Ree Drummond, the Pioneer Woman, is renowned for her heartwarming recipes that bring families together. Among her most beloved creations are her mashed potatoes, a dish celebrated for its incredible creaminess and rich flavor. These aren’t just any mashed potatoes; they are a testament to comfort food done right, embodying the spirit of hearty Pioneer Women Dishes. Don’t be shy about the butter content in this recipe – once you taste them, you’ll understand why Ree doesn’t hold back, and neither should you!
This recipe is a lifesaver when you’re preparing a substantial Sunday dinner or a festive holiday feast. The beauty of these Pioneer Woman Mashed Potatoes lies in their make-ahead convenience. You can prepare them in advance, reheat them, and they’ll retain that luxurious, creamy texture that everyone loves. If you’re wondering about the best way to reheat mashed potatoes without compromising their original flavor, rest assured, it’s easily achievable!
The Pioneer Woman’s Mashed Potatoes
Pioneer Woman Mashed Potatoes served in a white bowl, garnished with butter and herbs
Image: Creamy Pioneer Woman Mashed Potatoes, a perfect example of comforting pioneer women dishes.
This recipe yields approximately 10-11 cups of mashed potatoes, perfect for a family gathering.
Ingredients
Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Mashed Potatoes laid out on a wooden surface
Image: Essential ingredients for making Pioneer Woman Mashed Potatoes, highlighting simple yet flavorful components of pioneer women dishes.
- 5 pounds russet or Yukon Gold potatoes
- 3/4 cup (one and a half sticks) unsalted butter, plus extra for greasing the dish
- 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
Tools you’ll need
The Pioneer Woman Vintage Floral 5-Quart Enamel Cast Iron Dutch Oven
Large Pot
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The Pioneer Woman Frontier Collection Stainless Steel Masher
Potato Masher
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Pioneer Woman Baking Dish with floral design
Baking Dish
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Directions
Step 1: Prepare the potatoes
Peeled and sliced potatoes in a pot ready for cooking
Image: Preparing potatoes for Pioneer Woman Mashed Potatoes, a foundational step in many pioneer women dishes.
Begin by peeling the potatoes. Slice each potato into chunks – about four pieces for medium potatoes, or six for larger ones. Place the sliced potatoes in a large pot and add cold water just until they are covered.
Step 2: Cook the potatoes
Bring the water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat slightly and let the potatoes cook until they become tender but not falling apart. Start checking for doneness around the 20-minute mark. They are ready when a fork can easily pierce through them.
Step 3: Drain and mash
Draining cooked potatoes in a colander
Image: Draining cooked potatoes, an important step to achieve the right texture in pioneer women dishes like mashed potatoes.
Drain the cooked potatoes using a colander. Return the drained potatoes to the same pot. Place the pot back on the burner over low heat. Using a potato masher, thoroughly mash the potatoes. This step over low heat is crucial as it allows any excess moisture to evaporate, a secret to making exceptional mashed potatoes that sets the best recipes apart. Continue mashing until all excess moisture is gone before proceeding.
Step 4: Add the other ingredients
Adding cream cheese and butter to mashed potatoes in a pot
Image: Incorporating butter and cream cheese into mashed potatoes, key ingredients for the creamy richness found in many pioneer women dishes.
Cut the softened cream cheese into cubes and add them to the pot with the mashed potatoes. Slice the butter into pats and add it to the potatoes as well, followed by the half-and-half. Continue mashing until all these ingredients are fully melted and evenly incorporated throughout the potatoes, creating a smooth mixture. Stir in the seasoned salt and black pepper. Taste the potatoes and add more seasoned salt if needed to reach your preferred flavor.
Step 5: Layer the potatoes in a baking dish
Image: Preparing mashed potatoes for baking, a step that enhances the flavors of these comforting pioneer women dishes.
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 13×9-inch baking dish (or any baking dish of similar size) with a bit of butter. Spoon the mashed potatoes into the prepared dish and spread them out evenly. 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 baking dish in the preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes, or until the butter is melted and the potatoes are thoroughly heated through. Once out of the oven, stir the melted butter into the potatoes before serving immediately. These can also be refrigerated and reheated later; see reheating instructions below for best results. You might also be interested in learning how to make the Pioneer Woman’s sweet potato casserole, another delightful side dish.
Here’s What We Thought
Close-up of Pioneer Woman Mashed Potatoes in a bowl, showing creamy texture
Image: A serving of creamy Pioneer Woman Mashed Potatoes, exemplifying the deliciousness of simple pioneer women dishes.
Knowing the generous amount of butter, it was clear these mashed potatoes would be indulgent. The addition of cream cheese, however, was an intriguing element. The verdict? Absolutely delicious! The butter and cream cheese work in harmony to create an exceptionally rich and creamy texture. Using a full teaspoon of seasoned salt brought the flavor just right for our taste. The resulting potatoes have a wonderfully buttery flavor that is fantastic on its own or even better when smothered in homemade gravy.
The standout feature of this recipe is undoubtedly how well these mashed potatoes reheat while maintaining their creamy texture. Ree Drummond emphasizes that this make-ahead quality makes them ideal for Thanksgiving or any large family gathering or holiday meal. You can handle the potato preparation a day or two in advance and simply reheat them in the oven when needed, simplifying your meal preparation significantly.
How to Reheat the Potatoes
After transferring the mashed potatoes to the baking dish, allow them to cool down completely. Cover the dish and refrigerate for up to 1-2 days. When you are ready to reheat, Ree Drummond suggests letting the refrigerated potatoes sit at room temperature for two to three hours beforehand. Before placing them in the oven, top the potatoes with a few extra pats of butter to maintain moisture. Bake in a 350° oven for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through. Planning ahead with make-ahead pioneer women dishes like this helps free up valuable refrigerator space during busy holiday cooking.
Tips for Making Pioneer Woman Mashed Potatoes
Serving spoon scooping Pioneer Woman Mashed Potatoes from a baking dish
Image: Serving Pioneer Woman Mashed Potatoes, highlighting the ease and appeal of classic pioneer women dishes.
- Choose the right potatoes: For the best texture, opt for russet or Yukon Gold potatoes. These varieties break down easily when cooked, resulting in fluffy mashed potatoes. Yukon Golds will also impart a subtle, appealing yellow tint to your dish.
- Use the proper equipment: Ree Drummond recommends using a hand masher over an electric mixer. She notes that the blades of an electric mixer can overwork the potatoes, leading to a gummy texture. Cooked russet and Yukon Gold potatoes are soft enough to mash effortlessly by hand.
- Make it your own: While these mashed potatoes are delightful as is, feel free to customize them with your favorite add-ins. Consider stirring in diced scallions, fresh chives, crispy bacon bits, or shredded sharp cheddar cheese for added flavor dimensions. These variations can bring a personal touch to this classic among pioneer women dishes.
