Crash Hot Potatoes and Other Pioneer Woman Secrets: When Comfort Food Gets a Reality Check – “Because Who Needs Fancy When You’ve Got Butter and Cheese?”

In a world obsessed with culinary innovation and Instagram-worthy plating, Ree Drummond, aka The Pioneer Woman, remains a steadfast champion of comfort food.

Her 2025 recipe lineup proves that while trends come and go, there’s something timeless about dishes that feel like home.

Yet, it’s not just nostalgia that keeps her fans coming back—it’s the unapologetic simplicity and generous use of butter and cheese that define her style.

Among all the recipes that Ree released this year, one stood out as the uncontested favorite: her “Crash Hot Potatoes.”

Don’t be fooled by the name.

These are not your typical mashed or smashed potatoes.

Instead, they’re a clever hybrid that combines the best of both worlds—crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with flavor.

Originating from an Australian friend, this recipe has become a staple on American dinner tables, proving once again that comfort food doesn’t need to be complicated.

The method is straightforward.

Small potatoes are boiled until just tender, then arranged on an oiled baking sheet.

The magic happens when you “crash” them—flattening each potato with a fork in a crisscross pattern reminiscent of making peanut butter cookies.

This technique creates a delightful texture contrast once baked.

A generous drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of salt and pepper, fresh rosemary, and a dusting of parmesan cheese complete the dish before it goes into a hot oven at 450 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20 minutes.

What’s striking about these potatoes is how they represent a subtle shift in Ree’s cooking philosophy.

Known for her indulgent use of butter and cheese, this recipe leans slightly healthier without sacrificing flavor.

It’s a refreshing alternative to the traditional heavy, dairy-laden sides she’s famous for.

No wonder it resonated so strongly with her audience in 2025.

But Ree Drummond’s culinary influence extends far beyond this crispy side dish.

Thanksgiving remains her playground, where she juggles tradition and convenience with surprising ease.

While she champions homemade turkey recipes, she’s also not above endorsing the use of frozen dinner rolls—provided you slather them with plenty of butter, salt, and herbs.

After all, even a Pioneer Woman knows when to cut corners without compromising flavor.

Her roasted turkey recipe landed at number 13 on her most popular list, but the real surprise was the apple cider brine that secured second place.

This brine isn’t just any brine—it’s an aromatic soak infused with cider, brown sugar, salt, peppercorns, bay leaves, garlic, rosemary, and orange peel.

The preparation takes a mere 25 minutes, but the turkey must luxuriate in this flavorful bath for 16 to 24 hours.

The brining process is a logistical challenge for most home cooks, requiring ample fridge space.

Fortunately, Ree’s sprawling ranch offers her the luxury of “brining rooms,” a detail that adds a touch of rustic glamour to the whole affair.

Whether you have a walk-in fridge or not, this recipe has inspired many to up their turkey game, proving that sometimes, the secret to Thanksgiving success lies in the prep work.

While the top spots on Ree’s popularity chart were dominated by a side dish and a brine, the third most beloved recipe was a classic that never goes out of style: chocolate pie.

Ree’s take on this dessert is simple yet sophisticated.

Instead of relying on store-bought pudding mixes, she crafts a rich chocolate pudding from scratch using bittersweet chocolate, sugar, milk, egg yolks, butter, salt, and vanilla, thickened with cornstarch.

The crust is another story.

Ree offers flexibility here—her perfect pie crust recipe is a fan favorite, but she also suggests easy alternatives like Oreo or graham cracker crusts for those short on time.

The photo on her site even shows a crumbly crust option, emphasizing accessibility over fussiness.

Chocolate pie, according to Ree, is “just good old basic” and “can’t go wrong.”

It’s a dessert that everyone loves, easy to make, and steeped in nostalgia.

Her husband’s affection for it—he could reportedly eat a slice every day without complaint—only adds to its charm.

Ree Drummond’s 2025 recipe collection is a testament to the enduring appeal of comfort food done right.

It’s not about reinventing the wheel or chasing culinary trends; it’s about delivering hearty, satisfying meals that bring people together.

Whether it’s the crispy, golden crash hot potatoes, the perfectly brined turkey, or the timeless chocolate pie, her recipes strike a chord with home cooks who crave familiarity and flavor.

But let’s not ignore the drama simmering beneath the surface.

Ree’s unabashed love for butter and cheese often draws the ire of food snobs and health-conscious critics.

Her disdain for banana bread—a staple in many home kitchens—adds a quirky twist to her persona, making her both relatable and controversial.

In a culinary landscape crowded with chefs chasing Michelin stars and molecular gastronomy, Ree Drummond’s success is a reminder that there’s still room for the straightforward, the indulgent, and the unapologetically comforting.

Her recipes may not win awards for innovation, but they win hearts—and that’s a different kind of victory.

So next time you’re debating whether to experiment with a trendy new dish or stick to tried-and-true favorites, remember Ree’s crash hot potatoes.

Because sometimes, all you really need is a fork, some olive oil, and a whole lot of buttery love to turn a humble spud into a star.

And if anyone dares to call it plain, just smile and say, “Who needs fancy when you’ve got butter and cheese?”