Ree Drummond, the Pioneer Woman, is renowned for her heartwarming, crowd-pleasing recipes, and her mashed potatoes are no exception. Building upon her classic creamy mashed potatoes, we’re taking it up a notch by introducing a rich garlic infusion. Get ready for Garlic Mashed Potatoes Pioneer Woman style – a dish that’s guaranteed to become a family favorite, perfect for any comforting meal or holiday feast. These aren’t just any mashed potatoes; they’re luxuriously creamy, deeply flavorful, and infused with the mellow sweetness of roasted garlic.
Pioneer Woman Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe
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This recipe, inspired by Pioneer Woman’s original mashed potatoes, serves about 10-11 cups, generously portioned for gatherings.
Ingredients
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- 5 pounds russet or Yukon Gold potatoes
- 1 whole head of garlic
- 3/4 cup (one and a half sticks) unsalted butter, plus extra for greasing the dish
- 8-ounce package softened cream cheese
- 1/2 cup half-and-half
- 1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt (plus more to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Tools You’ll Need
Toh Ecomm Pioneer Woman Dutch Oven Via Walmart.com
Toh Ecomm The Pioneer Woman Frontier Collection Stainless Steel Masher Via Walmart.com
Pioneer Woman Baking Dish Directions
Step 1: Roast the Garlic
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice off the top of the garlic head to expose the cloves. Drizzle with a bit of olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast for 40-45 minutes, or until the cloves are soft and caramelized. Let it cool slightly, then squeeze the roasted garlic cloves out of their skins.
Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes
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Peel the potatoes and slice each into chunks (four for medium, six for large). Place them in a large pot and cover with cold water.
Step 3: Cook the Potatoes
Bring the water to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are fork-tender, about 20-25 minutes.
Step 4: Drain and Mash with Roasted Garlic
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Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Set the pot over low heat to evaporate excess moisture. Add the roasted garlic cloves and mash thoroughly using a potato masher. This step of drying out the potatoes is key to achieving that perfect Pioneer Woman creamy texture.
Step 5: Incorporate Dairy and Seasonings
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Add cubed cream cheese, butter slices, and half-and-half to the potatoes. Continue mashing until everything is melted and well combined. Stir in seasoned salt and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more seasoned salt if desired.
Step 6: Bake for Extra Warmth (Optional)
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 13×9-inch baking dish. Spoon the garlic mashed potatoes into the dish, spreading evenly. Create a few swirls on top and dot with pats of butter. Bake for 20 minutes, or until heated through and butter is melted. Stir melted butter before serving.
Why Garlic Enhances These Pioneer Woman Mashed Potatoes
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Just like the original Pioneer Woman recipe, these garlic mashed potatoes are incredibly decadent thanks to the butter and cream cheese. But the addition of roasted garlic takes them to a whole new level. The roasted garlic provides a mellow, sweet, and savory depth that complements the creamy richness perfectly without being overpowering. The verdict is in: garlic and mashed potatoes are a match made in comfort food heaven! The subtle garlic flavor elevates the buttery taste, making these mashed potatoes irresistible on their own or alongside your favorite gravy.
The best part? Just like Ree Drummond’s original recipe, these garlic mashed potatoes Pioneer Woman can be made ahead of time. Perfect for holidays or large gatherings, prepare them a day or two in advance and simply reheat before serving.
Tips for Perfect Garlic Mashed Potatoes Pioneer Woman
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- Potato Choice Matters: Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal for mashing due to their texture. Yukon Golds will lend a naturally buttery flavor and slightly yellow color, enhancing the richness.
- Hand Masher is Best: Avoid using a mixer, as Ree Drummond advises it can lead to gummy potatoes. A hand masher ensures the perfect creamy, not gluey, texture.
- Garlic Variety: Roasted garlic is recommended for its mellow flavor. For a quicker option, you can use garlic powder – add 1-2 teaspoons to the potatoes along with the seasoned salt and pepper. Fresh minced garlic sautéed in butter can also be used for a sharper garlic flavor.
- Make it Your Own: Explore add-ins! Fresh chives, chopped parsley, a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, or even crispy bacon bits would beautifully complement these garlic mashed potatoes.
Reheating Your Garlic Mashed Potatoes
For make-ahead convenience, transfer the mashed potatoes to a baking dish, let cool, cover, and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Ree Drummond suggests allowing the potatoes to sit at room temperature for 2-3 hours before reheating. Dot with extra butter and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through. These garlic mashed potatoes Pioneer Woman will retain their creamy texture even after reheating, making them a stress-free side dish for any occasion.
