Welcome to our food blog! Today, we’re sharing a comforting and easy recipe – Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes. This dish is perfect for busy days, family gatherings, or whenever you crave creamy, flavorful mashed potatoes with minimal effort.
What are Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes?
Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes are creamy, smooth mashed potatoes made conveniently in a slow cooker. This method allows the potatoes to cook slowly, absorbing all the delicious flavors and results in a perfect, hands-off side dish.
Other Pioneer Woman Recipes
Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Convenience: Using a slow cooker saves time and frees up your stove for other dishes.
- Consistency: The slow cooking process ensures even cooking and creamy texture.
- Flavorful: Slow cooking allows the potatoes to absorb all the added flavors.
- Perfect for Gatherings: Ideal for holiday meals or large family dinners.
- Hands-Off Cooking: Minimal supervision is needed, making it easy to prepare.
Ingredients Needed to Make Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes
- 5 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped chives (optional, for garnish)
Instructions to Make Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes
- Prepare the slow cooker: Spray the inside of your slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray.
- Add potatoes and broth: Place the chopped potatoes into the slow cooker and pour in the chicken broth.
- Cook on high: Cover and cook on high for 3-4 hours or until the potatoes are tender.
- Mash the potatoes: Using a potato masher or hand mixer, mash the potatoes until smooth.
- Add remaining ingredients: Stir in the heavy cream, sour cream, butter, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined and creamy.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
- Serve and garnish: Transfer the mashed potatoes to a serving dish and garnish with chopped chives if desired. Serve hot.
What Goes Well With Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes
- Roast Meats: Pair with roast beef, turkey, or chicken for a hearty meal.
- Gravy: Serve with a rich, homemade gravy for extra flavor.
- Vegetables: Complement with steamed or roasted vegetables like green beans, carrots, or Brussels sprouts.
- Cranberry Sauce: Ideal for holiday dinners, cranberry sauce adds a sweet contrast.
- Dinner Rolls: Soft, warm dinner rolls are perfect for mopping up any leftover potatoes.
Essential Tips for Perfecting Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes
- Choose the Right Potatoes: Russet potatoes are ideal for their starchy texture.
- Cut Evenly: Chop the potatoes into even pieces to ensure uniform cooking.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can make the potatoes gluey; mash until just smooth.
- Warm Ingredients: Use warm butter and cream to keep the potatoes hot and creamy.
- Season Well: Potatoes need ample seasoning; adjust salt and pepper to taste.
- Keep Warm: If not serving immediately, keep the mashed potatoes warm in the slow cooker on the “keep warm” setting.
Variations of Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes
- Cheesy Mashed Potatoes: Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese for a cheesy twist.
- Garlic Herb Mashed Potatoes: Add 2-3 cloves of minced garlic and fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme.
- Bacon Mashed Potatoes: Mix in cooked, crumbled bacon for added flavor and texture.
- Vegan Mashed Potatoes: Use vegetable broth, coconut milk, and vegan butter for a dairy-free version.
- Loaded Mashed Potatoes: Top with sour cream, bacon bits, green onions, and shredded cheese.
Storing Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes: Best Practices
- Cool Completely: Allow the mashed potatoes to cool before storing.
- Airtight Containers: Store in airtight containers to maintain freshness.
- Refrigeration: Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing Option: Freeze in a suitable container for up to 2 months.
- Label and Date: Always label and date your containers for easy identification.
- Reheat Properly: Ensure thorough reheating to enjoy the best taste and texture.
Reheating Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes: Best Practices
- Oven Method: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes until hot.
- Microwave Method: Place a portion in a microwave-safe dish and heat on high for 2-3 minutes.
- Stovetop Method: Warm a portion in a non-stick pan over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- Add Moisture: Add a splash of milk or cream if the mashed potatoes appear dry.
- Cover While Reheating: Cover with foil or a microwave-safe lid to retain moisture.
How can I make Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes healthier?
To make Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes healthier, consider the following tips:
- Use low-fat dairy: Substitute heavy cream and sour cream with low-fat or fat-free versions to reduce the overall fat content.
- Incorporate more vegetables: Add cooked cauliflower or parsnips to the potatoes before mashing to increase fiber and nutrients.
- Reduce butter: Use less butter or replace it with a heart-healthy alternative like olive oil.
- Use low-sodium broth: Choose a low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth to control the amount of salt in the dish.
- Add fresh herbs: Enhance the flavor with fresh herbs like chives, parsley, or dill instead of extra salt or butter.
- Keep the potato skins: Leaving the skins on the potatoes adds fiber and nutrients, plus it saves time on peeling.
Nutrition Value (Per Serving)
- Calories: 250
- Total Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 28g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 4g
FAQs
How do I make slow cooker mashed potatoes creamy?
To make slow cooker mashed potatoes creamy, use a combination of heavy cream, sour cream, and butter. After the potatoes are tender, mash them directly in the slow cooker and gradually add these ingredients, mixing until the potatoes reach your desired creamy consistency.
Can I leave the skin on the potatoes for Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes?
Yes, you can leave the skin on the potatoes if you prefer a more rustic texture. Be sure to wash the potatoes thoroughly before chopping and placing them in the slow cooker.
What type of potatoes are best for slow cooker mashed potatoes?
Russet potatoes are ideal for slow cooker mashed potatoes because of their high starch content, which results in a fluffy and creamy texture. Yukon Gold potatoes are also a good option for a slightly buttery flavor.
How long can I keep mashed potatoes warm in the slow cooker?
You can keep mashed potatoes warm in the slow cooker for up to 2 hours. Set the slow cooker to the “keep warm” setting and stir occasionally to maintain an even temperature and prevent them from drying out.
Final Words
Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes are a creamy, flavorful, and convenient side dish perfect for any meal. Whether you’re preparing for a holiday feast or a simple weeknight dinner, this recipe offers ease and deliciousness. Enjoy the rich, comforting taste of these mashed potatoes, and feel free to personalize them with your favorite variations. Happy cooking!
Other Yummy Recipes:
- Pioneer Woman Corn Casserole
- Pioneer Woman Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
- Pioneer Woman Chicken Pot Pie With Biscuits
- Pioneer Woman Shepherd’s Pie
Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 180
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes are creamy, smooth mashed potatoes made conveniently in a slow cooker. This method allows the potatoes to cook slowly, absorbing all the delicious flavors and results in a perfect, hands-off side dish.
Ingredients
- 5 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped chives (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the slow cooker: Spray the inside of your slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray.
- Add potatoes and broth: Place the chopped potatoes into the slow cooker and pour in the chicken broth.
- Cook on high: Cover and cook on high for 3-4 hours or until the potatoes are tender.
- Mash the potatoes: Using a potato masher or hand mixer, mash the potatoes until smooth.
- Add remaining ingredients: Stir in the heavy cream, sour cream, butter, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined and creamy.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
- Serve and garnish: Transfer the mashed potatoes to a serving dish and garnish with chopped chives if desired. Serve hot.
