Ree Drummond, the beloved Pioneer Woman, is renowned for her heartwarming, crowd-pleasing recipes, and her mashed potatoes are no exception. Celebrated as one of our all-time favorite comfort foods, the Pioneer Woman Mashed Potatoes are incredibly rich, flawlessly creamy, and bursting with delicious flavor. Ree doesn’t hold back on the butter in this recipe – and after trying it, you won’t either!
This recipe is a lifesaver when you’re preparing a large Sunday dinner or a lavish holiday feast. These mashed potatoes can be conveniently made ahead of time and reheated, maintaining their wonderfully creamy texture. If you’re looking for the best way to reheat mashed potatoes without sacrificing their original flavor, we’ve got you covered! This recipe elevates simple mashed potatoes into a comforting casserole perfect for any occasion.
Toh 3 2 Ft Pioneer Woman Mashed Potatoes Nancy Mock For Tohh Gettyimages 156649536 Jvedit
Ree Drummond’s Mashed Potato Casserole Recipe
This recipe yields approximately 10-11 cups of heavenly mashed potatoes.
Ingredients for the Best Mashed Potato Casserole
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- 5 pounds russet or Yukon Gold potatoes (or a mix for best texture)
- 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, plus extra for greasing the casserole dish
- 8 ounces softened cream cheese, for ultimate creaminess
- 1/2 cup half-and-half, to add richness
- 1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt, plus more to taste, for savory depth
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground for best flavor
Essential Tools for Your Mashed Potato Casserole
Toh Ecomm Pioneer Woman Dutch Oven Via Walmart.com
Large Dutch OvenShop Now
Toh Ecomm The Pioneer Woman Frontier Collection Stainless Steel Masher Via Walmart.com
Potato MasherShop Now
Pioneer Woman Baking Dish
9×13 inch Baking DishShop Now
Step-by-Step Directions for Pioneer Woman Mashed Potato Casserole
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes for Casserole
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Begin by peeling the potatoes thoroughly. To ensure even cooking, slice each potato into chunks – about four pieces for medium potatoes, and six for larger ones. Place the sliced potatoes in a large pot and add cold water just until they are covered. Starting with cold water helps the potatoes cook more evenly.
Step 2: Cook the Potatoes to Perfection
Bring the pot of potatoes to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat slightly to maintain a gentle boil and cook until the potatoes are tender but not falling apart. Start checking for doneness after about 20 minutes. A fork should easily pierce through the potatoes when they are ready. Overcooking can lead to watery mashed potatoes, so keep a close eye on them.
Step 3: Drain and Mash for Creamy Texture
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Carefully drain the cooked potatoes using a colander. Return the drained potatoes to the now-empty pot. Place the pot back on the burner over low heat. Using a potato masher, thoroughly mash the potatoes. This step over low heat is crucial as it allows any excess moisture to evaporate, resulting in a drier and fluffier mashed potato base for your casserole. Continue mashing until most of the moisture has escaped before moving to the next step.
Step 4: Incorporate Creamy Ingredients
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Cut the softened cream cheese into cubes and add them to the warm mashed potatoes. Slice the butter into pats and add it to the pot along with the half-and-half. Continue to mash the potatoes, incorporating these ingredients until they are completely melted and evenly distributed throughout the potatoes. The heat from the potatoes will help melt the butter and cream cheese, creating a luscious, creamy texture.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake Your Mashed Potato Casserole
Spoonfuls of creamy mashed potatoes being transferred into a greased baking dish, ready to be baked as a comforting casserole.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish (or any casserole dish of similar size) with a bit of butter. Spoon the prepared mashed potatoes into the greased dish and spread them evenly. For an appealing finish, create a few decorative swirls on top with a spoon. Dot the top of the casserole with a few pats of cold butter.
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20 minutes, or until the butter is melted and the mashed potatoes are heated through. Once out of the oven, stir the melted butter into the top layer for extra richness. Serve your Pioneer Woman Mashed Potato Casserole immediately and enjoy the creamy, comforting goodness! These can also be refrigerated and reheated later – see instructions below. For another Ree Drummond favorite, try the Pioneer Woman’s sweet potato casserole.
Why We Love This Mashed Potato Casserole
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It’s no surprise that with all that butter and cream cheese, these mashed potatoes are incredibly indulgent. The combination might sound rich, but it creates a truly unforgettable side dish. The verdict is in: cream cheese in mashed potatoes is a game-changer! The butter and cream cheese work together to give this mashed potato casserole a rich and unbelievably creamy texture that’s hard to resist. The seasoned salt adds just the right savory note, perfectly complementing the richness. The result is a wonderfully buttery flavor that’s delicious on its own or even better when smothered with homemade gravy.
The best part about this Pioneer Woman Mashed Potato Casserole recipe is its make-ahead convenience. As Ree Drummond herself notes, this makes it perfect for holidays like Thanksgiving or any large gathering. You can do the prep work a day or two in advance and simply reheat it before serving, freeing up valuable time on the big day.
Make-Ahead and Reheating Instructions for Your Casserole
To prepare ahead, once you’ve spread the mashed potatoes in the baking dish, allow them to cool completely. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
When you are ready to reheat, Ree Drummond recommends letting the casserole sit at room temperature for about two to three hours before baking. This helps it heat more evenly. Dot the top with a few extra pats of butter to maintain moisture during reheating. Place the dish in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly around the edges. Make sure to leave some room in your fridge for other make-ahead holiday recipes!
Tips for the Perfect Pioneer Woman Mashed Potato Casserole
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- Choose the Right Potatoes: For the best mashed potato casserole, use russet potatoes or Yukon Gold potatoes, or a combination of both. Russets are starchy and fluffy when mashed, while Yukon Golds are buttery and slightly waxy, offering a great balance in texture and flavor.
- Avoid Over-mixing: Ree Drummond advises against using an electric mixer for mashed potatoes, as it can overwork them and result in a gummy texture. A hand masher is ideal for achieving the perfect creamy, yet fluffy consistency.
- Customize Your Casserole: While these mashed potatoes are delicious as is, feel free to add your own twist! Consider stirring in some diced scallions, fresh chives, crispy bacon bits, or shredded sharp cheddar cheese for extra flavor dimensions. A sprinkle of paprika on top before baking can also add a nice color and subtle smoky note to your casserole.
