes {it was about 5-6 large red potatoes}
▢

2
garlic ,
minced
▢

1
cup
vegetable broth ,
{or chicken broth}
▢

2
Tablespoons
butter,
cubed, melted
▢

1 – 5.3
oz.
Stonyfield Greek Yogurt
▢

3/4
teaspoon
salt
▢

1/2
teaspoon
pepper
▢

1
cup
gouda cheese,
shredded
▢

1/3
cup
milk,
warmed

Instructions

Spray the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray. Add the chopped potatoes, vegetable broth and garlic, cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours or until the potatoes are soft.
Once done cooking put the potatoes in a Kitchenaid Mixer along with the butter, Greek yogurt, salt, pepper, gouda cheese and turn the mixer to low mixing until everything is combined.
Slowly add the 1/3 cup milk as you mix the potatoes and continue to mix them on medium until the potatoes reach your desired consistency. You may need to add more milk depending on how creamy you like your mashed potatoes. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
Serve warm with your favorite toppings like a dollop of greek yogurt, sour cream, freshly chopped chives, parsley or even bacon.

Notes

I like my mashed potatoes a bit chunky with some of the red skin in them so I peel most of the potatoes leaving a small amount of skin.
If I want a chunky texture I use a potato masher to the chunky texture and if I want a creamy texture I use an immersion blender or mixer.
You could use smoked gouda cheese in this and it would add a nice smoky flavor.
When it comes to the milk you might want more if you like your mashed potatoes very creamy. Start with the 1/3 cup and go from there.

Nutrition

Calories:
402
kcal

,

Carbohydrates:
31
g

,

Protein:
20
g

,

Fat:
23
g

,

Saturated Fat:
14
g

,

Polyunsaturated Fat:
1
g

,

Monounsaturated Fat:
6
g

,

Trans Fat:
0.2
g

,

Cholesterol:
85
mg

,

Sodium:
1242
mg

,

Potassium:
897
mg

,

Fiber:
3
g

,

Sugar:
5
g

,

Vitamin A:
680
IU

,

Vitamin C:
15
mg

,

Calcium:
470
mg

,

Iron:
1
mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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