If you are in search of the proper side dish for your meal that is creamy and cheesy as well as filled with crispy bacon goodness, Mississippi Mud Potatoes are calling your name. This recipe starts with chunks of tender potato, combined with rich cheddar cheese, smoky bacon, and a dusting of onion and garlic—baked to golden-brown perfection. And the addition of mayonnaise lends a super creamy texture that turns every bite into pure comfort.
Perfect for cookouts, family get-togethers, or holiday dinners, these are sure to be a hit with a crowd. Whether you’re pairing them with grilled meats, burgers, or serving them as a comfort food on their own, this recipe is sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Rich and Creamy – The mayonnaise and melted cheese give you a rich, velvety result.
✔ Smoky Bacon Flavor – Crispy bacon brings a bold, savory punch to this dish that ups the ante.
✔ Crowd-Pleaser – From backyard BBQs to Thanksgiving dinner, everyone will be going back for seconds.
✔ Make-Ahead Friendly – Prepare the dish ahead of time and just bake when you’re ready—so key for busy days!
✔ Make it Your Own – Adapt the ingredients to fit your personal tastes or dietary restrictions.
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Essential Components: What You’ll Need
- Potatoes (6 cups, diced) – Russet potatoes make for a fluffier texture, but Yukon Golds are creamier and hold their shape well.
- Cheddar Cheese (1 cup, shredded) – Freshly shredded cheese will melt better than pre-shredded cheese.
- Bacon (1 cup, cooked and crumbled) – Thick-cut bacon contributes substantial heft and a smoky bite.
- Onion (½ cup, diced small) – Adds just a touch of sweetness that brings out flavor in the dish.
- Garlic (3 teaspoons, minced) – Adds a hearty, fragrant undertone to the dish.
- Mayonnaise (¾ cup) – The secret to a creamy, luscious texture. For a tangier flavor, replace up to half with sour cream.
- Salt & Pepper (to taste) – These are classic seasonings that bind all the flavors.
Mississippi Mud Potatoes Recipe: How to Make It
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
✔ Peel and Dice the Potatoes – Doing this ensures the potatoes cook evenly.
✔ Cook & Crumble the Bacon – Cook the bacon until it’s crispy, then crumble it into small pieces.
✔ Shred the Cheese – Freshly shredded cheese melts better and tastes better.
✔ Dice the Onion & Mince the Garlic – These bring loads of depth to the dish and aromatic goodness.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Cooking at a lower heat ensures that the flavors meld as the potatoes cook through evenly.
Step 3: Mix the Ingredients
In a very large mixing bowl, combine:
✔ Diced potatoes
✔ Shredded cheddar cheese
✔ Crumbled bacon
✔ Minced garlic
✔ Chopped onion
Add the mayonnaise – Stir in ¾ cup of mayonnaise until everything is well-coated. This will form the creamy base of the dish.
Step 4: Prepare The Baking Pan
✔ Butter or grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, or spritz with non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
✔ Pour the mixture into the dish, spreading it out into an even layer.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Perfect
✔ Cover and bake for 1 ½ hours.
✔ Follow up periodically. If needed, give it a gentle stir to ensure even cooking.
✔ Golden brown finish – The dish is ready when the potatoes are tender with a golden brown top. If it begins to brown too much, cover with foil.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy
✔ Allow the dish to cool a little before serving – this allows the flavors to settle and makes serving easier.
✔ Serve hot and enjoy! Mississippi Mud Potatoes are meant to be enjoyed warm and fresh.
How to Serve Mississippi Mud Potatoes: What to Pair with Them
This dish is versatile and complements many kinds of main courses:
- Grilled or Smoked Meats – Pair with BBQ ribs, brisket, grilled chicken, or pork chops.
- Burgers & Sandwiches – Pairs with cheeseburgers, pulled pork, or fried chicken sandwiches.
- Holiday Feasts – Great side for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter dinner.
- Vegetarian Plate – Serve with a green salad of your choice and some roasted veggies for a complete meal.
Storage & Reheating: Keeping Leftovers Good
Got leftovers? No problem! Here’s the best way to store and reheat them:
Refrigeration:
✔ Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
✔ Oven – Bake for 15 minutes at 325°F (163°C), or until warmed through.
✔ Microwave – Warm single servings in 30-second increments until heated through.
✔ Air Fryer – Add at 350°F for 5-7 minutes for a crispier texture.
Freezing:
✔ You can freeze Mississippi Mud Potatoes, but the texture may be slightly different.
✔ Keep in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
✔ Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat in the oven.
Now for the Fun Part: Delicious Variations!
Add Extra Veggies
✔ Add broccoli, bell peppers, or peas for color and nutrition.
Swap the Cheese
✔ Mix it up – Try Monterey Jack, Colby, or Pepper Jack for a change in flavor.
Make It Spicy
✔ For a touch of heat, add diced jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce.
Go Lighter
✔ Swap out for light mayo or Greek yogurt to cut calories without losing creaminess.
Add Some Crunch
✔ Add crushed potato chips or breadcrumbs to the top in the last 15 minutes of baking for an extra crispy topping.
Most Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I prepare this in advance?
Yes! You can assemble the dish up to 24 hours beforehand, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready.
Can I use frozen potatoes?
Yes, but the best texture comes from fresh potatoes. If using frozen diced potatoes, thaw and drain them before adding in.
Can I use sour cream instead of mayonnaise?
Absolutely! You can swap out half or all of the mayo for sour cream for a tangier flavor.
How do I stop the potatoes from going too soft?
Be careful not to overcook – bake until just tender. Cover with foil if the top browns too quickly.
Can I do this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Cover and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours until potatoes are tender.
Conclusion: The Most Cozy of All Food
Mississippi Mud Potatoes – everything you want in a side dish: rich, cheesy, and full of smoky bacon flavor. Whether you’re making them for a weeknight dinner, a special occasion, or meal prepping for the week, this is sure to be a family favorite.
So, collect your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a dish that’s as indulgent as it is quick to make. You’ll see pretty quickly why these potatoes have become a Southern comfort classic.
Give it a whirl today – you definitely won’t regret the gooey, bacon goodness!
Mississippi Mud Potatoes: A Rich and Cheesy Comfort Dish
Ingredients
- 6 cups potatoes peeled and diced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese freshly shredded for better melting
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup bacon cooked and crumbled
- 3 tsp minced garlic
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
Instructions
- Peel and dice 6 cups of potatoes into uniform pieces. Cook and crumble 1 cup of bacon. Shred 1 cup of cheddar cheese, finely chop 1/2 cup of onion, and mince 3 teaspoons of garlic.
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) to ensure even cooking and blending of flavors.
- In a large bowl, mix the diced potatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, minced garlic, and chopped onion. Stir in 3/4 cup of mayonnaise until the mixture is evenly coated.
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or non-stick spray. Pour the potato mixture into the pan and spread evenly into a single layer.
- Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 1 1/2 hours. Stir gently halfway through if needed. The dish is done when the potatoes are tender, and the top is golden brown. Cover with foil if the top browns too quickly.
- Allow the dish to cool slightly before serving. Serve hot as a hearty side dish, paired with grilled meats, barbecues, or enjoy as a standalone meal.
