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If you’re looking to impress your family with amazing mashed potatoes, you’ve come to the right place. Ree Drummond, also known as The Pioneer Woman, has a recipe for creamy mashed potatoes that you’ll want to try.

The secret to these luscious mashed potatoes is a blend of butter, cream cheese, and half-and-half. This results in a dish that’s perfect for any occasion and can be made ahead of time. Your holiday table won’t be complete without them.

You’re going to love how simple these mashed potatoes are to make. Boil your potatoes until tender, mash them up, and mix in the butter, cream cheese, and half-and-half for rich and smooth flavors.

Don’t worry if you need to make dinner preparation a breeze; these mashed potatoes can be prepared in advance and still taste fantastic.

Prepare to transform your usual mashed potatoes into something extraordinary with this recipe.

Imagine serving a dish so creamy and flavorful that it becomes the highlight of your meal. Following Ree Drummond’s tips is sure to elevate your cooking, leaving everyone at the table reaching for seconds.

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What Makes This Pioneer Woman Mashed Potatoes Special?

This Pioneer Woman mashed potato recipe stands out because of its smooth and creamy texture. Ree Drummond uses russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, which are perfect for mashing due to their high starch content.

The use of cream cheese and butter adds a delightful richness. You’ll add about 3/4 cup of butter and an 8 oz. package of softened cream cheese, which makes these potatoes extra creamy.

Half-and-half is used to achieve the desired consistency. You’ll mix in around 1/2 to 3/4 cup, depending on how creamy you like your mashed potatoes. Plus, a sprinkle of salt enhances the flavor.

You can also include roasted garlic if you want to add some depth to the taste. This is optional, but it provides a subtle, savory note. Ree Drummond recommends mashing the potatoes with a traditional potato masher for the best texture, avoiding lumps.

You might also consider these potatoes special because they are convenient for gatherings. You can prepare them ahead of time and bake them in an oven-safe dish before serving, saving you stress during busy meal preparations.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Pioneer Woman Mashed Potatoes

To make the delicious Pioneer Woman mashed potatoes, you will need a few simple ingredients that bring a rich flavor and creamy texture.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Pioneer Woman Mashed Potatoes

To make delicious Pioneer Woman mashed potatoes, start by gathering your ingredients: 5 pounds of russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, 3/4 cup of butter, 8 ounces of cream cheese, and half-and-half.

Peel and cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces. Bring a large pot of water to a simmer, then add the potatoes. Boil them for about 30-35 minutes until a fork easily slides in.

Drain the potatoes well and return them to the pot. Let them sit for 10 minutes to evaporate extra water. This helps avoid watery mashed potatoes.

Use a potato masher to begin mashing the potatoes. Allow as much steam as possible to escape during this step.

Once they’re mashed, add in the butter and cream cheese. Mix until the ingredients are well incorporated.

Slowly pour in half-and-half while continuing to mash. This will make the potatoes creamy. Add some seasoned salt, kosher salt, and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning according to your preference.

For serving, spread the mashed potatoes in a baking dish. Dot the top with extra butter for a rich touch. You can keep them warm in a preheated oven set to low heat if you’re not ready to serve immediately. Enjoy your creamy, flavorful mashed potatoes!

Tips for the Perfect Pioneer Woman Mashed Potatoes

To get that creamy texture, it’s important to select the right potatoes. Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes work best due to their starch content. This gives your mashed potatoes a fluffier texture.

Peel and slice the potatoes into equal-sized pieces. This ensures they cook evenly.

Boil them in a large pot of water. A fork should slide in easily when they’re done.

Mash by hand using a potato masher for better control over the texture. This prevents them from becoming too gummy. If you prefer to use an electric mixer, watch closely and stop as soon as they’re smooth.

How to Customize Pioneer Woman Mashed Potatoes for Different Diets

When you’re adapting Pioneer Woman Mashed Potatoes, there are plenty of ways to make them fit different diets. Here are some ideas:

Low-Calorie Option
To cut down on calories, swap cream cheese and butter with non-fat Greek yogurt or low-fat sour cream. These alternatives keep the dish creamy without adding too much extra fat.

Dairy-Free Variation
Replace the standard dairy ingredients with non-dairy alternatives. Use almond milk or coconut milk and vegan butter for a dish that’s friendly to those avoiding dairy.

Low-Sodium Preference
Reduce sodium by using unsalted butter and adding just a pinch of salt. Season with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for taste without additional sodium.

High-Fiber Adjustment
To increase dietary fiber, consider leaving the skins on the potatoes. You can also mix in cooked vegetables such as cauliflower or carrots.

Cheese Lovers’ Delight
If you love cheese but want something different, try adding Parmesan or Gruyere. These cheeses bring rich flavors without needing to use large amounts, helping you manage cholesterol and calories.

Nutritional Analysis Tip: Always check labels on your substitutes to ensure they align with your dietary goals. Monitoring calories, dietary fiber, sodium, and cholesterol can guide you to a healthier plate. Customizing means you can enjoy this classic dish in a way that best suits your nutritional needs.

Pioneer Woman Mashed Potatoes Storage and Meal Prep Tips

When storing leftover mashed potatoes, use an airtight container. Keeping air out helps maintain their creamy texture. Place the container in the refrigerator, and it should be good for up to three to five days.

For meal prep, divide the potatoes into individual servings. This way, you can easily grab a portion when you need it.

Freezing mashed potatoes is possible if you follow the right steps. Add extra butter or cream before freezing to help keep their consistency. Use freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible.

To thaw, place the frozen mashed potatoes in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat on the stove or microwave, stirring occasionally for even heat distribution. Add a splash of milk or cream if they seem too thick.

When preparing ahead, the Pioneer Woman style mashed potatoes can also be made a day in advance. Refrigerate them in your baking dish, then reheat in the oven before serving. Cover with aluminum foil to prevent the top from drying out.

By planning the servings and storage, you can enjoy these delicious mashed potatoes with minimal effort.

Pairing Ideas for Pioneer Woman Mashed Potatoes

Pioneer Woman mashed potatoes are creamy and rich, making them a perfect match for a variety of dishes.

You can enjoy them with roasted chicken. The smooth texture of the potatoes complements the crispy skin and juicy meat of the chicken.

Pair these mashed potatoes with grilled steak for a classic meal. The buttery flavor balances well with the savory taste of a good steak.

When serving a holiday meal, consider pairing them with glazed ham. The sweetness of the ham glaze brings out the wonderful flavors in the potatoes.

Vegetable sides also go great with these mashed potatoes.

Try steamed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts for a fresh and crunchy contrast.

For a flavorful twist, serve with mushroom gravy. The earthy taste of mushrooms pairs beautifully with the creamy potatoes.

Add some freshly baked bread as a side dish. A slice of warm, crusty bread is always a delightful addition to your potato feast.

Finally, consider fried onion rings as an unexpected yet delicious side. The crunch of the onions adds an exciting texture alongside the soft mashed potatoes.