Mashed Potatoes Recipe

I, like so many others, love the Pioneer Woman.  I like to imagine that we are super best friends and we do all kinds ranch things together.  You know..horse stuff, garden stuff, cow stuff, hay stuff..er..other ranch stuff.  Okay, so I don't really know what is involved in ranch stuff but I'm pretty sure she and I would have lots of fun doing it together.  One of the ranch things that I know we would absolutely do together would be cooking at the Lodge.  We would absolutely whip up a batch of these Mashed Potatoes because they are very yummy.  Clearly not on my diet..but during the holidays who is on a diet anyways?  I highly suggest you whip up a batch of the Pioneer Woman's Mashed Potatoes recipe.  You will be very happy you did.

You will need Half & Half, Butter, Cream Cheese, Seasoned Salt, and Potatoes.

Wash and peel the Potatoes.

Cut them up into even sized chunks.  I cut mine into fourths to try and cook a bit faster.

Bring a big pot of water to a boil.

Add the taters and let them cook away until they are tender. 

Drain the taters.

You want them to be fork tender..I actually wish I had cooked mine a few more minutes.

Grab your handy tater masher. 

Toss the taters back in the pan and turn the heat on low.  Pioneer Woman says to do this so I did it. 

Now get to mashing.

Good and Mashed.  Now you can turn off the stove.

We are all in real trouble now.

Add in a stick and a half of the softened Butter.

Then add in the cube of softened Cream Cheese.  Mix it all together.

Now as if the Butter and Cream Cheese weren't enough now it's time for the Half & Half.

Add the Half & Half in and don't think twice about it.  It's not as if you'll be eating the whole batch of Mashed Potatoes yourself.   Also add in the Seasoned Salt and Black Pepper. 

Stir everything together into a creamy and delicious mixture.  Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Now transfer the Taters to a baking dish. 

So silly..you thought we were done with the Butter.  Not a chance!

Using the last half a stick of Butter place pats of Butter on top.

These can be made ahead and re-heated when you are ready for them.  350 degrees for about 20 minutes and you are ready to go.  Enjoy!

Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Source:  The Pioneer Woman Cooks

5 LBS Potatoes (I used Russets)
2 Sticks of Butter, Divided
1 package Cream Cheese
1/2 C Half & Half
1/2 tsp Seasoned Salt
1/2 tsp Black Pepper

Wash and peel the potatoes.  Cut the potatoes into even sized chunks into fourths.  Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil over medium heat.  At the potatoes and cook until they are very tender.  About 30-40 minutes.

Drain the potatoes then place them back in the dry pan.  Set the heat to low and start mashing with a hand masher.  This should help remove steam and according to The Pioneer Woman is one of the secrets to the yumminess of these potatoes.  Once the potatoes are thoroughly mashed turn off the heat.

Add in 1 /12 sticks of Butter, an 8 oz block of Cream Cheese, and 1/2 cup of half & Half.  Mix everything together and add more half & half if they are too dry.  Next add the Seasoned Salt and Black Pepper.  Start slow and add more if they need more seasoning.  Mix everything together really well.

Transfer the potatoes to a baking dish.  Take the last 1/2 stick of Butter and cut it into chunks and place them all over the top.  Heat oven to 350 degrees and bake about 20 minutes or until everything is warmed through and the Butter is all melted.  Can be made in advance but be sure to take them out of the fridge 2-3 hours before you bake them.

Approximately 20 servings

212 Calories
18 Carbs
14 Fat
3 Protein