Ree Drummond, the Pioneer Woman, is renowned for creating recipes that are not only crowd-pleasing but also deeply satisfying. Among her culinary gems, the Pioneer Woman Mashed Potatoes stand out as a testament to rich, creamy perfection and flavor-packed goodness. This recipe makes no apologies for its generous use of butter, and after experiencing the delightful results, you won’t either.
Perfect for elevating a simple Sunday dinner or becoming the star side dish at a lavish holiday feast, these mashed potatoes offer the convenience of being made in advance. They reheat beautifully, retaining their luxurious creamy texture, making your meal preparation smoother and less stressful. If you’re looking for the secret to reheating mashed potatoes without compromising their original flavor and texture, Ree Drummond’s recipe provides the answer.
Why Pioneer Woman’s Mashed Potatoes are a Must-Try
What makes these mashed potatoes so irresistible? It’s the combination of simple techniques and quality ingredients that elevates them from ordinary to extraordinary. The Pioneer Woman’s recipe focuses on achieving maximum creaminess and flavor. The inclusion of cream cheese alongside a generous amount of butter creates a melt-in-your-mouth texture that is simply divine. Furthermore, the recipe’s make-ahead nature is a significant advantage for busy cooks or for those planning large meals. Imagine preparing a significant part of your holiday meal in advance, freeing up valuable time on the day itself. These mashed potatoes offer just that – delicious flavor and stress-free convenience.
Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Creamy Mashed Potatoes
To embark on this culinary adventure, gather these simple yet impactful ingredients:
- Potatoes: 5 pounds of russet or Yukon Gold potatoes. Russets offer a classic fluffy texture, while Yukon Golds contribute a slightly buttery and creamy base, along with a subtle yellow hue.
- Butter: 3/4 cup (1.5 sticks) of unsalted butter, plus extra for greasing the baking dish. Butter is the key to richness and flavor in these mashed potatoes.
- Cream Cheese: 8 ounces of softened cream cheese. This is the secret ingredient that adds an unparalleled creamy texture and a slight tang.
- Half-and-Half: 1/2 cup of half-and-half. This dairy component adds moisture and enhances the overall creaminess without being too heavy.
- Seasoned Salt: 1/2 teaspoon of seasoned salt, plus more to taste. Seasoned salt provides a balanced savory flavor that elevates the potatoes beyond simple saltiness.
- Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Freshly ground black pepper adds a subtle spice and depth of flavor.
Tools You’ll Need
Essential kitchen tools for making Pioneer Woman Mashed Potatoes including a Dutch oven, potato masher, and baking dish.
Having the right tools at hand will make the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable:
- Large Pot: A large pot is essential for boiling the potatoes. A Dutch oven works wonderfully due to its even heat distribution, but any large pot will suffice.
- Potato Masher: A sturdy potato masher is crucial for achieving the desired texture. Ree Drummond recommends a hand masher over an electric mixer to prevent the potatoes from becoming gummy.
- Colander: For draining the cooked potatoes efficiently.
- Baking Dish: A 13×9-inch baking dish or similar size is needed if you plan to bake the mashed potatoes for reheating or serving later.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Pioneer Woman Mashed Potatoes
Step 1 of Pioneer Woman Mashed Potatoes: peeled and sliced potatoes in a pot.
Follow these simple steps to create your own batch of Pioneer Woman Creamy Mashed Potatoes:
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
Peel the potatoes thoroughly to remove all skin. Cut each potato into chunks – about four pieces for medium potatoes and six for larger ones. Uniformly sized pieces ensure even cooking. Place the sliced potatoes in the large pot and cover them with cold water. Ensure the water level is just enough to cover the potatoes; too much water can dilute their flavor.
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 the potatoes until they 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 go through easily without resistance, but the potatoes should not be falling apart.
Step 3: Drain and Mash
Step 3 of Pioneer Woman Mashed Potatoes: draining cooked potatoes in a colander.
Carefully drain the cooked potatoes using a colander to remove all the water. Return the drained potatoes to the same pot. Place the pot back on the burner over low heat. This step is crucial for evaporating any excess moisture from the potatoes, resulting in a fluffier, less watery mash. Use your potato masher to thoroughly mash the potatoes while they are heating. Continue mashing until all lumps are gone and the potatoes are smooth. Let the potatoes sit over low heat, mashing occasionally, for a few minutes to ensure excess moisture evaporates.
Step 4: Add the Creamy Goodness
Step 4 of Pioneer Woman Mashed Potatoes: adding cream cheese and butter to mashed potatoes in a pot.
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 the cream cheese and butter are completely melted and evenly incorporated into the potatoes, creating a smooth and creamy mixture. Stir in the seasoned salt and black pepper, distributing them evenly throughout the mashed potatoes.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection (or Serve Immediately)
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease the inside of your 13×9-inch baking dish with a little butter. Spoon the creamy mashed potatoes into the prepared baking dish and spread them out evenly. Create a few decorative swirls on top with a spoon or spatula if desired. Dot the top of the potatoes with a few pats of cold butter for extra richness and browning.
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the butter is melted and the potatoes are heated through. If you prefer, you can skip the baking step and serve the mashed potatoes immediately after Step 4. Baking adds a slight crust on top and ensures they are piping hot, especially if making ahead.
Tasting Notes: Why We Love This Recipe
Finished Pioneer Woman Mashed Potatoes served in a bowl, garnished with butter.
These Pioneer Woman Mashed Potatoes are truly an indulgent experience. The combination of butter and cream cheese results in an unbelievably creamy texture that melts in your mouth. The seasoned salt adds just the right savory note, perfectly complementing the richness of the dairy. The potatoes boast a wonderful buttery flavor that is delicious on its own or as a perfect base for gravy. Whether you prefer a classic brown gravy or a creamy mushroom sauce, these mashed potatoes will elevate your side dish game. The texture remains wonderfully creamy even after reheating, a testament to the recipe’s excellent formulation.
Make Ahead and Reheating Instructions
One of the greatest advantages of this recipe is its make-ahead capability, perfect for holidays or large gatherings. After transferring the mashed potatoes to the baking dish, allow them to cool completely. Once cooled, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
When you’re ready to reheat, Ree Drummond recommends taking the potatoes out of the refrigerator 2-3 hours before baking to allow them to come closer to room temperature. This helps them heat more evenly. Before baking, dot the top with a few extra pats of butter to maintain moisture and enhance flavor during reheating. Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 20-30 minutes, or until thoroughly heated through and bubbly.
Tips for Perfect Pioneer Woman Mashed Potatoes
Close up of mashed potatoes texture in a bowl.
- Potato Choice Matters: For the best results, stick to russet or Yukon Gold potatoes. Russets become wonderfully fluffy when mashed, while Yukon Golds offer a naturally creamy and slightly sweet flavor. Avoid waxier potatoes like red potatoes, which don’t mash as well.
- Hand Masher is Best: Follow Ree’s advice and use a hand potato masher. Electric mixers or food processors can overwork the potatoes, releasing too much starch and resulting in a gluey or gummy texture.
- Don’t Overcook Potatoes: Cook potatoes until fork-tender but not mushy. Overcooked potatoes absorb too much water and can become waterlogged and less flavorful.
- Flavor Boosters: While these mashed potatoes are delicious as is, feel free to customize them with add-ins. Consider stirring in roasted garlic, fresh herbs like chives or rosemary, crispy bacon bits, or shredded cheese like cheddar or Parmesan for extra layers of flavor.
- Season to Taste: Always taste and adjust the seasoning at the end. You may need to add more seasoned salt or black pepper to reach your preferred flavor profile.
Embrace the Pioneer Woman’s approach to comfort food and create these incredibly creamy and flavorful mashed potatoes. They are guaranteed to become a family favorite and a staple side dish for any occasion.
