Place potatoes, water, garlic, and salt in slow cooker. Cover and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours, or until potatoes are tender. Drain excess water from potatoes.
Mash the potatoes with a potato masher or a fork. Add in sour cream, milk, and butter and blend with hand blender or potato masher until desired consistency.
Stir in cheddar cheese, bacon and chives. Keep on warm setting until ready to serve. Salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
Always spray your slow cooker with cooking spray before to help make clean up a breeze!