Cheesy Mississippi Mud Potatoes Recipe
Cheesy Mississippi Mud Potatoes are a decadent, creamy, and cheesy side dish featuring mashed russet potatoes combined with a luscious blend of sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, sour cream, heavy cream, and buttery seasonings. Baked to golden perfection with a crispy fried onion topping and fresh green onions, this recipe delivers comfort food at its best with a perfect balance of rich flavors and textures.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American Southern
Ingredients
Scale
Potatoes
- 3 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
Cheesy Sauce
- 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
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Salt, to taste
Toppings & Garnishes
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/2 cup crispy fried onions (optional, for topping)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (for greasing the baking dish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Potatoes: Place the peeled and cubed russet potatoes in a large pot. Cover them with water, add a pinch of salt, and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook for 15-20 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Drain and Mash: Drain the water from the potatoes and return them to the pot. Mash them using a potato masher or hand mixer until smooth, leaving some chunks for texture if desired.
- Make the Cheesy Mixture: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Stir in the sour cream and heavy cream and warm for 2-3 minutes. Add the shredded sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, stirring until melted and smooth. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt; mix well.
- Combine and Bake: Pour the creamy cheese sauce over the mashed potatoes and stir until thoroughly combined. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or butter. Transfer the potato mixture into the dish, spreading evenly. Optional: sprinkle crispy fried onions on top for extra crunch.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the potatoes for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Serve: Let the baked potatoes cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions for freshness and color. Serve as a comforting side dish with your favorite entree or enjoy on their own.
Notes
- Russet potatoes are ideal due to their high starch content, giving a fluffy, creamy mash.
- You can customize the cheese ratio based on your taste preferences, adding more or less cheddar or mozzarella.
- The crispy fried onions topping is optional but adds a wonderful texture contrast.
- Adjust seasoning to taste before baking, especially salt and pepper.
- For a richer flavor, ensure the cheeses are shredded fresh from blocks rather than pre-shredded to improve melt quality.
Keywords: Cheesy potatoes, Mississippi mud potatoes, cheesy mashed potatoes, baked potatoes side dish, comfort food, mashed potatoes with cheese
