If you’re looking for a soul-satisfying side that brings together the creamy, cheesy, and smoky flavors all in one bite, you absolutely have to try this Mississippi Mud Potatoes Recipe. This dish takes humble russet potatoes and dresses them up with sour cream, cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and a hint of green onion, creating a perfect harmony of texture and flavor that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether it’s a comforting weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleaser for family gatherings, this recipe never fails to impress with its golden, bubbly finish and irresistible richness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are refreshingly simple but each plays a crucial role in building the texture, flavor, and color of your Mississippi Mud Potatoes Recipe. From the creamy tang of sour cream to the smoky warmth of bacon, every element is essential for turning ordinary diced potatoes into a sensational baked side dish.
- 2 pounds russet potatoes (washed and diced): The hearty base, providing fluffy texture that soaks up all the flavors beautifully.
- 1 cup sour cream: Adds a tangy creaminess that keeps the potatoes moist and rich.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts to create gooey, cheesy goodness throughout the dish.
- ½ cup cooked and crumbled bacon: Brings smoky, crispy bits that add irresistible savory crunch.
- ¼ cup chopped green onions: Provides a fresh, mild bite that balances the richness.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses a subtle, savory depth without overpowering the other flavors.
- ½ teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the overall savory profile with a gentle sweetness.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that elevate all the ingredients.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted): Adds silkiness and helps bind everything together while promoting a golden bake.
- Extra cheese and bacon for topping (optional): For those who want to maximize the ooey-gooey, crispy experience.
How to Make Mississippi Mud Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Combine Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish so nothing sticks. In a large bowl, toss together the diced potatoes, sour cream, shredded cheddar, crumbled bacon, chopped green onions, garlic and onion powders, salt, pepper, and the melted butter. Stir everything well until all potatoes are evenly coated in the flavorful mix that guarantees every bite is bursting with deliciousness.
Step 2: Bake Covered
Transfer the mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Cover the dish securely with foil to trap steam, which helps soften the potatoes and meld the flavors. Bake for 45 minutes, allowing the potatoes to cook through while becoming tender and creamy.
Step 3: Top and Finish Baking
After 45 minutes, carefully remove the foil and sprinkle extra cheese and bacon over the top if you’re feeling indulgent. Pop it back into the oven uncovered for an additional 10–15 minutes until the top is beautifully golden brown and bubbling, with those crispy cheesy edges that make this Mississippi Mud Potatoes Recipe so irresistible.
Step 4: Rest and Serve
Let the dish rest at room temperature for about 5 minutes to let everything settle and flavors meld even further. This little pause makes serving easier and keeps the potatoes perfectly creamy right through to the last bite.
How to Serve Mississippi Mud Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes elevates the dish instantly. A sprinkle of chopped green onions or fresh parsley not only adds bright color but also a pleasant fresh bite that cuts through the richness wonderfully. For an extra touch, try a dollop of sour cream or a few slices of jalapeno for a subtle spicy kick.
Side Dishes
This recipe shines as a side, especially alongside grilled meats like steaks, barbecue chicken, or pork chops—its creamy, cheesy richness pairs perfectly with smoky, savory mains. Pairing it with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables can balance out the indulgence and bring freshness to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re hosting, serve the Mississippi Mud Potatoes Recipe in individual ramekins for a charming presentation. You can also layer the potatoes in a clear casserole dish to show off the vibrant layers of cheese, bacon, and green onion. For a fun twist, try stuffing the mixture into hollowed-out baked potato skins for handheld bites that deliver everything you love about this dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Mississippi Mud Potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to intensify after resting, making for delicious next-day meals or snacks.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish if you want to enjoy it later. Place cooled portions in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Keep in mind that the texture of the potatoes might be slightly softer after freezing and reheating, but the bold flavors will remain just as delightful.
Reheating
For the best reheating results, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through and bubbly, about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave individual servings on medium power for a quicker option, but baking will keep the crispy topping intact.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes for this recipe?
Russet potatoes are ideal because they hold their shape while becoming fluffy inside. However, Yukon Gold potatoes can also work well, adding a buttery texture and slightly different flavor to the dish.
Is there a vegetarian version of the Mississippi Mud Potatoes Recipe?
Absolutely! Simply omit the bacon and add extra cheese or sautéed mushrooms for a savory, smoky alternative that still captures the essence of the dish without meat.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
To make a dairy-free version, substitute sour cream with a plant-based yogurt and use dairy-free cheese alternatives. The flavor profile will be slightly different, but it still makes a tasty and creamy side.
What can I add to spice up the dish?
Adding chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the potato mixture introduces a lively heat that contrasts beautifully with the richness of the cheese and bacon.
How long does it take to prepare and cook this casserole?
The preparation takes about 15 minutes, and baking takes roughly 55 minutes, making the total time around 1 hour and 10 minutes. It’s straightforward enough for weeknights but special enough for gatherings.
Final Thoughts
This Mississippi Mud Potatoes Recipe is truly a showstopper that brings cozy comfort and irresistible flavor to your table. It’s the kind of dish that disappears fast because every bite is packed with cheesy, smoky, creamy goodness. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned pro, adding this recipe to your repertoire will bring joy to your meals and smiles to your loved ones. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll quickly become a cherished favorite in your home too!
Print
Mississippi Mud Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Mississippi Mud Potatoes are a rich and creamy baked potato casserole loaded with sour cream, cheddar cheese, bacon, and green onions. This comforting side dish features tender diced russet potatoes baked to bubbly perfection with a golden cheesy topping, making it an irresistible addition to any meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds russet potatoes (washed and diced)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- ¼ cup chopped green onions
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
Topping (Optional)
- Extra shredded cheddar cheese
- Extra cooked and crumbled bacon
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the diced potatoes, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and melted butter. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly coated and incorporated.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Spread the potato mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, smoothing out the top for even cooking.
- Bake Covered: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes to allow the potatoes to cook through and flavors to meld.
- Add Toppings & Continue Baking: Remove the foil, sprinkle extra cheese and bacon on top if using, and bake uncovered for an additional 10–15 minutes until the potatoes are tender and the topping is golden brown and bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Let the dish rest for 5 minutes to set before serving warm, allowing the flavors to settle and the casserole to firm up.
Notes
- Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream to create a lighter version without sacrificing creaminess.
- For a spicy variation, add chopped jalapeños to the potato mixture.
- Use a blend of cheeses like Monterey Jack and smoked gouda along with cheddar for added depth of flavor.
