Ree Drummond, the celebrated Pioneer Woman, is renowned for her heartwarming recipes that effortlessly blend rustic charm with delectable flavors. Among her treasure trove of crowd-pleasing dishes, the Pioneer Woman Mashed Potatoes stand out as a beacon of creamy, buttery goodness. These aren’t just any mashed potatoes; they are a symphony of rich textures and flavors, unapologetically decadent and utterly irresistible. Once you experience the Pioneer Woman’s approach to this classic side dish, you’ll understand why butter is never a question, but a cornerstone.
This Pioneer Woman Dish is particularly invaluable when orchestrating a grand Sunday supper or a lavish holiday feast. The beauty of these mashed potatoes lies in their make-ahead convenience. Imagine preparing them in advance, and then effortlessly reheating them to unveil the same velvety texture and comforting warmth as if they were freshly made. If you’re seeking the secret to reheating mashed potatoes without compromising their exquisite flavor and texture, you’re in for a treat. This recipe ensures your Pioneer Woman Mashed Potatoes are perfect every time, making your meal preparations smoother and stress-free.
Ree Drummond’s Pioneer Woman Mashed Potatoes Recipe
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Image: A close-up shot of creamy Pioneer Woman Mashed Potatoes in a serving dish, garnished with pats of butter and a sprinkle of herbs.
This generous recipe yields approximately 10-11 cups of luscious mashed potatoes, perfect for sharing at any gathering.
Decadent Ingredients
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Image: Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Mashed Potatoes laid out, including potatoes, butter, cream cheese, half-and-half, and seasonings.
- 5 pounds russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, the foundation of fluffy mashed potatoes
- 3/4 cup (1.5 sticks) unsalted butter, plus extra for greasing, for unparalleled richness
- 8-ounce package softened cream cheese, adding a tangy creaminess
- 1/2 cup half-and-half, for the perfect smooth consistency
- 1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt (plus more to taste), enhancing the overall flavor profile
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, for a subtle hint of spice
Essential Tools
To create this Pioneer Woman dish, gather these helpful kitchen tools:
Toh Ecomm Pioneer Woman Dutch Oven Via Walmart.com
Large Pot
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Toh Ecomm The Pioneer Woman Frontier Collection Stainless Steel Masher Via Walmart.com
Potato Masher
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Pioneer Woman Baking Dish
Baking Dish
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Step-by-Step Directions for Pioneer Woman Mashed Potatoes
Step 1: Potato Prep
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Image: Peeled and chunked potatoes in a pot ready to be cooked, showcasing potato preparation.
Begin by peeling the potatoes meticulously. Slice each potato into manageable chunks – about four pieces for medium potatoes, and six for larger ones to ensure even cooking. Place the sliced potatoes into a large pot and add cold water just until they are covered. Starting with cold water helps the potatoes cook evenly from the inside out.
Step 2: Boiling to Perfection
Bring the pot of water to a rolling boil over high heat. Once boiling, slightly reduce the heat to maintain a gentle boil, and cook the potatoes until they reach the perfect tenderness, but are not falling apart. Start checking for doneness around the 20-minute mark. The potatoes are ready when a fork can easily pierce through to the center without resistance.
Step 3: Drain and Dry Mash
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Image: Drained potatoes being mashed in a pot on a stovetop, illustrating the dry-mashing technique.
Carefully drain the cooked potatoes using a colander. Return the drained potatoes to the same pot. This is where a pro-tip from the Pioneer Woman comes in: place the pot back on the burner over low heat. Using your potato masher, begin to thoroughly mash the potatoes. The gentle heat helps evaporate any excess moisture – a crucial step in achieving the best mashed potato texture and preventing them from becoming watery. Continue mashing over low heat until all excess moisture has escaped and the potatoes appear drier.
Step 4: Infuse with Creaminess
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Image: Adding cream cheese and butter to mashed potatoes in a pot, demonstrating the incorporation of creamy ingredients.
Now for the magic! Slice 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 these luscious ingredients are completely melted and beautifully incorporated throughout the potatoes, creating a homogenous, creamy mixture. Stir in the seasoned salt and black pepper. Give the potatoes a taste and decide if they need a touch more seasoned salt to reach your perfect flavor profile.
Step 5: Baking to Golden Perfection
Image: Mashed potatoes in a baking dish, dotted with butter and ready for baking, showcasing the final baking preparation.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 13×9-inch baking dish (or any similarly sized dish) with a bit of butter. Spoon the mashed potatoes into the prepared dish, spreading them evenly to create a smooth surface. For an extra touch of visual appeal and buttery goodness, create a few decorative swirls on top of the potatoes and dot 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. Once out of the oven, stir the melted butter gently into the top of the potatoes before serving immediately. For make-ahead convenience, you can also refrigerate them at this stage and reheat later.
Tasting the Pioneer Woman Magic
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Image: A serving of Pioneer Woman Mashed Potatoes on a plate, highlighting the creamy texture and appetizing appearance.
Skeptical about cream cheese in mashed potatoes? Prepare to be converted! The combination of butter and cream cheese in this Pioneer Woman dish delivers an unparalleled richness and a supremely creamy texture that is simply divine. The seasoned salt enhances the overall flavor without overpowering the natural taste of the potatoes and the buttery notes. The result is a comforting, buttery flavor that is utterly delicious on its own or elevated even further with a generous ladle of homemade gravy.
The true genius of this Pioneer Woman Mashed Potatoes recipe lies in its make-ahead capability. Ree Drummond herself emphasizes that these mashed potatoes are an ideal choice for holidays like Thanksgiving or any large family gathering. You can take care of the potato preparation a day or two in advance, freeing up valuable time on the day of your event. Simply reheat and serve these creamy delights, and bask in the praise.
Effortless Reheating Instructions
For reheating these make-ahead Pioneer Woman Mashed Potatoes, allow them to cool completely after spreading them in the baking dish. Cover the dish tightly and refrigerate for up to 1-2 days. When you’re ready to reheat, Ree Drummond recommends letting the dish sit at room temperature for two to three hours to take the chill off. Dot the top with a few extra pats of butter to maintain moisture, and bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 20-30 minutes, or until thoroughly heated. This ensures your Pioneer Woman dish is as delightful as freshly made, even when prepared in advance.
Tips for Pioneer Woman Perfect Mashed Potatoes
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Image: Close-up of mashed potatoes being served from a baking dish, emphasizing the creamy texture and serving suggestion.
- Potato Choice Matters: For the best Pioneer Woman Mashed Potatoes, opt for russet or Yukon Gold potatoes. Their starch content and texture make them ideal for mashing, resulting in fluffy, not gluey, potatoes. Yukon Golds will also impart a subtle, appealing yellow tint.
- Hand Masher is Key: Ree Drummond advocates for a hand masher over an electric mixer. Electric mixers can overwork the potatoes, releasing too much starch and leading to a gummy texture. Hand mashing ensures perfectly textured, creamy potatoes.
- Customize Your Creaminess: While these mashed potatoes are exceptional as is, feel free to personalize them with your favorite add-ins. Consider stirring in finely diced scallions, fresh chives, crispy bacon bits, or shredded sharp cheddar cheese for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
Embrace the Pioneer Woman’s wisdom and bring this sensational mashed potato dish to your table. It’s more than just a side dish; it’s a comforting, flavorful experience that will be the highlight of any meal.
