Ree Drummond, the Pioneer Woman, is renowned for her heartwarming recipes, and her mashed potatoes are no exception. These aren’t just any mashed potatoes; they’re an experience – luxuriously creamy, deeply flavorful, and perfect for any gathering. Forget bland, ordinary sides; Ree’s recipe is a celebration of butter and creaminess that will have everyone asking for seconds. While traditionally served as a side, these mashed potatoes are so versatile and delicious, they could even be the star in a comforting Pioneer Woman Casserole Dish creation.
This recipe is your secret weapon for stress-free holiday meals or impressive Sunday dinners. The beauty of Pioneer Woman Mashed Potatoes lies in their make-ahead magic. Prepare them in advance, and they reheat beautifully, retaining their signature creamy texture. If you’re looking for the best way to reheat mashed potatoes without compromising flavor, we’ve got you covered!
Pioneer Woman’s Mashed Potatoes: The Creamiest Side Dish
Serving of Pioneer Woman Mashed Potatoes in a bowl, showcasing their creamy texture
This recipe yields approximately 10-11 cups of delectable mashed potatoes, perfect for a crowd or for leftovers you’ll be excited to enjoy.
Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Mashed Potatoes: potatoes, butter, cream cheese, half-and-half, seasoned salt, and pepper
- 5 pounds russet or Yukon Gold potatoes – the foundation of any great mashed potato dish.
- 3/4 cup (1.5 sticks) unsalted butter, plus extra for greasing your Pioneer Woman casserole dish.
- 8-ounce package softened cream cheese – the secret to ultimate creaminess.
- 1/2 cup half-and-half – adding richness and smooth texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt (plus more to taste) – for savory depth.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper – for a touch of spice.
Essential Tools for the Best Mashed Potatoes
Pioneer Woman Vintage Floral 5-Quart Dutch Oven, ideal for cooking potatoes
Large Pot: A Pioneer Woman Dutch oven or any large pot is perfect for boiling potatoes evenly. Shop Now
Pioneer Woman Frontier Collection Stainless Steel Masher, essential for smooth mashed potatoes
Potato Masher: A sturdy potato masher, preferably from the Pioneer Woman collection, will make mashing a breeze. Shop Now
Pioneer Woman Baking Dish, perfect for serving or baking mashed potatoes casserole style
Baking Dish (Optional): A Pioneer Woman baking dish if you plan to bake the mashed potatoes or serve them casserole-style. Shop Now
Step-by-Step Directions for Pioneer Woman Mashed Potatoes
Step 1: Potato Prep
Peeling and cutting potatoes for Pioneer Woman Mashed Potatoes
Begin by peeling your potatoes. Cut each potato into roughly four equal chunks, or six if they are particularly large. Place the sliced potatoes in your large pot and add cold water just until they are covered.
Step 2: Boiling for Tenderness
Bring the pot of water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat slightly to maintain a gentle boil and cook the potatoes until they are fork-tender. Start checking for doneness around 20 minutes – a fork should easily slide into the potato without resistance.
Step 3: Drain and Evaporate Moisture
Draining cooked potatoes in a colander
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 your potato masher, begin to thoroughly mash the potatoes. This step over low heat is crucial as it allows excess moisture to evaporate, resulting in fluffier, less watery mashed potatoes. Continue mashing until no visible moisture remains.
Step 4: Incorporate Creaminess and Flavor
Adding cream cheese, butter, and half-and-half to mashed potatoes
Cut the softened cream cheese into cubes and add them to the warm potatoes. Slice the butter into pats and add it to the pot along with the half-and-half. Continue mashing until all ingredients are melted and evenly incorporated, creating a smooth, creamy consistency. Stir in the seasoned salt and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more seasoned salt if needed.
Step 5: Baking or Serving Your Creamy Creation
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 13×9-inch baking dish or your favorite Pioneer Woman casserole dish with a bit of butter. Spoon the mashed potatoes into the prepared dish and spread them evenly. Create decorative swirls on top with a spoon if desired. Dot the top with a few pats of cold butter for extra richness.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until heated through and the butter is melted. For an extra touch, you can broil for the last minute to lightly brown the top. Stir the melted butter through the potatoes before serving immediately. Alternatively, these can be refrigerated and reheated later.
Why This Pioneer Woman Mashed Potatoes Recipe is a Winner
Close-up of creamy Pioneer Woman Mashed Potatoes in a serving dish
With a generous amount of butter and the surprising addition of cream cheese, these mashed potatoes are undeniably indulgent. The cream cheese is a game-changer, contributing to an incredibly rich and velvety texture that sets them apart. The seasoned salt perfectly enhances the buttery flavor, creating a balanced and savory side dish that’s delicious on its own or paired with gravy.
The make-ahead convenience is a major advantage. Ree Drummond herself emphasizes that these mashed potatoes are ideal for Thanksgiving or any large meal because you can prepare them a day or two in advance, freeing up valuable time on the day of your event.
Reheating Instructions for Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes
To reheat, allow the refrigerated mashed potatoes in their Pioneer Woman casserole dish to sit at room temperature for 2-3 hours before baking. Dot the top with additional butter and bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 20-30 minutes, or until thoroughly heated.
Tips for Mashed Potato Perfection
Serving spoon scooping Pioneer Woman Mashed Potatoes, highlighting texture
- Potato Choice Matters: Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are best for mashing due to their starch content, which leads to a fluffy texture. Yukon Golds also impart a subtle yellow hue.
- 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 ensures perfectly textured mashed potatoes every time.
- Customize Your Mash: Feel free to personalize your mashed potatoes with additions like chopped scallions, fresh chives, crispy bacon bits, or shredded cheddar cheese for a Pioneer Woman casserole dish inspired twist.
Enjoy the unparalleled creaminess and flavor of Pioneer Woman Mashed Potatoes – a side dish that’s sure to become a family favorite and a star on your holiday table, or even as a base for your next comforting casserole.
