Set these before the graduation party started. Came back to an empty slow cooker and very happy guests.

These 4-ingredient slow cooker fluffy butter smashed potatoes are exactly the kind of dish you set before the graduation party starts and then forget about—until you come back to an empty slow cooker and a room full of happy guests. Using peeled, quartered red potatoes keeps the texture creamy yet sturdy, and the low, gentle heat of the slow cooker gives you velvety results without babysitting a pot on the stove. This is a very Midwestern, practical approach to comfort food: simple ingredients, hands-off cooking, and a crowd-pleasing side that can sit warm on the buffet while everyone celebrates.

Serve these fluffy butter smashed potatoes straight from the slow cooker on the warm setting, with a big serving spoon so guests can help themselves. They pair beautifully with roast beef, baked ham, grilled chicken, or a platter of brats for a casual graduation spread. Add a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or buttered corn to round out the plate. If you’d like to dress them up a bit, set out small bowls of chopped fresh chives, extra melted butter, and freshly ground black pepper so guests can customize their scoop.

Servings: 8-10

5 pounds red potatoes, peeled and quartered

Lightly butter or spray the inside of a large oval slow cooker (6-quart or larger) to help prevent sticking.

Add the peeled, quartered red potatoes to the slow cooker in an even layer.

Scatter the butter pieces over the potatoes and sprinkle evenly with the kosher salt.

Pour the milk over the potatoes. Do not stir; just make sure the liquid drips down between the potatoes a bit.

Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on HIGH for 3–4 hours or on LOW for 5–6 hours, until the potatoes are very tender when pierced with a fork.

Once the potatoes are tender, turn the slow cooker to WARM or LOW. Use a potato masher to smash the potatoes directly in the slow cooker until fluffy but still slightly rustic, leaving a few small chunks for texture. Stir as you mash so the potatoes absorb the butter and milk.

Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt if needed. If the potatoes seem too thick, stir in a splash more warm milk, a little at a time, until they reach your desired creaminess.

Right before guests arrive, use a spoon to create a few shallow swirls in the top and dot with an extra tablespoon or two of butter so it melts into small golden pools.

Cover and keep on the WARM setting for serving during the party, stirring occasionally so the texture stays smooth and fluffy. Add a splash of milk if they sit for a long time and start to thicken.

For a slightly tangy version, replace 1/4–1/2 cup of the milk with sour cream or plain Greek yogurt, stirring it in after mashing so it doesn’t curdle in the slow cooker. To add a little richness and a restaurant-style finish, swap some or all of the milk for half-and-half or light cream. If you’d like a garlicky twist, add 3–4 peeled whole garlic cloves on top of the potatoes before cooking; they’ll soften and mash right in, giving you a gentle roasted-garlic flavor without overpowering the dish. For cheese lovers, stir in 1–1 1/2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar or Parmesan after mashing, then cover for 5–10 minutes on LOW so the cheese melts smoothly. To keep the recipe vegetarian, stick with butter and dairy; for a dairy-free option, use a neutral oil or vegan butter and unsweetened plant-based milk with a pinch of nutritional yeast for savoriness (note that this will change the flavor profile and richness). Food safety tips: Always start with scrubbed, freshly peeled potatoes and keep them refrigerated if you prep them ahead in water (drain well before adding to the slow cooker). Cook on HIGH or LOW as directed, but avoid using the WARM setting to actually cook raw potatoes—it’s only for holding at a safe serving temperature once they’re done. Once cooked, keep the potatoes on WARM for no more than 2–3 hours, stirring occasionally; after that, cool leftovers quickly and refrigerate. Reheat leftovers to steaming hot before serving, adding a splash of milk to restore the fluffy texture.