Ree Drummond, the Pioneer Woman, is renowned for her comforting, crowd-pleasing recipes, and her mashed potatoes are no exception. This Pioneer Woman Mashed Potato Recipe isn’t just good; it’s legendary. Known for their incredibly rich and creamy texture, these mashed potatoes are loaded with flavor thanks to a generous amount of butter and a secret ingredient that takes them over the top. If you’re searching for the ultimate mashed potato recipe that will impress at any dinner, especially a holiday feast, look no further.
Perfect for large gatherings or a special Sunday supper, this Pioneer Woman mashed potato recipe offers the convenience of being made ahead of time. Imagine the stress relief of prepping your side dish a day or two in advance! And the best part? Reheating these mashed potatoes doesn’t compromise their luxurious, creamy texture. You can enjoy the same, melt-in-your-mouth goodness even when made ahead. Let’s dive into what makes this recipe so special and how you can recreate these dreamy mashed potatoes in your own kitchen.
Pioneer Woman Mashed Potato Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide to Creamy Bliss
Close up of Pioneer Woman Mashed Potatoes in a baking dish, ready to serve, highlighting their creamy texture.
This recipe yields approximately 10-11 cups of the most delectable mashed potatoes you’ve ever tasted.
What You’ll Need: Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Mashed Potatoes laid out, featuring potatoes, butter, cream cheese, and seasonings.
- 5 pounds russet or Yukon Gold potatoes – For the best texture, choose either russet or Yukon Gold potatoes. Russets will give you fluffier potatoes, while Yukon Golds offer a slightly creamier, naturally buttery flavor and a beautiful yellow hue.
- ¾ cup (1½ sticks) unsalted butter, plus extra for greasing – Don’t skimp on the butter! It’s crucial for the richness and flavor of this recipe.
- 8-ounce package softened cream cheese – Here’s the secret ingredient! Cream cheese adds an unparalleled creaminess and a subtle tang that elevates these mashed potatoes. Make sure it’s softened for smooth blending.
- ½ cup half-and-half – Half-and-half contributes to the creamy consistency without making the potatoes too heavy.
- ½ teaspoon seasoned salt (plus more to taste) – Seasoned salt adds complexity and depth of flavor beyond regular salt. Adjust to your taste.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper – Freshly ground black pepper is recommended for the best flavor.
Essential Tools for Perfect Mashed Potatoes
To make this Pioneer Woman mashed potato recipe, you’ll need a few key kitchen tools:
The Pioneer Woman Vintage Floral 5-Quart Dutch Oven, perfect for boiling potatoes for mashed potatoes.- Large Pot: A dutch oven or large pot is needed to boil the potatoes. Make sure it’s big enough to comfortably hold all the potatoes and water.
The Pioneer Woman Frontier Collection Stainless Steel Masher, a must-have tool for making mashed potatoes.- Potato Masher: A sturdy potato masher is essential for achieving the desired texture. Ree Drummond recommends a hand masher to prevent the potatoes from becoming gummy.
The Pioneer Woman Flea Market Baking Dish, ideal for baking and serving mashed potatoes.
- Baking Dish: A 9×13 inch baking dish or similar size is needed if you plan to bake the mashed potatoes or make them ahead and reheat.
- Colander – For draining the cooked potatoes.
- Measuring cups and spoons
Making Pioneer Woman Mashed Potatoes: Simple Steps to Deliciousness
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes for Boiling
Chopped potatoes being placed into a large pot for boiling, first step in making mashed potatoes.
Begin by peeling the potatoes thoroughly. To ensure even cooking, slice each potato into chunks. Quartering smaller potatoes and cutting larger ones into six pieces is ideal. Place the sliced potatoes in your large pot and cover them with cold water. Using cold water ensures the potatoes cook evenly from the inside out. Add just enough water to cover the potatoes; too much water can make them waterlogged.
Step 2: Boil the Potatoes to Tender Perfection
Bring the pot of potatoes and water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat slightly to maintain a gentle boil and cook until the potatoes are tender. Start checking for doneness after about 20 minutes. They are ready when a fork easily pierces through the center of a potato chunk without resistance. Be careful not to overcook them to the point of falling apart in the water, as this can make them mushy.
Step 3: Drain and Dry the Potatoes for Fluffiness
Drained potatoes being mashed in the same pot on a stovetop to remove excess moisture.
Once the potatoes are tender, carefully drain them using a colander. Return the drained potatoes to the same pot. This is a crucial step for achieving the perfect mashed potato texture. Place the pot back on the burner over low heat. Using your potato masher, begin to thoroughly mash the potatoes. Mashing them over low heat allows any excess moisture to evaporate, resulting in fluffier, not watery, mashed potatoes. Continue mashing and stirring over the low heat for a minute or two to remove as much moisture as possible.
Step 4: Incorporate Butter, Cream Cheese, and Creamy Goodness
Adding butter, cream cheese, and half-and-half to mashed potatoes for creamy texture and rich flavor.
Now for the magic! Slice 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 as well, along with the half-and-half. Continue mashing until all these ingredients are melted and thoroughly incorporated into the potatoes, creating a smooth and creamy mixture.
Step 5: Season and Bake (Optional) for Extra Flavor
Stir in the seasoned salt and black pepper, and taste the potatoes. Adjust seasoning as needed, adding more seasoned salt or pepper to your preference. For an extra touch, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter. Spoon the mashed potatoes into the prepared dish and spread them evenly. Create a decorative swirl on top with a spoon and dot with a few pats of cold butter. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until heated through and the butter on top is melted. Baking is optional but adds a lovely warmth and allows the flavors to meld together even further. If baking, stir the melted butter through the potatoes before serving. Serve immediately and enjoy the creamy, buttery perfection!
Tasting the Pioneer Woman’s Mashed Potato Magic
A serving of Pioneer Woman Mashed Potatoes in a bowl, showcasing the creamy texture and appetizing appearance.
These mashed potatoes are truly something special. The combination of butter and cream cheese creates an unbelievably rich and creamy texture that’s hard to resist. The seasoned salt adds just the right amount of savory flavor, making them delicious on their own or as a perfect base for gravy. Whether you serve them alongside a roast chicken, steak, or as part of your holiday spread, these Pioneer Woman mashed potatoes are guaranteed to be a hit.
The make-ahead convenience is a game-changer, especially for busy holidays. Being able to prepare these creamy mashed potatoes in advance and simply reheat them without sacrificing texture or flavor is a huge win for any home cook.
Make-Ahead Tips and Reheating Instructions for Pioneer Woman Mashed Potatoes
To make ahead, follow the recipe through Step 5, spreading the mashed potatoes in the baking dish. Allow them to cool completely, then cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
When you’re ready to reheat, Ree Drummond recommends letting the dish sit at room temperature for 2-3 hours to take the chill off. This helps them heat more evenly. Dot the top with a few extra pats of butter to maintain moisture during reheating. Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly. If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely tent the dish with foil.
Tips for the Best Pioneer Woman Mashed Potatoes Every Time
Close up of mashed potatoes being made with a hand masher, emphasizing the importance of using the right tools.
- Potato Choice Matters: As mentioned, russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are your best bet. Avoid waxier potatoes like red potatoes, which don’t mash as well.
- Hand Masher is Key: Ree Drummond specifically advises against using an electric mixer. A hand masher prevents over-mixing, which can lead to gummy potatoes. Embrace the hand masher for the best texture.
- Customize Your Creaminess: If you prefer even richer mashed potatoes, you can substitute heavy cream for the half-and-half. For a lighter version, use milk, but be aware it will affect the creaminess.
- Flavor Boosters: While these mashed potatoes are fantastic as is, feel free to experiment with add-ins. Roasted garlic, fresh herbs like chives or rosemary, crispy bacon bits, or shredded cheddar cheese are all delicious additions.
Enjoy making and serving these incredible Pioneer Woman mashed potatoes – they are sure to become a family favorite!
