Ree Drummond, the celebrated Pioneer Woman, is renowned for her heartwarming, crowd-pleasing recipes, and her mashed potatoes are no exception. These aren’t just any mashed potatoes; they are the epitome of creamy, rich, and flavorful comfort food. This Pioneer Woman mashed potatoes recipe unapologetically embraces butter and cream cheese, creating a side dish that’s simply irresistible. Once you taste them, you’ll understand why this recipe is a holiday and family dinner favorite.
Perfect for a hearty Sunday supper or an elaborate holiday feast, this Pioneer Woman Recipe For Mashed Potatoes offers the fantastic advantage of being made ahead of time. You can prepare them in advance and reheat them without sacrificing their luxurious, creamy texture. If you’re looking to master reheating mashed potatoes while keeping that fresh-made taste, we’ve got you covered!
Pioneer Woman Mashed Potatoes: A Step-by-Step Guide
Close-up shot of Pioneer Woman Mashed Potatoes in a white baking dish, topped with melted butter swirls.
Creamy and buttery Pioneer Woman Mashed Potatoes, ready to be served.
This recipe yields approximately 10-11 cups of delectable mashed potatoes, perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Mashed Potatoes laid out on a wooden surface: russet potatoes, butter sticks, cream cheese package, half-and-half, seasoned salt, and black pepper.
Essential ingredients for making Pioneer Woman Mashed Potatoes at home.
- 5 pounds russet or Yukon Gold potatoes – the foundation for fluffy or slightly creamy texture.
- 3/4 cup (1.5 sticks) unsalted butter, plus extra for greasing – crucial for richness and flavor.
- 8 ounces softened cream cheese – the secret to extra creamy and tangy mashed potatoes.
- 1/2 cup half-and-half – adds moisture and enhances creaminess.
- 1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt (plus more to taste) – for savory depth and seasoning.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper – to balance flavors with a hint of spice.
Essential Tools for Perfect Mashed Potatoes
To make this Pioneer Woman mashed potato recipe, you’ll need a few key kitchen tools:
The Pioneer Woman Vintage Floral 5-Quart Enamel Cast Iron Dutch Oven in a kitchen setting.
Large Pot for cooking potatoes
A large pot is essential for boiling the potatoes evenly. A Dutch oven, like this Pioneer Woman vintage floral one, works beautifully due to its even heat distribution.
The Pioneer Woman Frontier Collection Stainless Steel Masher in Deep Teal color.
Potato Masher for achieving the right texture
A sturdy potato masher, such as The Pioneer Woman Frontier Collection masher, is ideal for achieving perfectly mashed potatoes without overworking them.
The Pioneer Woman Baking Bouquet 2-Piece Baking Dish set.
Baking Dish for oven-finishing or reheating
A 13×9-inch baking dish, or similar size, like this Pioneer Woman Baking Bouquet dish, is needed for baking or reheating the mashed potatoes.
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
Hands peeling russet potatoes over a kitchen counter, with a pot and knife nearby.
Peeling and preparing russet potatoes for Pioneer Woman Mashed Potatoes recipe.
Begin by peeling the potatoes thoroughly. Once peeled, slice each potato into roughly four chunks, or six if they are particularly large. Place the sliced potatoes into your large pot and add cold water just until the potatoes are covered. Starting with cold water helps the potatoes cook more evenly.
Step 2: Cooking the Potatoes to Perfection
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 tender. They should be easily pierced with a fork, but not falling apart. Start checking for tenderness around the 20-minute mark. Properly cooked potatoes are key to creamy, not gummy, mashed potatoes.
Step 3: Draining and Mashing for Creaminess
Drained potatoes being mashed in a pot on a stovetop with a potato masher.
Mashing drained potatoes to remove excess moisture for Pioneer Woman Mashed Potatoes.
After the potatoes are cooked, carefully drain them using a colander. Return the drained potatoes to the same pot. Place the pot back on the burner over low heat. Using your potato masher, begin to thoroughly mash the potatoes. This step, mashing over low heat, is crucial as it allows any excess moisture to evaporate. This is one of the secrets to achieving the best mashed potato texture, preventing them from becoming watery. Continue mashing until the potatoes are smooth and any excess moisture has escaped.
Step 4: Incorporate Cream Cheese and Butter for Richness
Adding cubes of cream cheese and pats of butter to mashed potatoes in a pot.
Adding cream cheese and butter to mashed potatoes for extra richness and creamy texture.
Now for the best part – adding flavor and creaminess! Slice the softened cream cheese into cubes and add them to the hot mashed potatoes. Slice the butter into pats and add it to the pot along with the half-and-half. Continue mashing the potatoes, incorporating these ingredients until everything is melted and thoroughly mixed throughout. The heat from the potatoes will melt the butter and cream cheese, creating a luscious, creamy base.
Finally, stir in the seasoned salt and black pepper. Taste the mashed potatoes and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more seasoned salt if you prefer a more pronounced savory flavor.
Step 5: Baking or Serving Your Mashed Potatoes
Serving creamy Pioneer Woman Mashed Potatoes from a baking dish.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your 13×9-inch baking dish with a bit of butter. Spoon the mashed potatoes into the prepared dish and spread them evenly. For an extra touch, create a few decorative swirls on top with a spoon. Dot the top of the potatoes with a few pats of cold butter.
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the butter is melted and the potatoes are heated through. Once done, stir the melted butter into the potatoes before serving immediately. Alternatively, these can be refrigerated and reheated later, making them perfect for make-ahead meals.
Why You’ll Love Pioneer Woman Mashed Potatoes
A serving of Pioneer Woman Mashed Potatoes in a bowl, garnished with fresh herbs.
Delicious and creamy serving of Pioneer Woman Mashed Potatoes, garnished for presentation.
It’s no secret that the generous amount of butter in this recipe promises incredible flavor, but the addition of cream cheese truly elevates these mashed potatoes. The cream cheese blends seamlessly, contributing to an unbelievably rich and creamy texture with a subtle tang that complements the buttery flavor perfectly. The seasoned salt enhances the savory notes, creating a well-rounded and deeply satisfying taste. Whether enjoyed as is or smothered in your favorite homemade gravy, these mashed potatoes are guaranteed to be a hit.
The make-ahead convenience of this Pioneer Woman mashed potato recipe is a game-changer, especially during busy holidays. Prepare them a day or two in advance, store them in the refrigerator, and simply reheat when needed. This allows you to focus on other aspects of your meal preparation without compromising on serving a show-stopping side dish.
Tips for the Best Pioneer Woman Mashed Potatoes
Close up of mashed potatoes being made with a hand masher in a stainless steel pot.
Using a hand masher for making Pioneer Woman Mashed Potatoes to avoid gummy texture.
- Potato Selection Matters: For the best texture, stick to russet or Yukon Gold potatoes. Russets yield fluffier potatoes, while Yukon Golds offer a slightly creamier and naturally buttery result.
- Hand Masher Recommended: Ree Drummond advises using a hand masher instead of an electric mixer. Overmixing potatoes with an electric mixer can release too much starch, leading to a gummy texture. A hand masher provides better control, ensuring light and fluffy potatoes.
- Customize Your Flavors: While these mashed potatoes are exceptional as is, feel free to experiment with add-ins. Consider stirring in diced scallions, fresh chives, crispy bacon bits, or shredded cheddar cheese for a personalized twist.
Reheating Pioneer Woman Mashed Potatoes
If you’ve made your mashed potatoes ahead, reheating them is simple. Ree Drummond suggests allowing the refrigerated potatoes to sit at room temperature for about two to three hours before reheating. Before placing them in the oven, dot the top with a few extra pats of butter to maintain moisture and richness. Bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 20-30 minutes, or until thoroughly heated.
Enjoy the ease and deliciousness of Pioneer Woman Mashed Potatoes – a recipe that promises perfect comfort food every time.
