Mississippi Mud Potatoes Bacon Cheese

Mississippi Mud Potatoes is the warm and cheesy crowd-pleaser I bring to potlucks whenever I need a dish everyone will love There is just something about creamy potatoes with smoky bacon and gooey cheese that gets people lining up for seconds Every time I pull this bubbly casserole from the oven the kitchen smells like home

I threw this together for a family barbecue once and now I get requests for Mississippi Mud Potatoes before every holiday My parents ask me to make enough for leftovers

Ingredients

• Yellow potatoes diced: because they stay fluffy and tender Yukon golds work great
• Yellow onion diced: for sweetness and depth choose one that feels heavy for its size
• Fresh garlic minced: for big flavor reach for firm cloves with tight skin
• Bacon cooked and crumbled: this adds a smoky richness use a thick-cut for maximum texture
• Mayonnaise: for a creamy base look for the kind with real eggs for richness
• Cheddar cheese shredded: sharp is best for more flavor buy a block and grate it yourself for freshness
• Onion powder: for extra savory notes choose a fine powder for even blending
• Garlic powder: this boosts those garlicky undertones make sure it is fresh for the best punch
• Salt and black pepper: season to taste use flaked sea salt and freshly ground pepper if you can
• Green onions sliced: they finish the dish with fresh crunch select firm bright stalks

Instructions

Prep the Oven and Dish:

Preheat your oven to three hundred fifty degrees Spray a large nine by thirteen inch baking dish with nonstick spray so nothing sticks and cleanup stays easy

Combine Ingredients:

Add all the potatoes chopped onion minced garlic cooked bacon mayo shredded cheddar onion powder garlic powder and generous pinches of salt and black pepper to the baking dish Toss everything together so every piece gets coated evenly in the creamy mixture For less mess do this mixing in a big bowl first before pouring into your dish

Bake Until Tender:

Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and place it on the center rack Bake for one hour The foil traps steam and helps the potatoes turn super tender while the flavors meld together You want to check for doneness by piercing a potato piece with a fork it should glide through with no resistance

Garnish and Serve:

Take off the foil and scatter on plenty of fresh sliced green onions The heat releases their aroma and brightens up the whole casserole I like to stir the whole thing just before serving so every scoop has a bit of everything in it

Cheddar cheese is my tastiest secret in this recipe It gets super melty and forms golden cheesy pockets in every bite My brother always tries to scrape the crispy edges off the sides those little bits are the best

Storage Tips

Let leftovers cool to room temperature then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days The potatoes hold up well and even the bacon stays flavorful Reheat portions in the microwave or oven for that just baked taste

Ingredient Substitutions

Try russet potatoes if you want fluffier pieces or sub half with sweet potatoes for extra color Use turkey bacon or chopped ham for a lighter or different protein flavor Greek yogurt works instead of mayonnaise for a tangy twist Change up the cheese by adding pepper jack or Monterey Jack for a little kick

Serving Suggestions

Mississippi Mud Potatoes make an unbeatable side with grilled chicken barbecue or roasted beef I love them alongside eggs at brunch or piled into a bowl with extra scallions Sometimes I even add a scoop with a crisp salad for a seriously satisfying lunch

Cultural Context

Inspired by classic Southern comfort casseroles this dish brings together hearty ingredients and simple prep The name hints at that muddy messy look after baking but the taste is pure Southern hospitality It is the kind of recipe meant for sharing and celebrating

Seasonal Adaptations

Add fresh chives or parsley in the spring Mix in roasted red peppers in summer for color Use leftover ham from holiday meals to make it easier

Success Stories

You would not believe how many times I have doubled this recipe and still ended up with an empty pan Last Thanksgiving my cousin tried it for the first time and went back for thirds and asked for the recipe on the spot

Freezer Meal Conversion

To freeze assemble everything except the green onion in the baking dish then freeze tightly covered When ready to enjoy thaw overnight in the fridge bake as usual and finish with fresh green onions at the end The potatoes come out just as creamy and flavorful

Try Mississippi Mud Potatoes at your next get-together and watch them disappear Your family will beg you to make them again and again

Recipe Q&A

→ Can I use red potatoes instead of yellow?

Yes, red potatoes can be substituted for yellow. They retain texture well and offer a slightly different flavor.

→ Is there a way to make this without bacon?

Absolutely! Omit the bacon, or replace with vegetarian bacon alternatives for a meat-free version.

→ Can I prepare this ahead of time?

You can assemble the ingredients and refrigerate, then bake just before serving for best results.

→ What can I use instead of mayonnaise?

Sour cream or Greek yogurt are good alternatives, both lending a creamy texture and tangy flavor.

→ How do I know when the potatoes are done?

The potatoes are finished when fork-tender and the top is lightly golden after baking for about an hour.

→ Is this dish spicy?

No, this dish is mild, but you can add a pinch of cayenne or hot sauce for heat if desired.