If you love hearty, comforting casseroles brimming with flavor, you’re going to fall head over heels for these Mississippi Mud Potatoes. Imagine tender potato cubes mingling with melted cheddar, smoky bacon, creamy mayo, and a kiss of garlic and onion—a side dish so crave-worthy, it often steals the show. Whether you’re planning a laid-back family dinner or feeding a crowd at your next get-together, this easy recipe brings all the nostalgia and none of the fuss. Trust me, once you try Mississippi Mud Potatoes, you’ll want them in regular rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What I adore about this recipe is how it transforms basic ingredients into a show-stopper. Each component brings something special to the table, creating a perfect storm of melt-in-your-mouth textures and rich, savory flavors. Here’s what you’ll need—and why!
- Potatoes: The starchy backbone of this dish; peeled and diced Russets or Yukon Golds work wonders for creamy insides and crisp edges.
- Cheddar Cheese: For a sharp, melty, golden layer that ties everything together; freshly grated cheese melts more evenly than pre-shredded!
- Mayonnaise: The secret to that extra-creamy texture; it coats every bite so the potatoes come out impossibly rich without being greasy.
- Bacon: Cooked and crumbled for smokiness, salt, and irresistible pops of savory crunch.
- Garlic: Minced garlic infuses the casserole with deep, aromatic flavor—don’t skimp!
- Onion: Adds sweetness and tang, balancing the richness and keeping things lively.
How to Make Mississippi Mud Potatoes
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Dish
Kick things off by preheating your oven to 325 degrees F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan—a quick spritz of cooking spray is all you need. This ensures easy serving later, with zero sticking hassles.
Step 2: Layer the Mississippi Mud Potatoes Mix
In your prepared pan, combine the diced potatoes, shredded cheddar, crumbled bacon, minced garlic, and chopped onion. Using a large spoon or spatula, stir them together right in the pan. You want every ingredient well-distributed, so each scoop is bursting with cheesy-potato-bacon happiness.
Step 3: Add Mayonnaise and Mix Well
Next, dollop the mayonnaise over the potato mixture. Give everything a really good stir until all the bits are completely coated in creamy mayo magic. This helps the potatoes bake up extra tender and ensures that every mouthful is loaded with flavor.
Step 4: Bake to Golden, Bubbly Perfection
Slide the baking pan into your preheated oven. Let it bake for about 1 ½ hours, uncovered. Resist the urge to peek—a long bake time is the secret to those soft potatoes and bubbling cheese on top! You’ll know it’s ready when the potatoes are fork-tender and the edges are just golden.
Step 5: Serve and Savor
Once your Mississippi Mud Potatoes are sizzling and golden, pull them out of the oven. Let them cool for a few minutes before serving—this gives the creamy filling a chance to set up slightly, making each spoonful perfect. Then, dig in and enjoy that first bite!
How to Serve Mississippi Mud Potatoes
Garnishes
These potatoes are a blank canvas for all sorts of toppings! A sprinkle of fresh chives or green onions adds color and a mild bite, while extra crumbled bacon or even a dollop of sour cream makes every portion pop. For a spicy kick, try a dash of hot sauce or thinly sliced jalapeños.
Side Dishes
Mississippi Mud Potatoes pair up beautifully with just about anything off the grill, from juicy steaks to BBQ chicken or sausages. They’re also a natural fit with roasted veggies and fresh garden salads, easily turning a midweek dinner into a feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Up your presentation game by spooning servings into individual ramekins for a dinner party, or serve in rustic skillets for a homey touch. If you’re hosting a potluck, arrange Mississippi Mud Potatoes in a slow cooker to keep them warm and irresistible throughout your gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool any leftover Mississippi Mud Potatoes to room temperature, then transfer them into airtight containers. They’ll keep fresh and fabulous in your refrigerator for up to four days, ready for easy reheating.
Freezing
You can definitely freeze Mississippi Mud Potatoes! Portion into sealed containers or freezer bags, and stash away for up to three months. For best results, let the potatoes thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
To bring leftovers back to life, simply reheat portions in the oven at 350 degrees F until heated through, or zap individual servings in the microwave. If the potatoes seem a bit dry, a splash of milk or broth will help restore their creamy consistency.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese in Mississippi Mud Potatoes?
Absolutely! While cheddar delivers that classic flavor and melt, feel free to swap in Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack for a kick, or a mix of cheeses for a custom blend. Each brings its own personality to the dish.
Do I have to peel the potatoes first?
It’s up to you! Peeling gives the casserole a softer feel, but leaving the skins on adds extra texture and nutrients. Just make sure to scrub the potatoes thoroughly if you go the rustic route.
Can I prepare Mississippi Mud Potatoes ahead of time?
Yes—assemble everything in the baking dish (except for the final bake), cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours in advance. When you’re ready, bake as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes if baking straight from the fridge.
What kind of potatoes work best for this recipe?
Russet potatoes are classic for their fluffiness, but Yukon Golds offer a creamier bite and hold their shape nicely. Red potatoes work too, and each variety brings a little something different to the table.
Is there a way to make Mississippi Mud Potatoes vegetarian?
Definitely! Simply skip the bacon or swap for your favorite plant-based bacon or smoked tempeh. The dish stays just as creamy, cheesy, and totally comforting.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a delicious new side dish that’s sure to become a family legend, you owe it to yourself to whip up a batch of Mississippi Mud Potatoes. With just a handful of staples and minimal prep, you’ll have a comfort food masterpiece everyone will ask for by name! Give it a try—you’ll be glad you did.
Print
Mississippi Mud Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Mississippi Mud Potatoes are a savory delight, loaded with cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and a blend of garlic and onion flavors. Baked to perfection, they make a fantastic side dish for any occasion.
Ingredients
Potatoes:
- 6 cups potatoes, peeled and diced
Cheese Mixture:
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 3 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
Bacon Topping:
- 1 cup bacon, cooked and crumbled
Instructions
- Preheat: Heat oven to 325 degrees F.
- Combine: In a 9×13 baking pan, mix potatoes, cheese, bacon, garlic, and onion.
- Add Mayonnaise: Stir in the mayonnaise until ingredients are evenly coated.
- Bake: Bake for about 1 1/2 hours until the potatoes are tender.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve hot.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 468 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 759mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0.04g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 23mg
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *