There’s nothing quite like the creamy, cheesy goodness of Mission BBQ’s potatoes. I’ve always loved their perfect blend of flavors and rich textures that make every bite irresistible. The best part? You don’t have to leave home to enjoy this tasty side dish.
Ingredients
- 5 large Yukon Gold potatoes peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 green onions thinly sliced (optional for garnish)
Tools and Equipment
Creating Mission BBQ’s cheesy potatoes at home is a rewarding experience, and having the right tools makes all the difference. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
- Large Pot or Dutch Oven
I prefer using a heavy-duty Dutch oven for its even heat distribution, which ensures your potatoes cook uniformly without sticking.
- Cutting Board and Sharp Knife
A sturdy cutting board and a sharp chef’s knife are essential for dicing the Yukon Gold potatoes efficiently and safely.
- Mixing Bowls
You’ll need a couple of mixing bowls for combining cheeses, creams, and seasonings to create that perfect creamy texture.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
Precision is key in balancing flavors, so accurate measuring tools help maintain consistency in your recipe.
- Whisk or Electric Mixer
To achieve a smooth and creamy sauce, a whisk works well, but an electric mixer can speed up the process if you prefer.
- Baking Dish
A 9×13-inch baking dish is ideal for layering your potatoes and cheese mixture, allowing ample space for everything to meld together beautifully.
- Aluminum Foil
Covering the dish with foil during baking helps retain moisture, ensuring your cheesy potatoes remain tender and delicious.
- Oven Mitts
Safety first! Protect your hands when handling hot dishes out of the oven with a good pair of oven mitts.
- Grater or Food Processor
Grating cheeses manually or using a food processor can save time, especially when working with large quantities.
Directions
Follow these simple steps to recreate Mission BBQ’s creamy cheesy potatoes at home.
Prepare the Potatoes
- Wash and peel four large Yukon Gold potatoes.
- Dice the potatoes into ½-inch cubes for even cooking.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the diced potatoes to the boiling water and cook until tender, about 15 minutes.
- Drain the potatoes and set them aside.
Make the Cheesy Sauce
- In a saucepan, melt ½ cup of butter over medium heat.
- Add three minced garlic cloves and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Stir in ¼ cup of all-purpose flour and cook for 2 minutes to form a roux.
- Gradually whisk in 2 cups of heavy cream and 1 cup of sour cream until smooth.
- Add 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese and 1 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese, stirring until melted and creamy.
- Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine and Bake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a 9×13-inch baking dish, layer the cooked potatoes evenly.
- Pour the cheesy sauce over the potatoes, ensuring all pieces are well coated.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture during baking.
- Bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Let the cheesy potatoes cool for a few minutes before garnishing with sliced green onions, if desired.
Make-Ahead Instructions
Preparing these Cheesy Potatoes ahead of time ensures a stress-free cooking experience, especially when hosting a gathering. Here’s how I make them ahead:
- Prepare the Potatoes and Sauce
- Follow the main recipe steps to wash, peel, and dice the Yukon Gold potatoes.
- Boil the potatoes until tender.
- Prepare the cheesy sauce by melting butter, sautéing garlic, and combining with flour, heavy cream, sour cream, and cheeses until smooth.
- Assemble the Dish
- In a 9×13-inch baking dish, layer the boiled potatoes evenly.
- Pour the prepared cheesy sauce over the potatoes, ensuring they are well coated.
- Cool and Cover
- Allow the assembled dish to cool to room temperature.
- Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent moisture loss.
- Refrigerate
- Place the covered dish in the refrigerator.
- You can store it for up to 24 hours, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Reheat and Bake
- When ready to serve, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Remove the cover from the baking dish.
- Bake the potatoes uncovered for 30 minutes.
- To achieve a golden and bubbly top, bake for an additional 15 minutes after removing the cover.
- Optional Freezing
- For longer storage, freeze the assembled dish by wrapping it tightly with plastic wrap and then with aluminum foil.
- Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed.
By following these make-ahead steps, you can enjoy delicious Mission BBQ Cheesy Potatoes with minimal effort on the day of your event.
Variations and Tips
Cheese Options
I love experimenting with different cheeses to customize the flavor of my cheesy potatoes. While the classic recipe uses a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack, you can try:
- Cheddar: Opt for sharp cheddar for a bold taste or mild cheddar for a creamier texture.
- Pepper Jack: Adds a spicy kick that elevates the overall flavor.
- Gruyère: Introduces a nutty and slightly sweet profile.
- Mozzarella: For a stretchy, gooey consistency.
Mix and match these cheeses to create your perfect combination.
Add-Ins for Extra Flavor
Enhance your cheesy potatoes by incorporating additional ingredients:
- Bacon Bits: Sprinkle crispy bacon for a smoky crunch.
- Green Onions: Freshly sliced green onions add a burst of color and mild onion flavor.
- Jalapeños: For those who love a bit of heat, diced jalapeños are perfect.
- Pulled Pork: Turn your side dish into a hearty main by adding tender pulled pork.
Baking Tips
Achieve the perfect texture and flavor with these baking tips:
- Even Layering: Ensure the cheese sauce is evenly distributed over the potatoes to promote consistent melting.
- Cover with Foil: Covering the dish with aluminum foil retains moisture, preventing the potatoes from drying out.
- Broil for a Golden Top: For a bubbly and golden crust, remove the foil in the last 5 minutes and switch to broil mode.
Make-Ahead Suggestions
Save time on the day of your event with these make-ahead strategies:
- Assemble in Advance: Layer the potatoes and sauce in the baking dish the day before. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
- Freezer-Friendly: Prepare the dish ahead and freeze it for up to two weeks. Thaw in the refrigerator before baking.
- Reheating: When ready to serve, bake from refrigerated or thawed state, adding an extra 10 minutes if needed to ensure it’s heated through.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your cheesy potatoes with complementary dishes to create a balanced meal:
- Grilled Meats: Perfect alongside barbecue ribs, chicken, or brisket.
- Fresh Salads: A crisp green salad adds a refreshing contrast to the creamy potatoes.
- Crusty Bread: Serve with warm, crusty bread to soak up any extra cheese sauce.
Storage Tips
Keep your cheesy potatoes fresh and delicious with proper storage:
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
- Freezing: Portion out and freeze for longer storage. Thaw completely before reheating.
- Reheating: Gently reheat in the oven at 350°F, adding a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess if needed.
Enhancing Creaminess
For an extra creamy texture, consider these enhancements:
- Heavy Cream: Substitute part of the sour cream with heavy cream for a richer sauce.
- Cream Cheese: Add a few tablespoons of cream cheese to the sauce for added smoothness.
- Mashed Potatoes: Mix in some freshly mashed potatoes to thicken the sauce naturally.
Seasoning Adjustments
Tailor the seasoning to your taste preferences:
- Garlic Powder: Increase the amount of garlic powder for a more pronounced garlic flavor.
- Smoked Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky undertone that complements the barbecue theme.
- Black Pepper: Freshly cracked black pepper enhances the overall depth of the dish.
Conclusion
Recreating Mission BBQ’s cheesy potatoes at home has been a fun and rewarding experience for me. The rich creamy flavors truly capture what makes the original dish so special.
I love how customizable this recipe is, allowing everyone to add their favorite cheeses or toppings. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just craving a comforting side, these cheesy potatoes never disappoint.
The make-ahead steps also make it easy to prepare for any occasion without the last-minute rush. Watching friends and family enjoy this dish always brings a smile to my face.
Give it a try and enjoy the deliciousness right from your kitchen. Happy cooking!
