Introduction

Cheesy Mississippi Mud Potatoes are a comforting, rich side dish perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings. Loaded with creamy mashed potatoes and melted cheese, this recipe delivers a delightful blend of flavors and textures that everyone will love.

A close-up view of a round white dish filled with small whole potatoes covered in melted golden-yellow cheddar and white cheese, with crispy brown bacon bits sprinkled on top and finely chopped green herbs scattered across. The potatoes have a smooth, slightly shiny skin, sitting in a creamy, light yellow sauce that fills the base of the dish. The cheese is bubbly and browned in spots, creating a textured, rich surface, while the bacon pieces add a crunchy dimension. The background shows a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

3 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 cup sour cream
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (or more, to taste)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup chopped green onions
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Salt, to taste
1/2 cup crispy fried onions (optional, for topping)
1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (for greasing the baking dish)

Instructions

Step 1: Place the peeled and cubed potatoes in a large pot, cover with water, and add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and cook for 15-20 minutes until fork-tender.
Step 2: Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Mash until smooth, leaving some texture if preferred.
Step 3: In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in sour cream and heavy cream, warming the mixture for 2-3 minutes.
Step 4: Add shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses to the cream mixture. Stir until the cheese melts into a smooth sauce. Mix in garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt to taste.
Step 5: Pour the cheese sauce over the mashed potatoes and stir to combine. Adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 6: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or butter. Transfer the cheesy potato mixture into the dish and spread evenly.
Step 7: Sprinkle crispy fried onions on top if using, for added crunch and flavor.
Step 8: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the potatoes for 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbly on top.
Step 9: Let cool for a few minutes, garnish with chopped green onions, and serve warm as a delicious side dish.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, try adding cooked and crumbled bacon into the cheesy potato mixture before baking.
You can substitute part of the cheddar cheese with Monterey Jack or Colby for a different cheese profile.
Use Yukon Gold potatoes for a slightly buttery taste and creamier texture.
If you prefer less richness, reduce the heavy cream and replace it with milk.
For a vegetarian version, ensure that the crispy fried onions do not contain animal products or omit them entirely.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes, to maintain the creamy texture and crispy topping.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of a bowl filled with three main layers: soft yellow potato slices at the bottom, covered by a creamy white sauce layer dotted with black pepper, and topped with a golden-brown melted cheese layer mixed with crispy dark brown bacon pieces and small green herb sprinkles on top, creating a textured, rich surface. The bowl is white and sits on a white marbled textured surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the dish up to a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate it, then bake fresh when ready to serve.

What can I serve with Cheesy Mississippi Mud Potatoes?

This dish pairs well with grilled meats, roasted chicken, or steamed vegetables, making it a versatile side for many meals.