If you are craving a soul-satisfying, creamy, and indulgently cheesy side dish, you absolutely have to try Mississippi Mud Potatoes. This recipe is one of those heartwarming classics that brings everyone to the table with smiles, thanks to its perfect blend of tender yellow potatoes, crispy bacon, and rich cheddar cheese all baked together in a luscious mayo-based sauce. Every bite delivers a comforting texture and bold flavor that makes these potatoes feel like a special treat, whether you’re serving them at a holiday gathering or a simple weeknight dinner. Mississippi Mud Potatoes are pure magic when you want a dish that’s both easy to make and unforgettable in taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Mississippi Mud Potatoes lies in its simplicity and how each ingredient plays a vital role in building flavor and texture. From creamy potatoes to savory bacon and sharp cheddar, every component shines through, creating a luscious balance of tastes.

Yellow potatoes: Using Yukon Golds or similar yellow potatoes adds a buttery flavor and smooth texture that holds up beautifully when baked.

Small yellow onion: Adds a touch of sweetness and a gentle bite, enhancing the overall depth without overpowering.
Minced garlic: A must for adding aromatic warmth and a savory layer.

Bacon: Cooked until crisp, the bacon provides a smoky, crunchy contrast that elevates the creamy potatoes.
Mayonnaise: This may surprise you, but mayo delivers richness and keeps the potatoes irresistibly moist during baking.

Shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp, melty cheddar brings that perfect cheesy punch that makes this dish downright addictive.
Onion powder and garlic powder: These seasonings amplify the savory notes without extra chopping.
Salt and pepper: Essential for balancing and bringing out all the natural flavors.

Green onions: Fresh sliced green onions on top add a fresh pop of color and mild oniony brightness to finish.

How to Make Mississippi Mud Potatoes

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F, a moderate temperature that helps the potatoes cook evenly and the cheese melt flawlessly without drying out. Don’t forget to give your 9×13-inch baking dish a good spray with nonstick cooking spray to make cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Combine the Key Ingredients

In your baking dish (or a large bowl if you prefer), combine the peeled and diced yellow potatoes, diced yellow onion, minced garlic, crisp crumbled bacon, mayonnaise, shredded cheddar cheese, onion powder, garlic powder, and season everything with salt and pepper to taste. This mixture is where the magic starts to happen, so be sure to stir well to evenly coat every potato chunk.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Cover your dish tightly with aluminum foil to seal in the moisture and bake the potatoes for about 1 hour. The slow, gentle heat will tenderize the potatoes perfectly while allowing the cheddar and bacon flavors to meld into each bite.

Step 4: Add the Final Touch

Once the potatoes are tender and the cheesy sauce is bubbly beneath the foil, remove the cover and sprinkle sliced green onions over the top. Not only do these add a delightful crunch, but they bring a fresh brightness that cuts through the richness beautifully.

How to Serve Mississippi Mud Potatoes

Garnishes

For that extra wow factor, sprinkle a bit more crisp bacon or extra cheddar cheese just before serving. A dollop of sour cream or a handful of chopped fresh parsley can also brighten the plate and add personal flair. These simple touches transform your Mississippi Mud Potatoes into an extra-special dish.

Side Dishes

While Mississippi Mud Potatoes can stand on their own as a hearty side, they pair wonderfully with classic mains like roasted chicken, grilled steaks, or smoky barbecued ribs. Their rich creaminess balances smoky or savory proteins beautifully, making your meal feel complete and well-rounded.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to elevate this dish for guests? Try baking the potatoes in individual ramekins for charming single servings, or bring out shallow cast iron skillets for rustic, table-ready presentation. You can also experiment by adding a little jalapeño for spice or swapping cheddar for pepper jack to put a fun twist on this beloved favorite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Mississippi Mud Potatoes store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen, making them even tastier the next day, perfect for a quick reheat.

Freezing

If you’d like to keep leftovers longer, go ahead and freeze the potatoes in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. Just be aware that the texture may change slightly, but the taste remains delectable.

Reheating

To reheat, cover the dish loosely with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 20-30 minutes. Alternatively, single portions can be reheated in the microwave, stirring halfway to ensure even warmth without drying out.

FAQs

What makes these potatoes “Mississippi Mud”?

The name “Mississippi Mud Potatoes” comes from their rich, dark, and gooey appearance, reminiscent of the muddy banks of the Mississippi River. The bacon and cheddar create a deeply satisfying, layered texture that feels comforting and indulgent.

Can I use a different type of potato?

While Yukon Gold or yellow potatoes work best for their buttery flavor and smooth texture, you can substitute red potatoes or even russets. Just keep in mind the texture may vary slightly, with russets being fluffier and reds firmer.

Is mayonnaise really necessary?

Yes! Mayonnaise adds a luscious creaminess and helps bind the ingredients together while baking. It keeps the potatoes moist and prevents them from drying out – a secret ingredient that makes all the difference.

Can this dish be made vegetarian?

Absolutely. Simply omit the bacon and consider adding sautéed mushrooms or smoky paprika to retain that savory depth of flavor. The cheesy, garlicky base still shines on its own wonderfully.

How spicy is this dish?

This recipe is not spicy at all, making it perfect for all palates. However, if you enjoy a bit of heat, you can easily add cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños to the mix before baking.

Final Thoughts

Mississippi Mud Potatoes have quickly become one of those wonderfully comforting dishes you’ll want to make over and over. With its creamy, cheesy layers and irresistible bacon goodness, it’s a crowd-pleaser that brings warmth and joy to any meal. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this recipe is an easy way to add a deliciously cozy touch to your dinner table. I hope you give Mississippi Mud Potatoes a try and fall in love with them just like I have!

Mississippi Mud Potatoes Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 28 reviews

Author: Mariam
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Low Lactose

Print Recipe

Description

Mississippi Mud Potatoes is a comforting and hearty casserole featuring tender Yukon Gold potatoes baked with crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and a creamy mayonnaise base, seasoned with garlic and onion powders, and topped with fresh green onions for a flavorful finish.

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Combine Ingredients: In the prepared baking dish, add peeled and diced yellow potatoes, diced yellow onion, minced garlic, cooked and crumbled bacon, mayonnaise, shredded cheddar cheese, onion powder, garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste.

Mix Thoroughly: Stir all the ingredients well to ensure even distribution. For ease, you can mix everything in a large bowl first, then transfer the mixture to the baking dish.
Bake the Casserole: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
Finish and Serve: Remove from the oven, sprinkle sliced green onions on top, and serve. Stir gently before serving for an even mix of flavors.

Notes

Use Yukon Gold potatoes for a creamy texture.
Ensure bacon is cooked crisp for best texture and flavor.
You may prepare the dish a day ahead and bake just before serving.

Mayonnaise adds creaminess and moisture, do not substitute with low-fat versions for the same result.
Leftovers keep well and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baking

Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/8 of recipe (about 1 cup)
Calories: 370 kcal

Sugar: 2 g
Sodium: 550 mg
Fat: 28 g

Saturated Fat: 10 g
Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
Trans Fat: 0.3 g

Carbohydrates: 20 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 8 g

Cholesterol: 45 mg

Keywords: Mississippi Mud Potatoes, baked potato casserole, bacon potato casserole, comfort food, Southern side dish