There is something mighty satisfying about coming home from a hot August pool party to a crock full of potatoes turned soft, rich, and silky with hardly any fuss at all. This kind of recipe suits the Midwestern table just fine: simple ingredients, dependable results, and plenty to pass around. Nicola potatoes whip up especially smooth and buttery, and when they have had a long, gentle cook in the slow cooker, they become the sort of side dish that feels both practical and a little special.
Serve these whipped potatoes alongside grilled burgers, barbecue chicken, bratwurst, ham, or a platter of sweet corn and tomato slices fresh from the garden. They also fit right in with pool party food because they hold their heat well in the slow cooker, and a sprinkle of chives, cracked black pepper, or a little extra butter on top makes them handsome enough for the buffet table.
3-Ingredient Slow Cooker August Pool Party Silky Butter Whipped Potatoes using Peeled Quartered Nicola Potatoes
Servings: 8
Ingredients
3 pounds Nicola potatoes, peeled and quartered
1 cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
Directions
1. Lightly butter or mist the inside of a 4- to 6-quart slow cooker if you like easier cleanup, then add the peeled quartered Nicola potatoes, butter pieces, and salt.
2. Cover and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours, or until the potatoes are very tender and easily break apart with a spoon.
3. Use a potato masher first to break the potatoes down, then whip them right in the slow cooker with a hand mixer until smooth and fluffy. If you prefer a more rustic texture, stop once they are creamy with a few small lumps left.
4. Taste and adjust with a little more salt if needed. Smooth the top, cover, and keep warm on the slow cooker setting until ready to serve.
5. Spoon into a serving bowl or serve straight from the slow cooker with an extra pat of butter on top if you want that old-fashioned Sunday supper look.
Variations & Tips
Make-Ahead Party Tip: These potatoes are wonderfully suited to entertaining because they can stay on the warm setting for about 1 to 2 hours. Give them a stir now and then so the top stays soft and creamy.
Extra Buttery Version: If your crowd loves rich potatoes, add another 2 to 4 tablespoons of butter at the end while whipping. It gives the potatoes an even glossier finish and a deeper buttery flavor.
Rustic Texture: For a more farmhouse-style bowl of potatoes, mash by hand and skip the mixer. You will get a heartier texture that is lovely with grilled sausages and barbecue.
Keep Them Smooth: Do not overwork the potatoes once they are fully whipped, or they can lose some of that light texture. Mix just until silky, then hold warm and serve.
Simple Garnish: Even with only three ingredients, a little chopped chive, parsley, or black pepper over the top can make the bowl look company-ready without changing the spirit of the dish.