Oh, let me tell you about my absolute weakness—Mississippi mud potatoes. I first had these at a tiny diner off Route 61 years ago, and let’s just say I haven’t been the same since. Imagine the creamiest mashed potatoes you’ve ever had, then crank it up with melty cheddar, a ridiculous amount of butter, and just enough garlic to make you go “Wow!” It’s the kind of side dish that steals the show at every family dinner—comfort food at its most indulgent. Trust me, once you try these, regular mashed potatoes will just feel… sad.
Why You’ll Love These Mississippi Mud Potatoes
Listen, these aren’t just any mashed potatoes—they’re the *best* mashed potatoes. Here’s why you’ll be obsessed:
- Creamy dreaminess: Sour cream and heavy cream make them so silky, you’ll want to eat them with a spoon.
- Cheesy goodness: That melted cheddar? It’s like a warm hug for your taste buds.
- Comfort in a bowl: Perfect for bad days, good days, or “I just need carbs” days.
- Foolproof: If you can boil water, you can make these. (No fancy skills required!)
Seriously, they’re the side dish that’ll have everyone asking for seconds—and the recipe.
Ingredients for Mississippi Mud Potatoes
Okay, here’s the magic lineup – these are the ingredients that turn regular potatoes into something *spectacular*. I’ve made these enough times to know: don’t skimp on the good stuff!
- 4 large russet potatoes – peeled and cubed (trust me, russets mash up the creamiest)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter – softened (yes, that’s a whole stick – I told you these were indulgent!)
- 1/2 cup sour cream – full-fat, please, we’re not dieting today
- 1/2 cup heavy cream – this is what gives that luxurious texture
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – sharp cheddar melts like a dream
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – plus more to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper – freshly ground if you’ve got it
- 1/4 teaspoon each garlic powder and onion powder – the flavor boosters
- 2 green onions – chopped, for that pretty finish (optional but so good)
That’s it! Simple ingredients, but when they come together? Pure potato perfection.
How to Make Mississippi Mud Potatoes
Alright, let’s get to the fun part—making these dreamy potatoes! It’s *so* simple, but I’ll walk you through every step to make sure they turn out perfect.
Boiling and Mashing the Potatoes
First, toss those peeled and cubed russet potatoes into a big pot of *well-salted* boiling water. This is key—the water should taste like the sea, or your potatoes will be bland. Cook them for 15-20 minutes, until they’re fork-tender (if they slide right off a fork, they’re ready!).
Drain them *really* well—soggy potatoes are the enemy here. Then, dump them back into the hot pot (off the heat) and add that glorious stick of butter, sour cream, and heavy cream. Mash everything together with your favorite potato masher until silky smooth. If you like them extra creamy, a hand mixer works wonders—just don’t overmix, or they’ll get gluey.
Adding Cheese and Seasonings
Now for the magic! Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Keep mixing until the cheese melts into the potatoes, creating this luscious, gooey texture. Taste it—this is your moment to adjust the seasoning. Need more salt? More pepper? Go for it. The potatoes should be rich, savory, and impossible to resist.
Serving Your Mississippi Mud Potatoes
Scoop them into a big serving bowl while they’re still warm (because cold cheese is a tragedy). Sprinkle those chopped green onions on top for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately—these babies don’t wait well, mostly because nobody can resist digging in right away. Enjoy the compliments, and maybe hide some leftovers for yourself. Just saying.
Tips for Perfect Mississippi Mud Potatoes
Here are my tried-and-true secrets for next-level Mississippi mud potatoes (because even perfection can get better!):
- Season as you go: Taste after each addition—potatoes need more salt than you think!
- Cheese boost: Stir in an extra handful of cheddar if you’re feeling wild (I always am).
- Reheat like a pro: Leftovers? Add a splash of milk before microwaving to bring back that creamy magic.
- Butter trick: Let the butter soften at room temp—it blends smoother than cold chunks.
Trust me, these little tweaks make all the difference between good and “Oh my gosh, give me the recipe!”
Variations for Mississippi Mud Potatoes
Listen, the classic version is perfect, but sometimes you wanna play around! Try smoked Gouda instead of cheddar for a deep, smoky flavor. Or stir in crispy bacon bits for that salty crunch. Feeling fancy? A spoonful of cream cheese makes them even richer. Go wild—it’s *your* potato masterpiece!
Serving Suggestions
These dreamy potatoes deserve a starring role on your dinner table! They’re *perfect* alongside juicy grilled chicken, a hearty roast beef, or even simple baked pork chops. For a true comfort food feast? Pair them with fried chicken and collard greens—just don’t blame me when everyone asks for thirds!
Storing and Reheating Mississippi Mud Potatoes
Okay, let’s be real—you probably won’t have leftovers. But if you do (miraculously!), here’s how to keep them tasting amazing. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. When reheating, splash in a little milk or cream before microwaving in short bursts, stirring between each. Or pop them in the oven at 350°F covered with foil until warmed through—just stir occasionally to bring back that creamy magic!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s be honest—these Mississippi mud potatoes are pure comfort food, not health food. The nutritional values will vary depending on your exact ingredients (like how generous you are with that cheese and butter!). As a general rule, this dish is rich in all the good stuff—creamy dairy, hearty potatoes, and that melty cheddar we can’t get enough of. If you’re watching specific dietary needs, you can tweak the recipe (like using low-fat dairy), but where’s the fun in that? Enjoy every indulgent bite!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
You *can*, but the texture won’t be as luxuriously creamy. If you must swap, use whole milk and maybe add an extra tablespoon of butter to compensate. But honestly? That heavy cream is what makes these Mississippi mud potatoes so dreamy—it’s worth the splurge!
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prep them up to a day in advance, then reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk to loosen them up. Just know they’re *best* fresh—the cheese gets extra melty and glorious when served right away.
What potatoes work best?
Russets are my go-to—they mash up fluffy and absorb all that buttery goodness beautifully. Yukon Golds work too, but they’re naturally creamier, so you might need less liquid. Avoid waxy potatoes like redskins; they just don’t mash right for this recipe.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Technically, yes, but the texture changes. Dairy-heavy dishes like this can get grainy when thawed. If you must freeze, stir well while reheating and add extra butter or cream to bring back the smoothness. But really, these are so good fresh—just make another batch!
4-Ingredient Mississippi Mud Potatoes – Irresistibly Creamy Comfort
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Mississippi mud potatoes are a rich and indulgent side dish. They combine creamy mashed potatoes with cheese, butter, and other flavorful ingredients for a comforting dish.
Ingredients
- 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 green onions, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Boil the potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
- Add butter, sour cream, and heavy cream. Mash until smooth.
- Stir in shredded cheddar cheese, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Mix well until the cheese melts and the mixture is creamy.
- Garnish with chopped green onions if desired.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- For extra richness, add more butter or cheese.
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Leftovers can be reheated in the microwave or oven.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: mississippi mud potatoes, creamy mashed potatoes, cheesy potatoes, comfort food