Let me introduce you to a sensational comfort food gem that will quickly become a staple in your kitchen: the Mississippi Mud Potatoes Recipe. This dish brilliantly combines tender diced russet potatoes, crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and a creamy tang from sour cream, all baked to bubbly, golden perfection. It’s the kind of side that pairs effortlessly with everything from weeknight dinners to festive holiday spreads, guaranteed to have everyone reaching for seconds with big smiles on their faces.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating the perfect Mississippi Mud Potatoes Recipe is surprisingly simple, relying on a handful of pantry and fresh ingredients that each play an important role in delivering fantastic taste, texture, and color.
- 6 medium russet potatoes (diced): These provide the hearty, fluffy base with just the right amount of starchiness to soak up all the flavors.
- 1/2 pound bacon (cooked and crumbled): Adds irresistible smokiness and crispy texture to every bite.
- 1 cup sour cream: Brings a creamy tang that keeps the potatoes moist and dreamy.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: This gives a sharp, melty richness that pulls everything together deliciously.
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions: Offers a pop of color and mild onion flavor that lifts the dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Delivers a subtle garlic warmth without overpowering the dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the savory depth with an extra layer of onion goodness.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for balancing and highlighting all the flavors.
- Nonstick cooking spray: Keeps the baking dish clean while ensuring the potatoes don’t stick.
How to Make Mississippi Mud Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. While it’s warming up, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to ensure your cheesy potato mixture won’t cling to the pan and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
In a large bowl, toss together the diced russet potatoes, sour cream, shredded cheddar, crumbled bacon, chopped green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, and season everything with salt and pepper. Mix everything really well, aiming for an even coating so every potato bite is bursting with flavor.
Step 3: Bake Covered
Spread the potato mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Cover it tightly with foil and place it in the oven for 45 minutes. This slow bake allows the potatoes to soften gently and the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 4: Brown and Bubble
After the initial baking, remove the foil and return the dish to the oven for an additional 15 to 20 minutes. This step is crucial—it lets the cheese on top melt into a golden, bubbly crown while finishing cooking the potatoes to perfect tenderness.
Step 5: Cool Slightly and Serve
Once out of the oven, let your Mississippi Mud Potatoes Recipe cool for a few minutes. This resting period helps it firm up so you can scoop out generous portions without everything falling apart.
How to Serve Mississippi Mud Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes like chopped extra green onions, a sprinkle of crispy bacon bits, or even a dollop of sour cream can enhance the look and flavor of this dish. They add texture contrasts and a fresh brightness that balances the richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
These potatoes make the perfect companion to grilled meats like steak or chicken, thanks to their luscious, cheesy vibe. They also complement holiday roasts, barbecues, or even a simple roasted vegetable medley for a complete and comforting meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving this dish in individual ramekins for personal portions or mix in other ingredients like chopped jalapeños or smoked sausage for extra flair. You can also elevate it by topping with crispy fried onions before the final bake for an eye-catching crunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. These Mississippi Mud Potatoes Recipe leftovers will stay delicious and fresh for up to 3 days, making a fantastic next-day side or comfort snack.
Freezing
This recipe freezes wonderfully. Just cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. It’ll keep for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat your potatoes in a preheated 350-degree oven for about 20 minutes, uncovered, until warmed through. This helps maintain the original crispy and cheesy top layer rather than getting soggy in the microwave.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of potato?
Russet potatoes are preferred for their starchy texture, which helps the dish hold together nicely and absorb all the creamy flavors. However, Yukon Golds can be used if you want a waxier, slightly firmer bite.
Is there a vegetarian version of the Mississippi Mud Potatoes Recipe?
Absolutely! Simply omit the bacon and consider adding smoked paprika or a bit of liquid smoke to retain that smoky depth, or toss in sautéed mushrooms for a meaty texture.
Can I substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream?
Yes, using Greek yogurt is a great lighter alternative that adds a similar creamy tang while reducing fat. The texture will be slightly different but still incredibly tasty.
How spicy is this dish?
This recipe is mild and comforting, perfectly suitable for all ages. If you want to add some heat, try mixing in chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper into the potato mixture.
What makes this called Mississippi Mud Potatoes?
The name likely comes from the rich, dense, and gooey texture reminiscent of traditional Mississippi mud desserts, combined with the dark, savory bacon and cheese that create a “muddy” appearance on top.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Mississippi Mud Potatoes Recipe, it’s easy to see why it earns a special place at the table. With its hearty ingredients and comforting flavors, it’s the perfect dish to share with friends and family any time you want to make a meal truly memorable. Give it a go today and watch it become a beloved favorite in your home 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 creamy, cheesy potato casserole loaded with crispy bacon and green onions, baked to golden bubbly perfection. This comforting Southern-style side dish combines diced russet potatoes with sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and savory spices, making it an ideal accompaniment for holiday meals or grilled meats.
Ingredients
Potato Mixture
- 6 medium russet potatoes, diced
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 pound bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Other
- Nonstick cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Combine ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the diced potatoes, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, cooked and crumbled bacon, chopped green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly coated and thoroughly combined.
- Spread mixture evenly: Transfer the potato mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly to ensure uniform cooking.
- Bake covered: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 45 minutes to allow the potatoes to cook through and flavors to meld.
- Bake uncovered: After 45 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Cool and serve: Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving to set and make it easier to scoop.
Notes
- For extra richness, stir in 1 tablespoon of melted butter into the potato mixture before baking.
- Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a lighter and tangier version.
- This dish pairs wonderfully as a side for grilled meats, BBQ, or festive holiday meals.
