Ree Drummond, the Pioneer Woman, is beloved for her comforting, crowd-pleasing recipes, and her mashed potatoes are no exception. Known for their richness and incredibly creamy texture, Pioneer Woman Mashed Potatoes are a staple at holiday tables and family gatherings. But what if you could achieve that same decadent flavor with even less effort? Enter: Crockpot Mashed Potatoes Pioneer Woman style! This recipe takes the essence of Ree’s classic dish and adapts it for your slow cooker, making it perfect for freeing up stovetop space and ensuring your potatoes are perfectly cooked and warm until serving.
This crockpot version maintains all the creamy, buttery goodness of the original while simplifying the cooking process. It’s ideal for busy holidays, potlucks, or any time you want delicious, stress-free mashed potatoes. Get ready to indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this easy crockpot recipe.
Toh 3 2 Ft Pioneer Woman Mashed Potatoes Nancy Mock For Tohh Gettyimages 156649536 Jvedit
This recipe yields approximately 10-11 cups of creamy crockpot mashed potatoes.
Ingredients for Crockpot Pioneer Woman Mashed Potatoes
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- 5 pounds russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and quartered
- ¾ cup (1 ½ sticks) unsalted butter, plus extra for greasing the crockpot
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup half-and-half
- ½ teaspoon seasoned salt, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- Optional garnishes: chopped chives, bacon bits, shredded cheddar cheese
Essential Tools for Your Crockpot Mashed Potatoes
Toh Ecomm Pioneer Woman Dutch Oven Via Walmart.com
Large Pot or Crockpot
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Pioneer Woman Baking Dish
Baking Dish (Optional)
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Step-by-Step Guide to Crockpot Mashed Potato Perfection
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes for the Crockpot
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Begin by peeling your potatoes and cutting them into roughly even chunks. Quartering them ensures they cook through evenly in the crockpot. Lightly grease the bottom of your crockpot with butter to prevent sticking and add an extra layer of flavor. Place the quartered potatoes into the greased crockpot.
Step 2: Cook the Potatoes in the Crockpot
Add just enough cold water or chicken broth to the crockpot to cover about ¾ of the potatoes – you don’t need to fully submerge them as the steam will help them cook. Place the butter on top of the potatoes. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. Cooking time can vary depending on your crockpot model and the size of your potato chunks, so check for tenderness after the minimum cooking time.
Step 3: Mash and Evaporate Excess Moisture
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Once the potatoes are cooked through and easily pierced with a fork, drain any excess liquid from the crockpot. Return the crockpot (with the potatoes and melted butter) to the “warm” setting or very low heat if possible. Using a potato masher, thoroughly mash the potatoes directly in the crockpot. Mashing them in the residual heat helps to evaporate any extra moisture, resulting in fluffier mashed potatoes, just like Ree Drummond recommends for stovetop mashing. Allow any excess moisture to steam off for a few minutes while mashing.
Step 4: Incorporate Cream Cheese and Half-and-Half
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Add the softened cream cheese, sliced into cubes, and half-and-half to the mashed potatoes in the crockpot. Continue mashing until the cream cheese is fully melted and everything is smoothly combined. The cream cheese is the secret ingredient to that signature Pioneer Woman creaminess! Stir in the seasoned salt and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed – you might want a bit more seasoned salt for that perfect flavor.
Step 5: Serve or Keep Warm
Image of mashed potatoes in a baking dish, ready for serving, highlighting the final presentation.
Your Crockpot Pioneer Woman Mashed Potatoes are now ready to serve! You can keep them warm in the crockpot on the “warm” setting for up to 2 hours. For a golden-brown top, you can transfer the mashed potatoes to a buttered baking dish, dot with extra butter, and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until heated through and lightly browned. Serve immediately and enjoy the creamy, dreamy goodness.
My Take on Crockpot Pioneer Woman Mashed Potatoes
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Just like the original Pioneer Woman Mashed Potatoes, this crockpot version is incredibly indulgent and flavorful. The crockpot method simplifies the process, freeing up your stovetop, especially during big holiday meals. The cream cheese and butter create an unbelievably creamy texture that’s hard to resist. Using the crockpot ensures the potatoes are cooked perfectly and stay warm, making it ideal for make-ahead convenience. I found that the seasoned salt is key to getting that signature flavor, so don’t be shy with it! These mashed potatoes are fantastic on their own or smothered in gravy – they are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser!
Make-Ahead and Reheating Instructions for Crockpot Mashed Potatoes
These Crockpot Pioneer Woman Mashed Potatoes are perfect for making ahead! After mashing, let them cool slightly, then transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
To reheat: You have a couple of options.
Oven Reheating: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the mashed potatoes in an oven-safe dish, dot with a few pats of butter or a splash of half-and-half to maintain moisture, and cover with foil. Bake for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through. Stir before serving.
Crockpot Reheating (for large batches): For larger quantities, you can reheat them in the crockpot. Place the refrigerated mashed potatoes back into the crockpot with a few pats of butter and a splash of half-and-half or milk. Reheat on low, stirring occasionally, until heated through and creamy again, about 1-2 hours.
Tips for the Best Crockpot Mashed Potatoes
Image showcasing tips and variations, such as different potato types or add-ins, emphasizing customization.
- Potato Choice Matters: Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are your best bet for creamy mashed potatoes. Russets are starchier and fluffier, while Yukon Golds offer a slightly buttery flavor and naturally creamy texture.
- Don’t Overmix: Just like Ree Drummond advises against electric mixers for stovetop mashed potatoes, avoid overmixing in the crockpot. Overmixing can lead to gummy potatoes. Hand mashing is the way to go for the best texture.
- Keep it Warm: The crockpot’s “warm” setting is your friend! It’s perfect for holding the mashed potatoes at serving temperature without drying them out.
- Flavor Boosters: Feel free to customize your crockpot mashed potatoes! Stir in roasted garlic, caramelized onions, fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme, or your favorite shredded cheese for extra flavor dimensions.
Enjoy the ease and deliciousness of Crockpot Pioneer Woman Mashed Potatoes – a guaranteed hit at any meal!
