Mission BBQ Cheesy Potatoes Recipe

Mission BBQ is an American fast-casual barbecue restaurant chain founded on September 11, 2011, in Glen Burnie, Maryland.

The restaurant was created to honor and support military personnel, police officers, firefighters, and first responders.

Among their menu items, the cheesy potatoes became a customer favorite that people keep coming back for. The creamy, loaded potatoes with bacon and multiple cheeses create comfort in every bite.

Many guests ask about the recipe, wanting to recreate these delicious potatoes at home.

My homemade version Mission BBQ Cheesy Potatoes Recipe Introduces that same restaurant taste straight to your dinner table.

What Makes This Recipe So Special

This copycat version captures everything people love about the original dish.

Three types of cheese work together to create rich, layered flavors. Yellow cheddar, white cheddar, and Boursin cheese each bring something special.

Thick-cut bacon adds smoky depth and crispy texture throughout. The fresh herbs from Boursin provide seasoning without extra work.

Multiple dairy sources like cream cheese, milk, and butter create ultimate smoothness. Green onions add freshness and color that balance the richness.

The top bakes to golden perfection with bubbly, crispy cheese while the inside stays soft and creamy.

Choosing the Best Potatoes for This Recipe

Russet potatoes work best for this Mission BBQ Cheesy Potatoes Recipe. These starchy potatoes break down into a fluffy texture that soaks up all the cheese, butter, and milk perfectly.

Yukon gold potatoes are another good option with their natural buttery taste and creamy texture. Avoid red potatoes or new potatoes since they stay firm and create lumps.

Choose medium-sized potatoes that are firm with no green spots or sprouts. Similar-sized potatoes cook evenly at the same time.

Mission BBQ Cheesy Potatoes Ingredients

• 4 medium russet potatoes: These potatoes are starchy and make the creamiest base for the casserole. Swap with Yukon gold potatoes for a buttery taste.
• 6-7 strips thick cut bacon: Thick bacon gives more meat and a smokier flavor. It adds a crispy texture and salty taste. Turkey bacon works as a lighter option.
• 1 cup yellow sharp cheddar cheese: Yellow cheddar adds a classic cheese flavor and gives the dish a golden color. Pre-shredded cheese saves time, but freshly grated melts better.
• 1 cup white sharp cheddar cheese: White cheddar has a sharper, tangier taste than yellow. It balances the richness. Monterey Jack substitutes for a milder flavor.
• 1/2 cup boursin garlic and herbs cheese: This soft cheese adds creaminess and herb flavor instantly. Cream cheese with fresh herbs works as a substitute.
• 3 green onions: Green onions give a mild onion flavor and add color on top. Both white and green parts are used. Regular chives work too.
• 1/2 diced yellow onion: Yellow onion adds sweetness when cooked down. It gives depth to the overall taste. White onion or shallots replace it nicely.
• 4 oz cream cheese: Cream cheese makes the potatoes rich and velvety. Sour cream substitutes for a tangier option.
• 1 tbsp garlic paste: Garlic paste spreads evenly through the dish. Fresh minced garlic or jarred garlic works just as well.
• 3 tbsp butter: Butter adds richness and helps blend everything together. Unsalted butter lets control over the salt level. Olive oil works for a lighter version.
• 1 cup whole milk: Whole milk creates a creamy texture without being too heavy. Half-and-half adds extra richness or 2% milk makes a lighter dish.
• Salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder: These basic seasonings bring out all the flavors. Add to taste based on preference.

Essential Kitchen Equipment

1. Large pot – For boiling potatoes
2. Potato peeler – Removes skin easily
3. Sharp chef knife – Chops potatoes and bacon
4. Box grater – Shreds cheese fresh
5. Baking sheet – Cooks bacon in oven
6. Medium skillet – Sautés onions and garlic
7. Potato masher – Mashes potatoes smooth
8. 9×11 inch casserole dish – Bakes the final dish
9. Mixing spoon – Combines all ingredients
10. Aluminum foil – Lines baking sheet

How To Make Mission BBQ Cheesy Potatoes

Step 1 | Cook the Potatoes

Peel the potatoes and cut them into small, same-sized chunks. Put them in a large pot and cover with cold water.

Add a big pinch of salt. Bring the water to a boil and cook for about 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are soft when poked with a fork.

Step 2 | Cook the Bacon

While the potatoes cook, heat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Lay the bacon strips on a baking sheet. Bake for 15–20 minutes until crispy. Let it cool, then chop it into small pieces.

Step 3 | Sauté the Onions

Use a spoon to remove a little of the bacon fat from the baking sheet. Put it in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced yellow onion and cook for 5–6 minutes until it is soft. Add the minced garlic and cook for one more minute.

Step 4 | Mash and Mix

Drain the cooked potatoes well. Put them back into the warm pot. Mash them with a potato masher until mostly smooth.

Add the cooked onions and garlic, cream cheese, Boursin cheese, butter, and whole milk. Stir everything until it is well mixed and creamy.

Step 5 | Add Cheese and Bacon

Stir in most of the shredded yellow and white cheddar cheese and most of the chopped bacon. Save some of both for the top. Season the mixture with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Taste and add more seasoning if you like.

Step 6 | Spread the Potato Mixture

Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread the potato mixture into a 9×13 inch casserole dish. Smooth the top with a spoon. Sprinkle the remaining cheese and bacon over the top.

Step 7 | Bake and Serve

Bake for 20–25 minutes, until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly and the edges are lightly golden. Take it out of the oven and let it sit for 10 minutes. Sprinkle with chopped green onions before serving.

Pro Tips For Making This Recipe

Here are a few extra tricks I have learned to make this dish even better.

• For Extra Crispy Bacon: After baking the bacon, chop it and toss it back onto the warm baking sheet for a few minutes. It will get extra crispy.
• Get a Smooth Mash: Make sure your cream cheese and butter are soft before you mix them in. This prevents lumps in your potatoes.
• Let it Rest: Letting the casserole sit for 10 minutes after baking is important. It allows the potatoes to set, so you get clean slices when you serve it.
• Add a Little Heat: For a spicy kick, add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the potato mixture before baking.

How to Serve Mission BBQ Cheesy Potatoes

This dish works great as a side for almost any meal. Serve it next to grilled chicken, roasted beef, or pork chops.

At Mission BBQ restaurant, they serve this alongside their smoked brisket and pulled pork platters. The rich, cheesy potatoes complement the smoky meat flavors beautifully.

Put the casserole dish on a buffet table with a large serving spoon for gatherings. Pair it with a fresh green salad or simple coleslaw. This dish is perfect for potlucks and cookouts.

It travels well and tastes good at room temperature too. Add extra toppings like sour cream, extra bacon, or hot sauce on the side so everyone can customize their serving.

Make-Ahead and Storage

1. How to Store: Store leftover cheesy potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They keep well for 3-4 days.

2. How to Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil to prevent drying. Heating time is about 20 minutes until hot throughout. Microwave reheating works for smaller portions but can make texture softer.

3. Freezing Instructions: Cool dish completely before freezing in freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently in the oven.

Mission BBQ Cheesy Potatoes Recipe FAQs

1. My potato mixture seems too thick. What can I do?

Sometimes potatoes absorb liquid differently. If your mixture is very thick, you can thin it out. Just add a little more milk, one tablespoon at a time.

Stir it in until the potatoes reach the creamy consistency you like. Be careful not to add too much, or the casserole can become watery.

2. Can I prepare this dish a day ahead?

Yes, it can be prepared a day early. Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate. When ready, bake as directed, adding 10 extra minutes if cold. This makes it perfect for busy holidays or gatherings.

3. Why did my potatoes turn out gummy?

Gummy potatoes usually happen when they are over-mixed. After you mash them, try to just stir until everything is combined.

Using a potato masher instead of an electric mixer helps a lot. Also, make sure you are using starchy potatoes like russets, which are best for mashing.

4. How do I keep potatoes from turning watery?

Drain potatoes completely after boiling. Too much water makes the mixture thin. Using starchy potatoes like russets also helps keep texture thick and creamy.

5. My potato mixture seems too dry. What should I do?

This can happen if the potatoes were too starchy or you measured the milk a little short. Do not worry, it is easy to fix.

Just stir in a small splash of extra milk or a little more cream cheese until it reaches the creamy consistency you like. Add the liquid slowly so it does not become too runny.

6. How can I tell when the potatoes are fully cooked?

You will know the potatoes are ready when you can easily pierce them with a fork. The fork should slide into the potato chunk without any resistance.

If you feel the potato pushing back, or if the chunk breaks apart when you try to poke it, it needs more time to cook.

7. What if I want a lighter version?

Use turkey bacon or reduce butter. Swap whole milk for 2% or use half-and-half for creaminess. Olive oil can replace butter for a lighter taste.

Continue to Content

Yield: 6

Mission BBQ Cheesy Potatoes Recipe

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Make this Mission BBQ Cheesy Potatoes Recipe in 1 hour 30 mins. Creamy potatoes with bacon and cheese are perfect for family dinners or gatherings.

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Additional Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 medium russet potatoes – peeled and cut into chunks (Yukon Gold optional)
• 6–7 strips thick-cut bacon – cooked and chopped (turkey bacon optional)
• 1 cup yellow sharp cheddar cheese – shredded (fresh preferred)
• 1 cup white sharp cheddar cheese – shredded (Monterey Jack optional)
• 1/2 cup Boursin garlic and herbs cheese (cream cheese with herbs works)
• 3 green onions – chopped
• 1/2 yellow onion – diced (white onion or shallots optional)
• 4 oz cream cheese – softened (sour cream optional)
• 1 tbsp garlic paste – or minced garlic
• 3 tbsp butter – softened (olive oil optional)
• 1 cup whole milk – or 2%/half-and-half
• Salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder – to taste

Instructions

1. Peel and cut potatoes into equal chunks. Place in a large pot with cold water, add a pinch of salt. Bring to boil and cook 15 minutes until fork-tender.
2. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Lay bacon strips on baking sheet and bake 15–20 minutes until crispy. Let cool and chop into small pieces.
3. Remove a bit of bacon fat from the sheet. In a skillet over medium heat, cook diced yellow onion 5–6 minutes until soft. Add garlic paste, cook 1 minute more.
4. Drain potatoes and return to pot. Mash until mostly smooth. Stir in sautéed onions, cream cheese, Boursin cheese, butter, and milk until creamy.
5. Mix in most yellow and white cheddar cheeses and most bacon, reserving some for topping. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
6. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread mixture in casserole dish. Smooth top, sprinkle remaining cheese and bacon.
7. Bake 20–25 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden. Let sit 10 minutes. Sprinkle with green onions before serving.

Nutrition Information:

Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 420Total Fat: 28gSaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 620mgCarbohydrates: 28gFiber: 3gSugar: 4gProtein: 15g

This copycat Mission BBQ Cheesy Potatoes Recipe of the famous side dish lets you enjoy a restaurant favorite at home.

The combination of creamy potatoes, savory bacon, and melted cheese is always a crowd-pleaser. It is a simple recipe that delivers amazing flavor every single time.