Ree Drummond, the queen of hearty home-style cooking and beloved Pioneer Woman, is renowned for her comforting, crowd-pleasing recipes. Among her many culinary triumphs, the Pioneer Woman Mashed Potatoes stand out as a testament to rich flavor and irresistible creaminess. This isn’t a recipe that shies away from butter – and after experiencing the delightful results, you won’t either!
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A close-up shot showcasing the creamy texture and buttery swirls of Pioneer Woman Mashed Potatoes in a white baking dish.
Perfect for a substantial Sunday supper or an elaborate holiday feast, these mashed potatoes are a make-ahead marvel. They retain their luxurious, creamy texture even after being prepared in advance and gently reheated. If you’re seeking the secret to reheating mashed potatoes without compromising their delectable taste, this recipe and method has you covered!
The Pioneer Woman’s Mashed Potatoes Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide
This recipe yields approximately 10-11 cups of heavenly mashed potatoes, perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Mashed Potatoes
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An overhead shot of all the necessary 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: The foundation of these creamy mashed potatoes.
- ¾ cup (1½ sticks) unsalted butter, plus extra for greasing: Butter is key to the rich flavor and texture.
- 8-ounce package softened cream cheese: Adds an extra layer of creaminess and tang.
- ½ cup half-and-half: Contributes to the smooth, luxurious consistency.
- ½ teaspoon seasoned salt (plus more to taste): Enhances the overall flavor profile.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Provides a touch of spice to balance the richness.
Essential Tools for Your Mashed Potato Mastery
Toh Ecomm Pioneer Woman Dutch Oven Via Walmart.com
Pioneer Woman Vintage Floral 5-Quart Enamel Cast Iron Dutch Oven, ideal for cooking potatoes, displayed against a white background.
Toh Ecomm The Pioneer Woman Frontier Collection Stainless Steel Masher Via Walmart.com
Pioneer Woman Frontier Collection Stainless Steel Masher in Deep Teal, a sturdy tool for achieving perfectly mashed potatoes, shown on a white backdrop.
Pioneer Woman Baking Dish Pioneer Woman Baking Bouquet 2-Piece Baking Dish set, featuring floral designs, suitable for baking and serving mashed potatoes, pictured on a white background.
Directions for Making Pioneer Woman Style Mashed Potatoes
Step 1: Potato Prep Work
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Hands peeling russet potatoes over a stainless steel bowl in a kitchen setting, starting the preparation for mashed potatoes.
Begin by peeling your chosen potatoes – russets or Yukon Golds both work wonderfully. Slice each potato into chunks, about four pieces per medium potato, or six for larger ones, ensuring even cooking. Place the sliced potatoes into a large pot and cover them with cold water, just enough to submerge them.
Step 2: Boiling 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. They should be easily pierced with a fork, but not falling apart. Start checking for tenderness around the 20-minute mark.
Step 3: Draining and Moisture Removal
Drained potatoes being returned to the pot after boiling, with steam rising, ready for mashing on the stovetop.
Carefully drain the cooked potatoes using a colander. Return the drained potatoes to the now-empty pot. Place the pot back on the burner over low heat. Using a potato masher, thoroughly mash the potatoes. This step over low heat is crucial as it allows excess moisture to evaporate, a key technique in achieving the best creamy mashed potato recipes. Continue mashing until the excess moisture is gone before proceeding.
Step 4: Infusing Creaminess and Flavor
Adding cubed cream cheese and sliced butter to mashed potatoes in a pot, starting the process of enriching the potatoes with creamy ingredients.
Cut 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 along with the half-and-half. Continue mashing until all these ingredients are melted and completely incorporated, creating a smooth and luscious mixture. Stir in the seasoned salt and black pepper. Taste the mashed potatoes and add more seasoned salt if needed to reach your preferred flavor.
Step 5: Baking for a Golden Finish (Optional)
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Spoonfuls of mashed potatoes being transferred into a greased baking dish, preparing them for baking in the oven.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 13×9-inch baking dish (or any baking dish of similar capacity) with butter. Spoon the prepared mashed potatoes into the baking dish and spread them evenly. For an attractive finish, create a few decorative swirls on top with a spoon. Dot the top of the potatoes with a few pats of cold butter.
Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes, or until the butter is melted and the mashed potatoes are heated through. Once out of the oven, stir the melted butter into the potatoes before serving immediately. These make-ahead mashed potatoes can also be refrigerated and reheated later; instructions follow below. You might also enjoy exploring the Pioneer Woman’s sweet potato casserole for another delightful side dish.
My Verdict on Pioneer Woman Mashed Potatoes
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A serving of Pioneer Woman Mashed Potatoes on a plate, showcasing the rich, creamy texture and inviting appearance of the dish.
“Knowing the generous amount of butter in this recipe, I anticipated a rich flavor,” says the original recipe tester. “However, I was initially uncertain about the addition of cream cheese in mashed potatoes. The final result completely won me over! The combination of butter and cream cheese creates an incredibly creamy texture that is simply divine. I opted for a full teaspoon of seasoned salt, which was perfectly balanced for my family’s taste. These potatoes boast a wonderful, buttery flavor that is absolutely delicious on its own or elevated even further with homemade gravy.”
The most impressive aspect of this recipe is the make-ahead convenience. As Ree Drummond herself emphasizes, these mashed potatoes are ideal for Thanksgiving or any large gathering, allowing you to complete the potato preparation a day or two in advance and simply reheat them before serving, freeing up valuable time on the day of your event.
Reheating Pioneer Woman Mashed Potatoes: Maintaining the Creaminess
To reheat these make-ahead mashed potatoes, first, ensure they have cooled completely after spreading them in the baking dish. Cover the dish tightly and refrigerate for up to 1-2 days. When you are ready to reheat, Ree Drummond suggests allowing the potatoes to sit at room temperature for two to three hours beforehand to ensure more even heating. Dot the top with a few extra pats of butter for added richness and moisture. Bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 20-30 minutes, or until thoroughly heated. This make-ahead tip is invaluable for managing fridge space during busy holiday cooking, alongside other make-ahead holiday recipes.
Tips for Mashed Potato Perfection, Pioneer Woman Style
Close-up of mashed potatoes being mashed with a hand masher in a stainless steel pot, emphasizing the texture and mashing process.
- Potato Selection is Key: For the best results in this recipe, choose russet or Yukon Gold types of potatoes. These varieties break down beautifully when cooked, leading to a smooth and creamy consistency. Yukon Golds will also impart a subtle, appealing yellow hue to your mashed potatoes.
- Embrace the Hand Masher: Ree Drummond advocates for using a hand masher rather than an electric mixer for mashed potatoes. She notes that the blades of an electric mixer can overwork the potatoes, resulting in a gummy texture. With potatoes cooked to tender perfection, a hand masher makes quick work of achieving the desired consistency.
- Customize Your Creamy Base: While these mashed potatoes are exceptional as is, feel free to personalize them with your favorite add-ins. Consider incorporating diced scallions, fresh chives, crispy bacon bits, or shredded sharp cheddar cheese for a customized flavor profile.
