Ree Drummond, the Pioneer Woman, is celebrated for her heartwarming recipes that bring families together, and her mashed potatoes are no exception. This Mashed Potato Recipe Pioneer Woman is renowned for its rich, creamy texture and deeply satisfying flavor. Don’t be shy about the butter – Ree certainly isn’t! Once you taste these, you’ll understand why they’re a crowd-pleaser and a staple for any comforting meal.
Perfect for a hearty Sunday supper or an elegant holiday feast, these Pioneer Woman mashed potatoes are incredibly convenient too. You can prepare them in advance and reheat them without sacrificing that signature creamy consistency. If you’re planning a big gathering and want to get ahead, this recipe is your secret weapon for stress-free, delicious mashed potatoes. Let’s dive into how to make these dreamy potatoes.
Toh 3 2 Ft Pioneer Woman Mashed Potatoes Nancy Mock For Tohh Gettyimages 156649536 Jvedit
A close-up of Pioneer Woman Mashed Potatoes in a white baking dish, showcasing their creamy texture and buttery swirls.
Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Mashed Potatoes
To create these luscious mashed potatoes, you’ll need simple, quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll gather for this mashed potato recipe pioneer woman:
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Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Mashed Potatoes laid out on a wooden surface, including potatoes, butter, cream cheese, half-and-half, seasoned salt, and black pepper.
- 5 pounds russet or Yukon Gold potatoes (for the best texture)
- ¾ cup (1 ½ sticks) unsalted butter, plus extra for greasing
- 8 ounces softened cream cheese, cut into cubes
- ½ cup half-and-half
- ½ teaspoon seasoned salt, or more to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground is best
Essential Tools
Before you begin, make sure you have these tools on hand to make the process smooth and enjoyable:
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
- Large Pot or Dutch Oven: A dutch oven is ideal for even cooking and heat retention.
- Potato Peeler: For smooth, lump-free mashed potatoes.
- Sharp Knife: To easily chop the potatoes.
- Colander: For draining the cooked potatoes efficiently.
- Potato Masher: A sturdy potato masher is crucial for the right texture. Avoid using a mixer to prevent gummy potatoes.
- 13×9-inch Baking Dish: A baking dish for layering and baking the mashed potatoes.
Step-by-Step Guide to Pioneer Woman Mashed Potatoes
Follow these simple steps to create the best mashed potato recipe pioneer woman has to offer:
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
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Peeled and chopped potatoes in a large pot filled with cold water, ready to be cooked.
Begin by peeling the potatoes thoroughly to remove all skin. Cut each potato into uniform chunks, about four pieces for medium potatoes or six for larger ones. Consistent sizes ensure even cooking. Place the sliced potatoes in your large pot and cover them with cold water. The cold water helps the potatoes cook evenly from the inside out.
Step 2: Cook the Potatoes
Bring the pot of water 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 and type. To check for doneness, pierce a potato chunk with a fork; it should slide in easily without resistance. Be careful not to overcook, as overly soft potatoes can become waterlogged.
Step 3: Drain and Mash for Perfect Texture
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Drained potatoes being mashed in the pot on a stovetop over low heat to remove excess moisture.
Once the potatoes are cooked, drain them thoroughly using a colander. Return the drained potatoes to the same pot and place it back on the burner over low heat. This crucial step is key to achieving the perfect texture. Mashing the potatoes over low heat allows any excess moisture to evaporate, preventing soggy mashed potatoes. Use your potato masher to break down the potatoes completely, mashing until smooth. Continue mashing over the low heat for a minute or two, letting the steam escape.
Step 4: Incorporate Creaminess and Flavor
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Adding cubed cream cheese, sliced butter, and half-and-half to mashed potatoes in a pot on the stove.
Now for the magic! Add the cubed cream cheese, sliced butter, and half-and-half to the warm mashed potatoes. Continue mashing until all these ingredients are fully melted and thoroughly incorporated, creating a wonderfully smooth and creamy mixture. Stir in the seasoned salt and black pepper. Taste the mashed potatoes and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more seasoned salt or pepper to your preference.
Step 5: Bake for a Golden Finish
Mashed potatoes layered in a baking dish, topped with butter swirls, ready for baking.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 13×9-inch baking dish with a bit of butter. Spoon the prepared mashed potatoes into the greased dish and spread them evenly. Create decorative swirls on top with a spoon for an elegant touch. Dot the top of the potatoes with a few pats of cold butter.
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20 minutes, or until the butter is melted and the potatoes are heated through. For a slightly browned top, you can broil for the last minute or two, watching carefully to prevent burning. Once heated, stir the melted butter into the potatoes before serving immediately.
Tips for the Best Mashed Potato Recipe Pioneer Woman Style
- Potato Choice Matters: Russet potatoes are high in starch and become fluffy when mashed, while Yukon Golds offer a slightly buttery flavor and creamy texture. Either works wonderfully for this recipe.
- Hand Masher is Key: Ree Drummond specifically recommends using a hand masher rather than an electric mixer. Electric mixers can overwork the potatoes, releasing too much starch and resulting in a gummy texture.
- Don’t Skimp on Fat: The combination of butter and cream cheese is what gives these mashed potatoes their signature richness and creamy texture. Embrace the indulgence!
- Make it Ahead: These mashed potatoes are perfect for make-ahead convenience. Follow the reheating instructions below for stress-free holiday meals.
- Flavor Boosters: While delicious as is, feel free to experiment with add-ins. Roasted garlic, fresh herbs like chives or rosemary, crispy bacon bits, or a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese can all elevate your mashed potatoes.
Make-Ahead and Reheating Instructions
One of the greatest advantages of this mashed potato recipe pioneer woman shares is that it can be made ahead of time. After spreading the mashed potatoes in the baking dish, allow them to cool completely. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
When you’re ready to reheat, Ree Drummond suggests letting the refrigerated potatoes sit at room temperature for 2-3 hours to take the chill off. 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. Ensure they are piping hot before serving.
Enjoy the comforting goodness of this classic mashed potato recipe pioneer woman style, perfect for any occasion!
