Cheesy Mississippi Mud Potatoes Recipe
Cheesy Mississippi Mud Potatoes are a rich, creamy, and indulgent side dish featuring fluffy mashed russet potatoes smothered in a luscious blend of sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, sour cream, and heavy cream, seasoned with garlic, onion, and paprika, then baked to golden bubbly perfection and topped with crispy fried onions and fresh green onions for a delightful texture and flavor contrast.
- 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
Ingredients
Scale
Potatoes
- 3 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
Dairy and Fats
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (for greasing the baking dish)
Seasonings and Toppings
- 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)
Instructions
- Prepare the Potatoes: Begin by placing the peeled and cubed russet potatoes in a large pot. Cover them with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat, then cook for 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Drain and Mash: Drain the cooked potatoes and return them to the pot. Mash the potatoes using a potato masher or hand mixer until smooth, leaving some texture if preferred.
- Make the Cheesy Mixture: In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the sour cream and heavy cream, stirring constantly, and warm for 2-3 minutes.
- Add Cheese and Seasonings: Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until melted and smooth. Mix in garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt to taste, combining all flavors evenly.
- Combine Potatoes and Cheese Sauce: Pour the cheese sauce over the mashed potatoes and stir until well incorporated. Adjust seasoning with salt or pepper if needed.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or butter. Spread the cheesy mashed potato mixture evenly in the dish.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle crispy fried onions on top for extra crunch and flavor (optional but recommended).
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the potatoes for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Serve: Allow the baked potatoes to cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving. Enjoy as a delicious side dish or on their own.
Notes
- Russet potatoes are preferred for their high starch content and fluffy texture.
- Adjust the amount of cheese to suit your taste preferences for more or less cheesiness.
- Leaving some chunks in the mashed potatoes adds a pleasant texture contrast.
- Use crispy fried onions on top for a delightful crunch and savory flavor.
- Can be made ahead and baked just before serving for convenience.
- Leftovers refrigerate well and can be reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness on top.
Keywords: Cheesy Mississippi Mud Potatoes, mashed potatoes, baked potatoes, cheesy side dish, comfort food, russet potatoes, baked cheesy potatoes
