The Ultimate Mississippi Mud Potatoes: A Cheesy, Bacon-Filled Comfort Food Casserole
If you’re searching for a side dish that embodies the very essence of comfort food, look no further than these incredible Mississippi Mud Potatoes. Imagine tender, savory potato cubes, generously coated in a rich, creamy sauce, then baked to golden perfection with an abundance of sharp cheddar cheese and crispy, smoky bacon bits. A final flourish of fresh green onions adds a vibrant touch of color and a subtle oniony kick, elevating this dish from simple to spectacular.
This isn’t just a side dish; it’s a culinary experience perfect for any gathering. Whether you’re planning a lavish holiday feast, contributing to a potluck, hosting a lively family reunion, or simply craving something deeply satisfying on a cozy weeknight, Mississippi Mud Potatoes deliver. They are savory, creamy, cheesy, and utterly irresistible – a true crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
My kitchen has been filled with the enticing aroma of these potatoes for months, as I diligently tested and refined this recipe. My husband, bless his heart, has been “over the moon,” enjoying at least one or two batches weekly! He was a fan from the very first bite, but I was determined to tweak every element until they were absolutely perfect. And now, I’m thrilled to share the perfected version with you.
Inspired by the rich, earthy tones of the Mississippi River banks, these cheesy Mississippi Mud Potatoes are the quintessential comfort food side dish. And while their rustic appearance might lead some to call them “ugly,” I guarantee one thing for sure: they might look humble, but they taste absolutely phenomenal! Don’t let their unassuming charm fool you; the flavor profile is rich, complex, and deeply satisfying.
This dish transports me back to fond memories of family dinners in the 90s, a time when nutritional labels were less of a concern and the focus was purely on hearty, comforting meals. We’d gather around tables laden with indulgent dishes brimming with cheese, crispy bacon, and luscious creamy sauces. It was a simpler time, filled with warmth and deliciousness.
While our approach to dinner might be more balanced these days, there’s always room for a comforting treat. And for those occasions when you want to truly indulge and create a memorable meal, this recipe for Mississippi Mud Potatoes is an impeccable choice. It’s a celebration of flavor, texture, and pure culinary joy.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Recipe
This Mississippi Mud Potatoes recipe isn’t just good; it’s destined to become a staple in your recipe rotation. Here’s why it stands out:
- Classic, Irresistible Comfort Food: This dish is the epitome of home-style cooking. With generous layers of perfectly tender potatoes, a rich, creamy sauce, savory bacon, and gooey melted cheese, it hits all the right notes for a satisfying, soul-warming meal. It’s a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that will please even the pickiest eaters.
- No Canned Soups Needed: Unlike many traditional casseroles that rely on “cream of” canned soups for their base, this recipe crafts its creamy sauce from scratch. This means you get a fresher, more robust flavor profile, free from artificial ingredients and excessive sodium often found in canned goods. It also makes this a fantastic option for those seeking gluten-free alternatives or simply preferring to avoid processed ingredients. The homemade sauce truly makes a difference in taste and quality.
- Made with Fresh, Budget-Friendly Potatoes (No Pre-Boiling!): We utilize readily available and economical Yukon Gold potatoes, which are known for their naturally buttery flavor and creamy texture when cooked. The best part? There’s no need for tedious pre-boiling or complicated steps. Simply peel, cube, and mix! While you could substitute with frozen hash browns in a pinch, using fresh potatoes, especially Yukon Golds, yields superior results and keeps this dish incredibly cost-effective.
- Simple Ingredients, Incredible Flavor: You won’t find any obscure or hard-to-find ingredients here. This recipe uses everyday pantry staples that, when combined, create a symphony of deliciousness. The simplicity ensures that anyone, regardless of their cooking skill level, can achieve fantastic results.
- A Guaranteed Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s a holiday dinner, a casual potluck, or a family gathering, these potatoes are always the first to disappear. Their universal appeal makes them a reliable choice for feeding a crowd and ensuring everyone leaves with a happy belly.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Mississippi Mud Potatoes
Crafting these irresistible potatoes requires a handful of simple yet high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building the dish’s signature creamy, savory, and cheesy profile.
- Potatoes: The foundation of our dish! After extensive testing, Yukon Gold potatoes emerged as the clear winner. Their naturally creamy texture and slightly buttery flavor are ideal for this casserole, softening beautifully without becoming mushy. Red potatoes are another excellent alternative, offering a similar texture. However, we do not recommend russet potatoes, as they tend to require a much longer baking time to soften, which can lead to overcooked cheese and other ingredients.
- Sour Cream: This provides the essential tang and rich creaminess to our sauce. For the best texture and flavor, we strongly recommend using a good quality, thick sour cream like Daisy or Good Culture. If you’re in Canada, Gay Lea Gold is an excellent choice. The higher fat content contributes to a more luxurious mouthfeel.
- Mayonnaise: While it might sound unconventional for a potato casserole, trust us on this one! Mayonnaise adds a subtle richness and an extra layer of creamy depth to the sauce, balancing the tang of the sour cream beautifully. It helps create that irresistible, velvety coating for the potatoes.
- Cheese: For unparalleled flavor and melt, freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese is our top recommendation. Shredding your own from a block ensures a smoother melt and prevents the waxy texture sometimes found in pre-shredded varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents. However, in a pinch, pre-shredded cheese will certainly work. The sharp cheddar provides a bold, savory punch that complements the other ingredients perfectly.
- Bacon: You’ll need approximately 10-14 slices of bacon (about 12 ounces) to create the delicious, crispy bacon bits that are integral to this recipe. While pre-packaged bacon bits can save time, cooking fresh bacon yourself yields a far superior flavor and texture. The smoky, salty crispiness of freshly made bacon bits is simply unmatched and adds an incredible layer of flavor.
- Seasonings: A simple yet effective blend of garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper is all you need. These seasonings enhance the natural flavors of the potatoes, bacon, and cheese, creating a well-rounded and savory profile without overpowering the main ingredients.
- Green Onions: These delicate onions provide a mild, fresh onion flavor and a pop of vibrant green color, adding visual appeal and a pleasant counterpoint to the richness of the dish. If fresh green onions aren’t available, an additional ½ teaspoon of onion powder can be used as a substitute, though the fresh garnish is highly recommended for its aesthetic and textural contribution.
Mastering the Art of Crispy Bacon Bits
Before we dive into assembling our glorious potato casserole, we need to prepare the star flavor enhancer: perfectly crispy bacon bits. The secret to achieving the ideal texture and distribution throughout the dish lies in how you prepare and cook the bacon.
The best method for creating homemade bacon bits is to slice the bacon into small pieces while it’s raw, rather than cooking whole strips and then crumbling them. This technique ensures that each piece cooks evenly and becomes wonderfully crisp. It also makes for easier stirring and prevents large, uneven chunks.
- Prepare the Bacon: Take approximately 12 ounces (which is typically 10-14 slices) of raw bacon. Using a sharp knife, slice the bacon strips into uniform ¾-inch pieces. For easier slicing, you can stack a few slices together and cut them simultaneously.
- Start Cooking: Place the chopped bacon pieces into a heavy-bottomed Dutch oven or a large skillet with high sides. High sides are crucial to contain any potential splattering as the bacon cooks. Turn the heat to medium. Avoid overcrowding the pan; if necessary, cook the bacon in two batches to ensure even crisping.
- Cook to Perfection: Cook the bacon, stirring frequently with a wooden spoon or spatula. Stirring helps to separate the pieces, preventing them from sticking together and promoting even cooking on all sides. Continue cooking until the bacon pieces are beautifully crisp and have rendered most of their fat. This usually takes about 8-12 minutes, depending on your stove and bacon thickness.
- Drain Excess Fat: Once the bacon has reached your desired level of crispiness, immediately remove the Dutch oven from the heat. Using a slotted spoon, carefully transfer the cooked bacon bits from the pan to a plate lined with several layers of paper towels. The paper towels will absorb any excess grease, leaving you with perfectly crisp and less greasy bacon bits.
- Cool and Reserve: Allow the bacon bits to cool completely on the paper towel-lined plate. As they cool, they will become even crispier. Once cooled, they are ready to be incorporated into your Mississippi Mud Potatoes. You can even reserve a tablespoon or two for an extra garnish just before serving.
This simple step ensures that your potato casserole is infused with that irresistible smoky, salty crunch that makes Mississippi Mud Potatoes so incredibly addictive.
How to Craft Your Own Mississippi Mud Potatoes: A Step-by-Step Guide
These cheesy potatoes are a testament to how simple ingredients can create an unforgettable dish. Featuring tender potatoes enveloped in an irresistible, creamy sauce, this recipe is guaranteed to win you over. If you adore hearty, flavor-packed casseroles, prepare to fall head over heels!
- Prepare the Creamy Base: In a very large mixing bowl, combine the ½ cup of mayonnaise, ½ cup of sour cream, 1 teaspoon of fine salt, ¼ teaspoon of ground black pepper, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and ½ teaspoon of onion powder. Whisk these ingredients vigorously until they are thoroughly combined and the mixture is smooth and lump-free. This forms the luscious, seasoned foundation of your sauce.
- Introduce the Cheese and Green Onions: Gently sprinkle in the 8 ounces of freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese and the 4 sliced green onions (if you’re using fresh). The green onions add a vibrant freshness and a subtle bite that perfectly complements the richness of the cheese and sauce.
- Fold with Care: Using a spatula or large spoon, carefully fold the cheese and green onions into the creamy mixture. Be gentle to ensure they are evenly incorporated without mashing the green onions. You want the cheese to be well-distributed so every bite has that cheesy goodness.
- Add the Crispy Bacon Bits: Now, add your pre-cooked, crispy bacon bits to the sauce mixture. Again, fold them in gently until they are well dispersed. The goal is to distribute the smoky, salty crunch throughout the dish.
- Prepare the Potatoes: Peel and cube 2 ½ pounds of Yukon Gold potatoes. Aim for ¾ to 1-inch cubes to ensure they cook evenly and become tender within the baking time. Place the cubed potatoes directly into the large bowl with your prepared sauce mixture.
- Evenly Coat the Potatoes: Using your spatula or hands, gently toss and stir the potatoes with the sauce until every single potato cube is thoroughly and evenly coated. This is crucial for flavor and moisture distribution. Take your time to ensure no potato is left uncovered.
- Prepare for Baking: Lightly grease a 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking dish with cooking spray or a thin layer of softened butter. Transfer the coated potato mixture from the bowl into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly to create a uniform layer, ensuring consistent cooking.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Place the baking dish into your preheated 400ºF (200ºC) oven. Bake uncovered for approximately 50-60 minutes. The potatoes are done when they are fork-tender – meaning a fork or knife can easily pierce through a potato cube with minimal resistance. The cheese should be bubbly and golden brown on top, and the edges slightly caramelized.
- Rest and Serve: Once baked, remove the Mississippi Mud Potatoes from the oven and let them cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This brief resting period allows the sauce to set slightly and the flavors to meld beautifully. Garnish with additional sliced green onions if desired for an extra pop of color and freshness.
And there you have it! A magnificent dish that promises comfort, flavor, and a truly memorable eating experience.
Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Mississippi Mud Potatoes
Mississippi Mud Potatoes are hearty and satisfying on their own, but they truly shine as a rich and flavorful side dish alongside a variety of main courses. Their creamy, cheesy, and savory profile complements both lighter and more robust proteins. Here are some fantastic main dish ideas to create a well-rounded meal:
- Grilled Chicken or Steak: The smoky flavors of grilled meats are a superb match for the creamy potatoes. A simple grilled chicken breast or a perfectly seared steak offers a delightful contrast in textures and tastes.
- Pork Chops: A true nod to classic 90s comfort meals, pork chops and Mississippi Mud Potatoes are a match made in heaven. Whether pan-fried, baked, or grilled, the savory pork pairs beautifully with the rich potato casserole.
- Roast Chicken: A succulent, whole roasted chicken is an elegant yet comforting choice. The juices from the chicken will mingle with the creamy potatoes, creating an even more flavorful experience.
- Salmon or Other Fish: For a lighter but equally delicious option, consider pairing these potatoes with baked or pan-seared salmon. The richness of the fish is balanced by the potatoes, creating a satisfying meal.
- Casseroles: While these potatoes are a casserole themselves, they can complement a simpler main casserole, such as a green bean casserole or a light vegetable bake, creating a diverse texture and flavor palette.
- Pasta Dishes: A classic meat sauce pasta or a simple garlic butter pasta can be a wonderful partner, allowing the Mississippi Mud Potatoes to take center stage as the star side.
- Mississippi Pot Roast: For the ultimate Southern-inspired meal, serve these potatoes alongside a slow-cooked Mississippi Pot Roast. The tender, flavorful beef and the creamy potatoes create an incredibly indulgent and cohesive dinner.
- Soups or Stews: On a chilly evening, a hearty bowl of vegetable soup or a beef stew served with a generous scoop of Mississippi Mud Potatoes offers unparalleled warmth and comfort.
Don’t forget to add a simple green salad or some steamed vegetables to round out your meal and add a touch of freshness to balance the richness of the potatoes.
Expert Tips for Crafting the Best Mississippi Mud Potatoes
Achieving the perfect Mississippi Mud Potatoes is all about attention to a few key details. These expert tips will help you elevate your dish from great to absolutely exceptional:
- Always Opt for Freshly Shredded Cheese: This is a game-changer! While pre-shredded cheese is convenient, it often contains anti-caking agents that can prevent it from melting as smoothly. If you have the time, shredding sharp cheddar from a block ensures a creamier, more luxurious melt and a superior flavor that truly makes a difference in the final product.
- Chop the Bacon BEFORE Cooking: For the crispiest, most evenly cooked bacon bits, always chop your raw bacon into small pieces (¾-inch is ideal) before you cook it. I used to cook whole strips and then crumble them, but this method often results in unevenly cooked pieces. Pre-chopping allows each piece to crisp up beautifully, ensuring a perfect texture throughout your casserole. Refer to our detailed guide on how to make bacon bits for more tips.
- Select the Right Potatoes: The type of potato you choose significantly impacts the outcome. After countless tests, Yukon Gold or red potatoes consistently yield the best results. These varieties are known for their creamy texture when cooked and soften beautifully within the recommended baking time. Russet potatoes, on the other hand, require a significantly longer cooking period to become tender, which can lead to the cheese burning or hardening before the potatoes are adequately cooked.
- Ensure Uniform Potato Cubes: To guarantee even cooking, strive to cut your potatoes into pieces of roughly the same size (¾-1 inch cubes). If some pieces are much larger than others, they may remain firm while smaller pieces become overly soft. Consistency is key for a perfectly tender casserole.
- Don’t Overmix the Sauce and Potatoes: Once the potatoes are added to the sauce, mix just enough to ensure they are evenly coated. Overmixing can break down the potato starch, leading to a gummy texture, and can also make the sauce less creamy. Gentle folding is best.
- Allow for Resting Time After Baking: Once your casserole comes out of the oven, resist the urge to dig in immediately. Allowing it to rest for at least 5-10 minutes helps the sauce to set and thickens the consistency, making it easier to serve and enhancing the overall texture.
- Storage and Reheating: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, cover and warm gently in the microwave or oven until heated through. For best results, add a splash of milk or broth before reheating if the sauce seems too thick.
By following these simple tips, you’re well on your way to creating a Mississippi Mud Potatoes casserole that will impress everyone at your table!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Mississippi Mud Potatoes
Here are answers to some common questions you might have about making and enjoying this delicious potato casserole:
- Can I make Mississippi Mud Potatoes ahead of time? Yes, you can! You have a couple of options:
- Partial Prep: Cook the bacon bits and prepare the sauce up to Step 4. Store the bacon separately in an airtight container and the sauce in another, both in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, cube the potatoes, combine everything, and proceed with baking.
- Full Assembly: Assemble the entire casserole (up to Step 7) in the baking dish, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Before baking, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, then bake as directed, potentially adding 10-15 minutes to the total baking time to ensure the potatoes are fully cooked.
- How should I store leftovers? Allow any leftover Mississippi Mud Potatoes to cool completely to room temperature. Transfer them to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- How do I reheat leftover Mississippi Mud Potatoes? For best results, reheat individual portions in the microwave until hot and steamy throughout. For larger amounts, cover the baking dish with foil and reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through. You may want to add a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much in the fridge.
- Can I freeze this casserole? Freezing creamy potato casseroles can sometimes alter the texture of the potatoes and the sauce, making it a bit mealy or watery upon thawing. While technically possible, we recommend enjoying this dish fresh or from refrigeration rather than freezing for the best quality.
- Can I use different types of cheese? Absolutely! While sharp cheddar is our top pick for its robust flavor, feel free to experiment. Monterey Jack, Colby, or a cheddar-jack blend would also work wonderfully, offering a milder, creamier melt. For a bit of a kick, you could even add a touch of pepper jack.
- Is this recipe gluten-free? Yes, naturally! Since this recipe uses a homemade sauce base instead of canned “cream of” soups, it is inherently gluten-free, making it a safe and delicious option for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Can I add other vegetables? You could! Diced bell peppers or corn would be interesting additions, though they might change the classic “Mississippi Mud” aesthetic. If adding, consider sautéing them briefly before adding to the mix to ensure they cook through.
- What if my potatoes aren’t tender after the recommended baking time? Baking times can vary depending on your oven and the exact size of your potato cubes. If your potatoes are still firm, simply cover the dish loosely with foil (to prevent the cheese from burning) and continue baking in 10-15 minute increments until they are fork-tender.
More Delicious Potato Side Dishes to Explore
If you’ve fallen in love with the comforting flavors of Mississippi Mud Potatoes, you’re in for a treat! Potatoes are incredibly versatile, forming the base for countless delicious side dishes. Here are a few more potato recipes that are sure to become family favorites:
- Easy Funeral Potatoes Recipe
- Roasted Ranch Potatoes
- Parmesan Crusted Potatoes
- Roasted Broccoli and Potatoes
We truly hope you enjoy this recipe for Mississippi Mud Potatoes! If you loved it, please consider leaving a 5-star review in the comments below. Your feedback helps us share more delicious recipes with others. You can also tag us on Instagram @dashfordinner to show us your wonderful creations!
Mississippi Mud Potatoes
This Mississippi Mud Potatoes recipe is the ultimate side dish! Features a creamy, cheesy sauce, lots of crispy bacon, and tender potatoes.
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Side Dish
American, Southern
20 minutes
1 hour
1 hour 20 minutes
8 servings
530kcal
Dorothy Bigelow
Ingredients
- 2 ½ pounds Yukon Gold potatoes peeled and cubed* (about 6-7 cups)
- 12 ounces bacon about 10-14 slices, chopped
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese shredded (about 3 cups)
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sour cream good quality, like Daisy or Good Culture
- 1 teaspoon fine salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 4 green onions sliced (or an additional ½ teaspoon onion powder)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400ºF (200ºC) and lightly grease a 9X13” baking dish with cooking spray or a thin coat of softened butter.
- Cook the bacon bits. Slice your bacon strips into ¾” cubes (I slice them lengthwise in half through the center, then into ¾” pieces). Add them to a large Dutch oven or skillet with high sides.
Cook on medium heat, stirring them often with a wooden spoon to break them up and ensure they cook evenly. Once crisp, use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked bacon pieces to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Set aside.
- Add the mayonnaise, sour cream, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and green onions to a very large bowl. Stir well to combine the ingredients.
- Sprinkle in the cheese and cooked bacon pieces, and fold them in until evenly distributed.
- Finally, add the cubed potatoes and toss them with the sour cream, mayo, and cheese mixture until well coated.
- Transfer the potato mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it into an even layer.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes (uncovered), or until the potatoes are easily pierced with a fork and tender.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with additional sliced green onion (if desired)
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Notes
*What size cubed potatoes should I use? To ensure the potatoes cook through during the allotted baking time, we recommend slicing the potatoes into ¾-1” cubes.
Does it have to be Yukon Gold potatoes? I’ve tested this recipe with all kinds of potatoes, and Yukon Gold or red potatoes work best. Russets require a significantly longer baking time, which can cause the cheese to burn and harden.
With Greek yogurt: I haven’t tested this option, but I’m certain you could make this recipe with Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, and light mayonnaise instead of the regular kind.
Nutrition
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