pioneer Woman Mashed Potatoes

Ingredients

5 lb. russet or Yukon Gold potatoes

3/4 c. butter, plus more for topping

1 (8-oz.) package cream cheese, softened

1/2 to 3/4 cup half-and-half

1/2 to 1 tsp. Lawry's Seasoned Salt

1/2 to 1 tsp. black pepper

Directions

• 1. 1Peel and cut the potatoes into pieces that are generally the same size. Bring a large pot of water to a simmer and add the potatoes. Bring to a boil and cook for 30 to 35 minutes. When they're cooked through, a fork should easily slide into the potatoes with no resistance, and the potatoes should almost, but not totally, fall apart.
  2. 2Drain the potatoes in a large colander. When the potatoes have finished draining, place them back into the dry pot and put the pot on the stove. Mash the potatoes over low heat, allowing all the steam to escape, before adding in all the other ingredients.
  3. 3Turn off the stove and add the butter, cream cheese, and about 1/2 cup of half-and-half. Mash, mash, mash! Next, add about 1/2 teaspoon of Lawry's Seasoned Salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper.
  4. 4Stir well, and place in a medium-sized baking dish. Throw a few pats of butter over the top of the potatoes and place them into a 350ºF oven to heat until the butter is melted and the potatoes are warmed through.
     

Tip: When making this dish a day or two in advance, take it out of the fridge about 2 to 3 hours before serving time. Bake in a 350ºF oven for about 20 to 30 minutes or until warmed through.