Ree Drummond, the Pioneer Woman, is renowned for creating recipes that are not only crowd-pleasing but also deeply satisfying. Among her many culinary triumphs, the Pioneer Woman Mashed Potatoes stand out as a testament to rich, creamy, and flavor-packed comfort food. Ree doesn’t shy away from butter in this recipe, and after trying it, you won’t either! These aren’t just any mashed potatoes; they are a decadent experience.
This recipe is a lifesaver when you’re preparing a large Sunday dinner or an elaborate holiday feast. The beauty of these mashed potatoes lies in their make-ahead convenience. You can prepare them in advance and reheat them without sacrificing their incredible creamy texture. If you’re wondering how to reheat mashed potatoes while preserving their original deliciousness, we’ve got you covered with an easy method!
The Pioneer Woman’s Smashed Potatoes Recipe
Serving of Pioneer Woman Mashed Potatoes, showcasing creamy texture and buttery swirls
Yields approximately 10-11 cups of incredibly creamy mashed potatoes.
Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Mashed Potatoes including potatoes, butter, cream cheese, and seasonings
- 5 pounds russet or Yukon Gold potatoes – the foundation of fluffy mashed potatoes
- ¾ cup (1.5 sticks) unsalted butter, plus extra for greasing – for ultimate richness
- 8-ounce package softened cream cheese – the secret to extra creaminess
- ½ cup half-and-half – to bind it all together smoothly
- ½ teaspoon seasoned salt (plus more to taste) – for savory depth
- ½ teaspoon black pepper – to enhance the flavors
Essential Tools for Perfect Mashed Potatoes
Pioneer Woman Vintage Floral 5-Quart Dutch Oven, perfect for boiling potatoes
Large Pot: A Dutch oven or large pot is crucial for boiling potatoes evenly.
Pioneer Woman Frontier Collection Stainless Steel Masher, ideal for smooth mashing
Potato Masher: A sturdy potato masher ensures the right texture without overworking the potatoes.
Pioneer Woman Baking Dish, charming for oven-finishing mashed potatoes
Baking Dish: A 9×13 inch baking dish for baking or reheating the mashed potatoes.
Step-by-Step Directions for Pioneer Woman Mashed Potatoes
Step 1: Potato Prep Work
Preparing potatoes for Pioneer Woman Mashed Potatoes by peeling and chopping them
Start by peeling the potatoes thoroughly. Slice each potato into roughly four chunks, or six if they are particularly large. Place the sliced potatoes in a large pot and add cold water just until the potatoes are fully submerged.
Step 2: Boiling for Tenderness
Bring the pot of water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat slightly to maintain a gentle boil and cook the potatoes until they are tender. Begin checking for doneness after about 20 minutes. They are ready when a fork can easily pierce through the center of a potato chunk without resistance, but they shouldn’t be falling apart.
Step 3: Drain and Dry Mash
Mashing drained potatoes in a pot over low heat to remove excess moisture
Carefully 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 your potato masher, begin to thoroughly mash the potatoes. This step over low heat is crucial as it allows any excess moisture to evaporate, resulting in fluffier, not watery, mashed potatoes. Continue mashing and letting moisture escape before moving to the next step.
Step 4: Enrich with Cream Cheese and Butter
Adding cream cheese, butter, and half-and-half to mashed potatoes for creamy texture
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 the potatoes, incorporating the cream cheese, butter, and half-and-half until everything is melted and evenly distributed throughout the potatoes.
Step 5: Season and Bake (Optional)
Layering Pioneer Woman Mashed Potatoes in a baking dish for oven baking
Stir in the seasoned salt and black pepper. Taste the mashed potatoes and add more seasoned salt if needed to reach your desired flavor. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 13×9-inch baking dish (or any large baking dish) 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 with a few pats of cold butter. Bake in the preheated oven 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.
Tasting the Pioneer Woman’s Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Close-up of Pioneer Woman Mashed Potatoes in a bowl, showcasing rich and creamy texture
It’s no surprise that with a generous amount of butter and cream cheese, these mashed potatoes are incredibly indulgent. The combination of butter and cream cheese creates a uniquely rich and supremely creamy texture that elevates these mashed potatoes beyond the ordinary. A full teaspoon of seasoned salt often hits the mark perfectly, enhancing the overall savory profile that most families will love. The buttery flavor is prominent and utterly delicious whether enjoyed on its own or generously smothered in homemade gravy.
One of the best features of this Pioneer Woman mashed potato recipe is how well they reheat while maintaining their creamy consistency. Ree Drummond herself emphasizes this, making them ideal for holidays like Thanksgiving or any large gathering where make-ahead dishes are a blessing. Prepare these creamy smashed potatoes a day or two ahead, and simply reheat them to perfection when you’re ready to serve.
Reheating Pioneer Woman Mashed Potatoes: Make-Ahead Instructions
To reheat these make-ahead mashed potatoes, first, spread them in the baking dish and allow them to cool completely. Cover the dish tightly and refrigerate for up to two days. When you’re ready to reheat, Ree Drummond suggests taking them out of the refrigerator two to three hours before baking to allow them to come closer to room temperature. Before baking, dot the top with a few extra pats of butter to maintain moisture and richness. Bake in a 350°F oven for 20-30 minutes, or until thoroughly heated. This make-ahead tip is invaluable for managing holiday meal prep or freeing up time on busy cooking days.
Essential Tips for Perfect Pioneer Woman Mashed Potatoes
- Potato Selection Matters: For the best smashed potatoes, choose russet or Yukon Gold potatoes. These varieties break down beautifully when cooked, yielding a fluffy texture. Yukon Golds will also impart a subtle, appealing yellow tint to your mashed potatoes.
- Hand Masher is Key: Ree Drummond advocates for using a hand masher rather than an electric mixer. Electric mixers can overwork the potatoes, releasing too much starch and resulting in a gummy texture. Hand mashing ensures the potatoes retain a light and fluffy consistency.
- Customize Your Creamy Base: While these mashed potatoes are divine as is, feel free to personalize them with your favorite add-ins. Consider mixing in diced scallions, fresh chives, crispy bacon bits, or shredded sharp cheddar cheese to tailor them to your taste.
Enjoy the ultimate comfort food with this Pioneer Woman Mashed Potatoes recipe – your new go-to for creamy, dreamy, and utterly delicious smashed potatoes every time!
