Irresistibly Creamy Mashed Potatoes with Buttery Bliss
This delectable recipe for creamy mashed potatoes is inspired by the beloved Pioneer Woman. Perfectly suited for Thanksgiving feasts or any family gathering, these fluffy potatoes can be prepared a day in advance, allowing you to focus on the festivities. The combination of rich butter, velvety cream cheese, and a touch of half-and-half creates a luxurious texture. Each bite melts in your mouth, making it a must-have side dish that will leave your guests raving. Remember, this recipe embraces the joy of butter, so feel free to indulge a little more for that perfect velvety finish.
10
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Potatoes
5 lbs (Russet or Yukon Gold, peeled and rinsed)
Butter
3/4 cup (softened (or more for extra richness))
Cream Cheese
8 ounces (softened)
Half-and-Half
1/2-3/4 cup (start with 1/2 cup, add more if needed)
Seasoning Salt
1/2-1 teaspoon (to taste)
Black Pepper
1/2-1 teaspoon (to taste)
Additional Butter
1/4 cup (optional, sliced into pats for topping)
Instructions
1
Peel and rinse the potatoes thoroughly. Cut them into even halves or quarters for uniform cooking.
2
Place the potatoes in a large saucepan and cover them with enough water. Bring to a vigorous boil over high heat.
3
Once boiling, reduce the heat, cover the saucepan, and let it simmer until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain the potatoes in a colander, then return them to the saucepan.
4
Set the saucepan on low heat to allow any remaining moisture to evaporate and gently mash the potatoes until smooth.
5
Remove the saucepan from heat and incorporate the softened butter and cream cheese. Stir until fully blended.
6
Gradually add the half-and-half, starting with 1/2 cup and adding more as needed to achieve your desired creaminess. Season with seasoning salt and black pepper, mixing well.
7
Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary, ensuring the potatoes are perfectly seasoned without overpowering the natural flavors.
8
Transfer the creamy mashed potatoes to a greased baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula. Optionally, dot the surface with 1/4 cup sliced butter for an extra indulgence.
9
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20 to 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can refrigerate the dish for up to two days.
10
If refrigerating, allow the dish to sit at room temperature for about an hour before baking to ensure even heating. Bake covered, though uncovering it for the last few minutes can help create that lovely golden top.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main ingredients for these mashed potatoes?
The main ingredients include 5 lbs of potatoes, butter, cream cheese, half-and-half, seasoning salt, and black pepper.
What type of potatoes are best for this recipe?
Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are the recommended varieties for these creamy mashed potatoes.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields approximately 10 servings.
Can I prepare these potatoes ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the potatoes up to two days in advance and keep them in the refrigerator.
What is the recommended oven temperature for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How long do the potatoes need to boil?
The potatoes should simmer for about 15-20 minutes until they are fork-tender.
Why should I return the potatoes to the saucepan after draining?
Setting the saucepan on low heat after draining allows any remaining moisture to evaporate before mashing.
How much cream cheese is needed?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of softened cream cheese.
What is the role of half-and-half in this recipe?
Half-and-half is added gradually to help achieve the desired level of creaminess and luxury.
Is this recipe suitable for Thanksgiving?
Yes, it is perfectly suited for Thanksgiving feasts or any large family gathering.
How should I prep the potatoes before boiling?
Peel and rinse them thoroughly, then cut them into even halves or quarters.
How much butter is used for the mashed potatoes?
The recipe uses 3/4 cup of softened butter, with an optional 1/4 cup for topping.
What seasonings are recommended?
Seasoning salt and black pepper are used to enhance the flavor without overpowering it.
Do I need to cover the potatoes while baking?
Yes, cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to keep the moisture in.
How can I get a golden top on the dish?
You can uncover the dish for the last few minutes of baking to create a golden top.
Who inspired this recipe?
This recipe is inspired by the culinary style of the Pioneer Woman.
How long can I refrigerate the prepared dish?
The dish can be refrigerated for up to two full days before baking.
What should I do before baking the potatoes if they were refrigerated?
Allow the dish to sit at room temperature for about an hour to ensure it heats evenly.
How long is the final baking time?
The potatoes should bake for 20 to 30 minutes.
Can I add more butter than what is listed?
Yes, you are encouraged to add more butter for a perfect velvety finish.
Is this mashed potato recipe vegetarian?
Yes, all the ingredients listed are vegetarian-friendly.
How much half-and-half should I start with?
Start with 1/2 cup and add more up to 3/4 cup depending on the thickness.
What size should I cut the potatoes for boiling?
Cut them into even halves or quarters for uniform cooking.
How do I know the potatoes are ready to be mashed?
They are ready when they are soft enough to be easily pierced with a fork.
What texture should these mashed potatoes have?
They are designed to be fluffy, creamy, and melt-in-your-mouth.
Should the butter and cream cheese be cold?
No, both the butter and cream cheese should be softened to blend smoothly.
Should I use a specific type of salt?
The recipe specifically recommends seasoning salt for a better depth of flavor.
What if the potatoes are too thick after adding the initial half-and-half?
Gradually add more half-and-half until you reach your preferred consistency.
Do I need to grease the baking dish?
Yes, transfer the potatoes to a greased baking dish before putting them in the oven.
What is the final step before putting the dish in the oven?
Smooth the top with a spatula and optionally dot it with sliced butter pats.