Ree Drummond, the Pioneer Woman, is renowned for her heartwarming, crowd-pleasing recipes, and her mashed potatoes are no exception. Celebrated among favorite potluck dishes, Pioneer Woman Mashed Potatoes stand out for their incredible richness and flawlessly creamy texture. Ree doesn’t shy away from using butter, and after trying this recipe, you’ll understand why – it’s simply irresistible.
This make-ahead mashed potato recipe is a lifesaver, especially when preparing a large Sunday supper or a festive holiday feast. You can prepare these decadent mashed potatoes in advance and reheat them without sacrificing their signature creamy texture. If you’re wondering how to reheat your mashed potatoes perfectly, look no further – this recipe has you covered!
Pioneer Woman creamy mashed potatoes served in a white bowl, garnished with butter.
This recipe yields approximately 10-11 cups of luscious mashed potatoes, perfect for sharing.
Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Mashed Potatoes including potatoes, butter, cream cheese, half-and-half, seasoned salt, and black pepper.
- 5 pounds russet or Yukon Gold potatoes – the foundation for fluffy and flavorful mashed potatoes.
- ¾ cup (1.5 sticks) unsalted butter, plus extra for greasing – for that signature richness and buttery flavor.
- 8-ounce package softened cream cheese – the secret to extra creamy and tangy mashed potatoes.
- ½ cup half-and-half – to add moisture and enhance the creamy texture.
- ½ teaspoon seasoned salt (plus more to taste) – for savory depth and flavor enhancement.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper – to provide a subtle spice and balance the richness.
Essential Tools for the Best Mashed Potatoes
To create these delightful Pioneer Woman mashed potatoes, you’ll need a few key kitchen tools:
- Large Pot: Dutch Oven is ideal for boiling potatoes evenly. A large stockpot will also work perfectly.
The Pioneer Woman Vintage Floral 5-Quart Enamel Cast Iron Dutch Oven for cooking potatoes.
- Potato Masher: A sturdy Potato Masher is crucial for achieving the perfect mashed consistency. Avoid using a blender or food processor as it can make the potatoes gummy.
The Pioneer Woman Frontier Collection Stainless Steel Masher for mashing cooked potatoes.
- Baking Dish: A Baking Dish such as a 13×9 inch dish, for baking and reheating the mashed potatoes.
The Pioneer Woman Baking Bouquet 2-Piece Baking Dish set for preparing mashed potatoes.
Step-by-Step Directions for Pioneer Woman Mashed Potatoes
Follow these simple steps to create the most comforting and creamy mashed potatoes:
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
Peeling and slicing potatoes for Pioneer Woman Mashed Potatoes.
Begin by peeling the potatoes thoroughly to remove all skin. Slice each potato into chunks – about four pieces for medium potatoes, and six for larger ones. Placing them in uniform sizes ensures even cooking. Put the sliced potatoes into your large pot and cover them with cold water, just enough to submerge them. Starting with cold water helps the potatoes cook more evenly.
Step 2: Cook the Potatoes to 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. Begin checking for doneness after about 20 minutes. They are ready when a fork can easily pierce through the center without resistance, but they should not be falling apart. Overcooking can lead to waterlogged potatoes.
Step 3: Drain and Mash for Creaminess
Draining cooked potatoes in a colander for mashed potatoes.
Carefully drain the cooked potatoes using a colander to remove all the water. Return the drained potatoes to the empty pot. Place the pot back on the burner over low heat. This is a crucial step to evaporate any excess moisture from the potatoes, resulting in fluffier mashed potatoes. Use your potato masher to thoroughly mash the potatoes while they are heating. Continue mashing over low heat until the excess moisture has evaporated and the potatoes appear drier.
Step 4: Incorporate the Creamy Ingredients
Adding cream cheese, butter, and half-and-half to mashed potatoes in a pot.
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 along with the half-and-half. Continue mashing all these ingredients together until they are fully melted and evenly distributed throughout the potatoes, creating a smooth and creamy consistency. Finally, stir in the seasoned salt and black pepper. Taste the mashed potatoes and add more seasoned salt if needed to reach your desired flavor profile.
Step 5: Bake for Extra Flavor (Optional)
Layering mashed potatoes in a baking dish and dotting with butter before baking.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 13×9-inch baking dish (or a similar size) with butter. Spoon the mashed potatoes into the prepared baking dish and spread them out evenly. Create a decorative swirl on top with a spoon, if desired. Dot the top of the mashed potatoes with a few pats of cold butter. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20 minutes, or until the butter is melted and the potatoes are heated through. Before serving, stir the melted butter into the mashed potatoes for an extra layer of richness. Serve immediately and enjoy these incredibly creamy Pioneer Woman mashed potatoes!
Why These Pioneer Woman Mashed Potatoes Are Irresistible
Close-up of creamy Pioneer Woman Mashed Potatoes in a white bowl.
The secret behind these amazing mashed potatoes lies in the generous use of butter and the addition of cream cheese. While some might hesitate at the amount of butter, it’s what contributes to the truly decadent flavor. The cream cheese melts into the potatoes, creating an unparalleled creamy texture with a slight tang that elevates the overall taste. The seasoned salt perfectly enhances the savory notes, making each bite incredibly satisfying. These mashed potatoes boast a wonderful, buttery flavor that is delicious on its own or even better when smothered in homemade gravy.
One of the greatest advantages of this Pioneer Woman mashed potato recipe is its make-ahead convenience. You can prepare them a day or two in advance, making it perfect for holidays or large gatherings. Ree Drummond herself emphasizes this, highlighting how it simplifies meal preparation for Thanksgiving and other big occasions.
Tips for the Best Pioneer Woman Mashed Potatoes
Serving of Pioneer Woman Mashed Potatoes garnished with chives.
- Potato Choice Matters: For the best texture, stick to russet or Yukon Gold potatoes. Types of potatoes like russets become wonderfully fluffy when mashed, while Yukon Golds offer a slightly buttery flavor and naturally creamy texture.
- Hand Masher Recommended: Ree Drummond advises against using an electric mixer, as it can overwork the potatoes and result in a gummy texture. A hand masher provides better control and ensures perfectly textured mashed potatoes.
- Customize Your Mash: While delicious as is, feel free to personalize your mashed potatoes with flavorful add-ins. Consider mixing in diced scallions, fresh chives, crispy bacon bits, or shredded sharp cheddar cheese for extra flavor dimensions.
How to Reheat Pioneer Woman Mashed Potatoes
To reheat these make-ahead mashed potatoes, allow them to cool completely after spreading them in the baking dish. Cover tightly and refrigerate for up to two days. When you’re ready to reheat, Ree Drummond suggests letting the dish sit at room temperature for 2-3 hours beforehand to ensure even heating. Dot the top with a few extra pats of butter to maintain moisture and richness. Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 20-30 minutes, or until thoroughly heated. This make-ahead tip frees up valuable time and oven space, especially useful when preparing other make-ahead holiday recipes.
Enjoy the ease and incredible flavor of these Pioneer Woman Mashed Potatoes – a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any occasion!
