Ree Drummond, the Pioneer Woman, is renowned for her comforting, crowd-pleasing recipes, and her mashed potatoes are no exception. While her original recipe is famously rich and creamy, we’ve adapted it for the slow cooker to make it even easier and more convenient, especially when you’re juggling multiple dishes for a holiday feast or a large family gathering. These Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes retain all the decadent flavor and velvety texture of the original, but with a hands-off approach that will simplify your cooking process.
Slow cookers are a game-changer for side dishes, particularly when oven and stovetop space is at a premium. This slow cooker version of Pioneer Woman mashed potatoes allows you to prepare them in advance and keep them warm until serving, freeing up valuable time and energy on busy cooking days. Get ready to enjoy incredibly creamy and flavorful mashed potatoes with minimal effort.
Pioneer Woman Inspired Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes Recipe
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This recipe yields approximately 10-11 cups of creamy slow cooker mashed potatoes. Perfect as a side dish for any family meal or holiday gathering.
Ingredients
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- 5 pounds russet or Yukon Gold potatoes
- 3/4 cup (one and a half sticks) unsalted butter, plus extra for greasing the slow cooker
- 8-ounce package softened cream cheese
- 1/2 cup half-and-half
- 1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt (plus more to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth (optional, for cooking potatoes in slow cooker)
Tools You’ll Need
Toh Ecomm Pioneer Woman Dutch Oven Via Walmart.com
- Slow Cooker: A 6-quart or larger slow cooker will comfortably accommodate this recipe.
- Potato Masher: For achieving the perfect creamy consistency.
- Large Bowl (optional): If you prefer to mash potatoes outside of the slow cooker.
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Peeler
- Knife
- Large spoon or spatula
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes for the Slow Cooker
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Peel the potatoes and cut them into roughly equal chunks, about 2-3 inches in size. Place the potato chunks into your slow cooker. If you prefer extra moist mashed potatoes, add about 1/2 cup of chicken or vegetable broth to the bottom of the slow cooker. This will help steam the potatoes and keep them from drying out. If you prefer drier mashed potatoes, you can skip the broth.
Step 2: Slow Cook the Potatoes
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 4-6 hours or on high heat for 2-3 hours, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and easily mashed. Cooking time can vary depending on your slow cooker and the size of the potato chunks. Check for doneness after 4 hours on low or 2 hours on high.
Step 3: Mash the Potatoes
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Once the potatoes are cooked through, drain any excess liquid from the slow cooker if you added broth. You can mash the potatoes directly in the slow cooker using a potato masher. For an even smoother consistency, you can transfer the potatoes to a large bowl for mashing.
Step 4: Add the Creamy Ingredients
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Add the softened cream cheese, butter, and half-and-half to the mashed potatoes. Mash or stir until all ingredients are melted and thoroughly combined, creating a smooth and creamy texture. Stir in the seasoned salt and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more seasoned salt or pepper to your preference.
Step 5: Keep Warm or Serve
Your Pioneer Woman slow cooker mashed potatoes are ready to serve! You can keep them warm in the slow cooker on the “warm” setting for up to 2 hours. Alternatively, you can transfer them to a serving dish and serve immediately. For an extra touch, you can dot the top with a few pats of butter before serving.
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes
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- Potato Choice Matters: Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal for mashed potatoes because of their starch content, which leads to a fluffy and creamy texture. Yukon Golds will also impart a subtle buttery flavor and a beautiful yellow hue.
- Don’t Overcook: Keep an eye on the potatoes in the slow cooker. Overcooked potatoes can become waterlogged and less flavorful. They are ready when easily pierced with a fork.
- Warm Ingredients: Ensure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature for smoother incorporation. Warming the half-and-half slightly can also help create a creamier final product.
- Season to Taste: Seasoned salt adds a wonderful depth of flavor, but you can adjust the amount to your liking. Always taste and season as needed at the end.
- Add Flavor Boosters: Get creative with add-ins! Roasted garlic, fresh herbs like chives or rosemary, crispy bacon bits, or shredded cheddar cheese can elevate your slow cooker mashed potatoes even further.
Make-Ahead and Reheating Instructions
One of the greatest advantages of slow cooker mashed potatoes is their make-ahead convenience. You can prepare these potatoes a day or two in advance. Allow the mashed potatoes to cool slightly, then transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate.
To reheat, you have a couple of options:
- Slow Cooker Reheat: For gentle reheating, return the mashed potatoes to the slow cooker with a splash of milk or broth to add moisture. Reheat on low for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
- Oven Reheat: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the mashed potatoes in an oven-safe dish, dot with butter, and cover with foil. Bake for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through, stirring halfway through.
Enjoy the ease and deliciousness of Pioneer Woman slow cooker mashed potatoes – a perfect side dish that’s sure to become a family favorite!
