If you are craving a hearty, comforting side that bursts with creamy, cheesy goodness and crispy bacon bits in every bite, the Mississippi Mud Potatoes Recipe is your go-to dish. This casserole combines tender russet potatoes with a luscious blend of sour cream, mayonnaise, and sharp cheddar cheese, all baked to bubbly perfection. It’s the kind of dish that warms the soul and fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma that makes everyone want to gather around the table right away.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple but absolutely essential. Each one plays a vital role in achieving the perfect balance of rich creaminess, savory depth, and a little crunch that gives this dish its signature charm.
- 6 cups diced russet potatoes: Choose firm, starchy potatoes for a fluffy texture that soaks up the flavors.
- 1 cup sour cream: Adds tangy creaminess to keep the potatoes moist and luscious.
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise: Enhances richness and helps bind everything together smoothly.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Provides a warm, mellow undertone of garlic without overpowering.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Lends subtle sweetness and depth to every bite.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors forward.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle kick and balances out the richness.
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar delivers a tangy, melty sensation that makes this dish unforgettable.
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions: Freshness and a mild crunch brighten up the creamy casserole.
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon: Crispy, smoky bacon pieces sprinkled throughout and on top provide that crave-worthy finish.
How to Make Mississippi Mud Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F, creating the perfect environment for your potato casserole to bake evenly. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup later. This foundation step sets you up for success with a golden, bubbly top and beautifully cooked potatoes every time.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir these together until smooth and well blended, creating a rich and flavorful coating that will cling to every potato piece for maximum taste and moisture.
Step 3: Combine Potatoes and Cheese
Add the diced russet potatoes, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, and most of the crumbled bacon into your creamy mixture. Reserve a small amount of bacon for sprinkling on top later. Stir gently but thoroughly, making sure each potato cube is evenly coated with the luscious blend of flavors.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Transfer the mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula. Scatter the reserved bacon and a little extra shredded cheese over the surface for a beautifully savory crust. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes, allowing the potatoes to cook through. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes so the top can turn golden, bubbly, and irresistible. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to let all the flavors settle beautifully.
How to Serve Mississippi Mud Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Giving your Mississippi Mud Potatoes that final touch can make all the difference. Freshly chopped chives or parsley add a vibrant pop of color and a hint of freshness that contrasts perfectly with the rich, creamy casserole. A light drizzle of hot sauce or a sprinkle of smoked paprika can also add an exciting flavor twist for those who like a little heat.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with classic comfort foods and hearty main dishes. Think juicy grilled chicken, savory meatloaf, or roasted pork chops. For a lighter contrast, a crisp green salad or steamed seasonal vegetables bring a nice balance to the indulgence of the cheesy potatoes.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation, serve the Mississippi Mud Potatoes recipe in individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets for a personal touch that’s sure to impress guests. You can also spoon the casserole onto toasted bread slices for a deconstructed, loaded potato toast experience that’s bursting with flavor and texture.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The creamy potatoes stay delicious for up to 3 days, making it easy to enjoy this comforting meal again without any hassle. To keep the bacon crispier, consider topping leftover portions with fresh bacon bits before reheating.
Freezing
You can freeze this casserole if you want to prepare it well in advance. Freeze it before baking by covering the dish tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When you’re ready to cook, bake directly from frozen but add an extra 20–25 minutes to the overall baking time, ensuring the potatoes become tender and the cheese bubbles perfectly.
Reheating
To reheat Mississippi Mud Potatoes Recipe leftovers, bake in a 350°F oven covered with foil until warmed through, about 20 minutes. For a crispier top, remove the foil during the last 5 minutes. Alternatively, microwave individual portions on high for 2–3 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of potato?
Russet potatoes are ideal due to their starchy texture, but Yukon Gold can work as a creamier, waxier alternative. Just keep in mind the texture will be softer and less fluffy.
Is it necessary to peel the potatoes?
Peeling is optional. Leaving the skins on adds extra nutrients and a rustic texture, but peeling creates a smoother, creamier casserole.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
With some substitutions like dairy-free sour cream, mayonnaise, and cheese alternatives, you can adapt this dish. The texture might vary slightly, but the comforting spirit remains.
What else can I add for extra flavor?
Add a pinch of smoked paprika, chopped jalapeños for heat, or swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese for a zesty kick. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary also complement the potatoes beautifully.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, the Mississippi Mud Potatoes Recipe uses naturally gluten-free ingredients, making it suitable for those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease.
Final Thoughts
This Mississippi Mud Potatoes Recipe has quickly become one of my favorite go-to side dishes whenever I want to impress friends or treat my family to something warm, cheesy, and utterly satisfying. The combination of tender potatoes, tangy creaminess, sharp cheddar, and crispy bacon is downright irresistible. Give it a try at your next dinner, and I promise it will turn into a beloved classic on your table too!
Print
Mississippi Mud Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Mississippi Mud Potatoes is a decadent and comforting baked potato casserole featuring tender diced russet potatoes coated in a creamy blend of sour cream and mayonnaise, seasoned with garlic and onion powders, and generously mixed with sharp cheddar cheese, green onions, and crispy bacon. This Southern-inspired side dish is perfect for gatherings and family meals, offering rich flavors and a golden, bubbly top that pairs well with a variety of main courses.
Ingredients
Potatoes and Dairy
- 6 cups diced russet potatoes (about 4 large), peeled if desired
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Add-ins
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon, divided
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
- Mix the Creamy Base: In a large bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Add Potatoes and Toppings: Add the diced potatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, and most of the crumbled bacon (reserve some for topping). Stir everything gently until the potatoes are evenly coated with the creamy mixture.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Spread the potato mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish to ensure uniform cooking.
- Top and Cover: Sprinkle the reserved bacon on top along with additional cheese if desired. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to retain moisture during the initial baking phase.
- Bake Covered: Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. This allows the potatoes to cook through while the flavors meld together.
- Uncover and Brown: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden and bubbly, creating a crispy, flavorful crust.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking to set. Serve warm as a delicious side dish.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar.
- This dish can be prepared a day in advance; simply bake it shortly before serving for convenience.
