Pin it
This crowd-pleasing Mississippi Mud Potatoes recipe transforms simple ingredients into a comforting side dish that vanishes from the table in minutes. Rich, creamy, and loaded with bacon and cheese, it's the ultimate potluck hero that consistently earns rave reviews.
I stumbled upon this recipe during a family reunion in the South, and it's become our non-negotiable holiday side dish. My mother-in-law now requests I bring it to every family gathering, and the casserole dish always returns home completely empty.
Ingredients
- Potatoes: About 6-7 cups peeled and diced. Choose starchy varieties like russets for their fluffy texture when baked or Yukon golds for a buttery flavor.
- Cheddar cheese: Freshly grated from a block melts much better than pre-shredded. Select sharp or extra-sharp for more pronounced flavor.
- Bacon: One pound cooked and crumbled. Thick-cut bacon provides more substantial bites throughout the dish.
- Garlic salt: Adds savory depth without requiring fresh garlic preparation.
- Mayonnaise: Creates the creamy binding that coats everything. Use full-fat for best results.
- Green onions: Provide a fresh pop of color and mild onion flavor that balances the richness.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients:
- Begin by peeling and dicing your potatoes into uniform 1/2-inch cubes to ensure even cooking. Cook your bacon until crisp, drain on paper towels, and crumble into pieces. Grate your cheese fresh from the block for superior melting. Slice green onions thinly, using both white and green parts for maximum flavor.
- Create The Mixture:
- In your baking dish, gently combine the diced potatoes, freshly grated cheddar, crispy bacon pieces, green onions, and garlic salt. Fold in the mayonnaise carefully until every potato piece is evenly coated with the creamy mixture. The consistency should be moist but not soupy.
- Bake To Perfection:
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake at 325°F for the first hour. Remove the foil and continue baking for about 30 minutes more until the top develops a beautiful golden crust and the potatoes are fork-tender. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle.
My favorite part of this dish is how the mayonnaise transforms into a velvety sauce that binds everything together. My daughter once declared these potatoes "better than birthday cake" at our family gathering, which might be the highest praise a seven-year-old can offer!
Make-Ahead Magic
This dish shines as a make-ahead option. You can fully assemble it up to 24 hours before baking, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Remove from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before baking to take the chill off. You may need to add an extra 15 minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.
Ingredient Swaps
While traditional cheddar works beautifully, feel free to experiment with cheese combinations. Try mixing in some smoked gouda or pepper jack for variation. Turkey bacon can substitute for pork bacon if preferred. For a lighter version, substitute half the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt, though the texture will be slightly different.
Serving Suggestions
Mississippi Mud Potatoes pair perfectly with grilled meats, especially steak or barbecued ribs. They also complement a holiday ham or turkey magnificently. For brunch, serve alongside scrambled eggs and fresh fruit. A simple green salad with vinaigrette makes an ideal counterpoint to the richness of this dish.
Southern Cooking Legacy
This recipe represents the heart of Southern comfort cooking, where simple ingredients transform into something greater than their parts. The name "Mississippi Mud" typically refers to desserts mimicking the muddy Mississippi River banks, but has expanded to describe various rich, layered dishes in Southern cuisine. This potato version continues that tradition of hearty, satisfying food that brings people together.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use a different cheese instead of cheddar?
Yes, you can substitute cheddar with any melt-friendly cheese such as mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a blend of your favorites.
- → Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the potato mixture in advance, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, allow it to come to room temperature before placing it in the oven.
- → What type of potatoes work best?
Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes work well for this dish as they offer the ideal texture for tender and creamy results.
- → How do I ensure the potatoes cook evenly?
Make sure to dice the potatoes into evenly sized pieces to ensure uniform cooking and avoid any undercooked chunks.
- → Can I add other ingredients to this dish?
Certainly! Feel free to add ingredients like diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or even jalapeños for extra flavor and texture.