Ree Drummond, the Pioneer Woman, is renowned for her heartwarming recipes that bring families together. Among her many culinary triumphs, the Pioneer Woman Mashed Potatoes stand out as a crowd-pleaser. This recipe isn’t shy about richness and flavor, boasting a generous amount of butter and cream cheese that create an unbelievably creamy texture. Once you try these mashed potatoes, you’ll understand why they’re a favorite – and why Ree Drummond makes no apologies for their indulgence!
Perfect for a comforting Sunday supper or an elaborate holiday feast, these mashed potatoes offer the convenience of being made ahead of time. They reheat beautifully, retaining their signature creamy consistency, making your meal prep smoother and stress-free. If you’re wondering how to reheat mashed potatoes without compromising their delightful taste and texture, this recipe is your answer!
Ree Drummond’s Pioneer Woman Mashed Potatoes Recipe
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This recipe yields approximately 10-11 cups of heavenly mashed potatoes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
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- 5 pounds russet potatoes or Yukon Gold potatoes (for the best creamy texture)
- ¾ cup (1 ½ sticks) unsalted butter, plus extra for greasing the baking dish
- 8 ounces softened cream cheese, ensuring smooth blending
- ½ cup half-and-half, for added richness
- ½ teaspoon seasoned salt, adjust to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground for best flavor
Essential Tools for Mashed Potato Perfection
Toh Ecomm Pioneer Woman Dutch Oven Via Walmart.com
Large Pot
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Toh Ecomm The Pioneer Woman Frontier Collection Stainless Steel Masher Via Walmart.com
Potato Masher
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Pioneer Woman Baking Dish
Baking Dish
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- Large pot, for boiling potatoes
- Colander, for draining cooked potatoes
- Potato masher, for achieving the perfect texture
- 13×9-inch baking dish, for baking and serving
Step-by-Step Guide to Pioneer Woman Mashed Potatoes
Step 1: Potato Prep
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Begin by peeling the potatoes thoroughly. Cut each potato into evenly sized chunks – quarters for medium potatoes, and six pieces for larger ones. Place the sliced potatoes in your large pot and add cold water just until they are covered. Starting with cold water helps the potatoes cook more evenly.
Step 2: Boiling for Tenderness
Bring the pot of potatoes to a rolling boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat slightly to maintain a gentle boil and cook until the potatoes are fork-tender. This usually takes around 20-25 minutes, depending on the potato size. They should be easily pierced with a fork but not falling apart.
Step 3: Drain and Dry Mash
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Carefully drain the cooked potatoes using a colander. Return the drained potatoes to the empty pot. Place the pot back on the burner over low heat. Using your potato masher, begin to mash the potatoes thoroughly. This step, done over low heat, is crucial as it allows any excess moisture to evaporate, resulting in fluffier, not watery, mashed potatoes. Continue mashing until the potatoes are mostly smooth and dry-looking.
Step 4: Creamy Additions
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Now for the magic! Slice the softened cream cheese into cubes and add them to the warm 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 rich ingredients until they are fully melted and evenly distributed throughout the potatoes. The mixture will become wonderfully creamy and smooth.
Step 5: Baking to Perfection
Spooned mashed potatoes into a baking dish, swirled on top, and dotted with butter pats before baking.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your 13×9-inch baking dish with a bit of butter. Spoon the creamy mashed potatoes into the prepared dish and spread them out evenly. Create decorative swirls on top with a spoon for an elegant touch, and dot the surface with a few pats of cold butter.
Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes, or until the butter is melted and the potatoes are heated through. For serving, stir the melted butter into the potatoes for extra richness. Serve immediately and enjoy the creamy, buttery goodness!
Why You’ll Love Pioneer Woman Mashed Potatoes
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These aren’t just any mashed potatoes; they are an experience. The combination of butter and cream cheese creates an incredibly decadent and creamy texture that is simply irresistible. The seasoned salt adds just the right savory note, perfectly complementing the richness. Whether enjoyed as they are or smothered in your favorite homemade gravy, these mashed potatoes are a guaranteed hit.
The make-ahead convenience is a game-changer, especially during busy holidays. Prepare them a day or two in advance, and you’ll have one less thing to worry about on the big day. Simply reheat and serve these creamy delights!
Reheating Instructions for Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes
To reheat your Pioneer Woman Mashed Potatoes, first, ensure they are completely cooled after spreading them in the baking dish. Cover the dish tightly and refrigerate for up to two days. When ready to reheat, Ree Drummond suggests letting them sit at room temperature for 2-3 hours to warm up slightly. Dot the top with a few extra pats of butter and bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through. This method ensures they retain their creamy texture and delicious flavor, even after being refrigerated.
Tips for the Best Pioneer Woman Mashed Potatoes
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- Potato Choice Matters: Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal for mashed potatoes because of their starch content, which leads to a fluffy, creamy texture. Yukon Golds will also impart a subtle buttery flavor and a beautiful golden hue.
- Hand Masher is Best: Ree Drummond advises against using an electric mixer. Overmixing can release too much starch, resulting in gummy mashed potatoes. A hand masher provides better control and ensures the perfect texture.
- Customize Your Creaminess: While the recipe calls for half-and-half, you can adjust the richness by using heavy cream for an even more decadent result, or milk for a slightly lighter version.
- Flavor Boosters: Feel free to personalize your mashed potatoes with delicious add-ins. Consider stirring in roasted garlic, caramelized onions, fresh herbs like chives or rosemary, crispy bacon bits, or shredded cheese like cheddar or Parmesan for extra flavor dimensions.
Enjoy making and sharing these incredible Pioneer Woman Mashed Potatoes – they are sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen!
