There’s something absolutely irresistible about the combination of crispy, cheesy potatoes and smoky bacon that makes Mississippi Mud Potatoes a crowd favorite. Whether you’re planning a cozy family dinner or a potluck with friends, this dish delivers creamy, savory satisfaction with every forkful.
I first tried this recipe at a backyard barbecue and knew I had to recreate it at home. Now, it's become a staple for game days, holidays, and everything in between. It’s hearty, easy to make, and always disappears fast—no leftovers in sight!
Ready to dive in? Let’s explore why these potatoes are about to become your new favorite comfort food.
Why You’ll Love These Mississippi Mud Potatoes
Get ready for a dish that checks every box. These Mississippi Mud Potatoes are warm, cheesy, bacon-loaded perfection—delivered in one pan.
They’re wonderfully easy to make. With just a few pantry staples and a handful of steps, you’ll have this dish in the oven in under 15 minutes. There’s no fussy prep, and everything cooks together to golden, bubbling perfection.
Perfect for feeding a crowd. Whether you’re cooking for your family or a hungry party crew, this recipe scales up beautifully. It’s a great choice for potlucks, BBQs, and Sunday dinners alike.
Totally customizable. You can add jalapeños for a spicy kick, swap out cheeses, or even stir in some cooked ground sausage for extra protein. The base is simple and forgiving, making it easy to make your own.
Ultimate comfort food. The combination of crispy edges, creamy interior, gooey cheese, and smoky bacon is pure satisfaction. It’s comfort food at its finest and most craveable.
Once you try it, this dish will earn a permanent spot in your regular recipe rotation. Now let’s take a closer look at what goes into it.
Ingredient Note
The magic of Mississippi Mud Potatoes lies in a handful of simple, hearty ingredients. Each one brings something special to the table and contributes to the creamy, cheesy, savory final result.
Russet potatoes are the backbone of this dish. Their starchy structure helps them bake up fluffy inside while the edges turn golden and crisp. Be sure to dice them evenly so they cook uniformly—no mushy bits here.
Bacon brings an unbeatable smoky depth and crunch. Fry it until perfectly crisp, then crumble it over the top or mix it right into the potatoes. You’ll get those savory bacon bits in every bite.
Cheddar cheese is the melty glue that ties everything together. Sharp cheddar adds a deep, tangy flavor, but feel free to use a blend like Colby-Jack or Monterey Jack for a different cheesy vibe.
Sour cream and mayonnaise create that rich, creamy texture that sets these potatoes apart from your average roasted spuds. Together, they coat every chunk of potato in luscious, velvety flavor.
For this recipe, you won’t need any special tools—just a good-quality baking dish, a large mixing bowl, and a sharp knife. If you have a cast-iron skillet, it’s a great way to bake and serve these potatoes with rustic flair.
How to Make These Mississippi Mud Potatoes
Making this dish couldn’t be simpler—and the results are always impressive. Here’s how to make it step by step.
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and greasing a 9x13-inch baking dish. This ensures the potatoes don’t stick and lets those delicious cheesy edges form.
Peel and dice your russet potatoes into small cubes, about ½ inch in size. Place them in a large mixing bowl and season generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. This is your chance to season the potatoes directly before the creamy ingredients go in.
Fry your bacon until crispy, then drain it on paper towels and crumble. You can either stir it into the potato mixture now or save it to sprinkle on top before baking—it’s delicious either way.
In the same bowl, add the sour cream, mayonnaise, and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir everything together until the potatoes are evenly coated. The mixture should be creamy but not runny—just enough to hug the potato pieces.
Transfer everything into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes, then uncover and bake an additional 15–20 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
The entire process takes about 1 hour from start to finish, and the reward is a bubbly, crisp-topped casserole that’s impossible to resist.
Storage Options
These potatoes are just as tasty the next day—if you’re lucky enough to have leftovers! Here’s how to store and reheat them properly.
Refrigerator: Transfer any cooled leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen over time, making them even more delicious.
Freezer: You can freeze Mississippi Mud Potatoes, though the texture of the potatoes may change slightly upon thawing. Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Warm in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, for about 20–25 minutes or until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, though the oven yields better texture for larger servings.
Store them right, and you’ll have a comforting side (or main!) ready to go in minutes.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is wonderfully flexible, making it easy to tweak based on what you have or what you’re craving.
If you’re in the mood for heat, add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture. The creamy base balances out the spice beautifully.
For a meatier version, stir in crumbled cooked sausage or shredded rotisserie chicken along with the bacon. It turns the dish into a satisfying all-in-one meal.
You can experiment with different cheeses, like smoked gouda or pepper jack, for unique flavor twists. Cheese lovers might even top the casserole with an extra handful before baking.
For a lighter spin, use Greek yogurt in place of sour cream and reduced-fat mayo. The texture remains rich, but the calories drop slightly.
Don’t be afraid to make it your own. Whether you add green onions, paprika, or your favorite spice blend, the possibilities are endless—and always tasty.
PrintCoconut Curry Chicken Recipe
These Mississippi Mud Potatoes are a rich and comforting side dish packed with crispy bacon, gooey melted cheese, and tender potatoes. It's the ultimate crowd-pleaser for family dinners, potlucks, and BBQs. This easy potato casserole is loaded with flavor and ready to impress any gathering. Perfect for anyone looking for a hearty, cheesy side dish with Southern roots.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
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6 medium russet potatoes, diced
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1½ cups sour cream
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2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
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6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
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½ cup chopped green onions (optional)
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Salt and pepper to taste
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2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Toss diced potatoes in olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread evenly in a baking dish.
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Bake for 25–30 minutes or until tender.
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In a bowl, mix sour cream, half the cheese, and bacon.
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Stir in the roasted potatoes and mix well.
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Top with remaining cheese and bake for 10 more minutes until bubbly and golden.
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Garnish with chopped green onions if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
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For extra crispiness, broil for 2–3 minutes after final bake.
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Add a dash of hot sauce or smoked paprika for a spicy kick.
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Substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 550mg
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