Cheesy Mississippi Mud Potatoes are the ultimate comfort food side dish, combining tender diced potatoes with crispy bacon, tangy sour cream, and loads of melted cheese. Baked until golden and bubbly, this hearty casserole is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or holiday gatherings.
This Southern-inspired recipe gets its “mud” name from the rich, gooey layers of cheese, potatoes, and smoky bacon that create a dish so delicious, it’s almost impossible to resist. Whether served alongside barbecue, roasted meats, or as a stand-alone indulgence, Cheesy Mississippi Mud Potatoes are always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- 6 medium russet or Yukon gold potatoes, diced into 1-inch cubes
- 1 lb bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons butter (for greasing dish)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Preparation
Step 1: Cook the Bacon
- In a skillet, cook bacon until crispy. Drain, crumble, and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes
- Wash and dice potatoes into small cubes.
- Boil in salted water for 8–10 minutes, until just fork-tender. Drain well.
Step 3: Make the Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, onion, garlic, paprika, salt, pepper, and 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese. Stir until smooth.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter.
- Toss potatoes into the creamy mixture until coated.
- Spread evenly into baking dish.
- Sprinkle bacon, remaining cheddar cheese, and mozzarella on top.
Step 5: Bake
- Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
Step 6: Serve
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley or green onions.
Variations
- Loaded Style: Add jalapeños and use pepper jack cheese.
- Meat Lovers: Stir in cooked ground beef or sausage for a main dish version.
- Vegetarian Option: Skip bacon and add mushrooms or bell peppers.
- Creamier Version: Mix in cream cheese or heavy cream for extra richness.
Cooking Notes
- Boiling potatoes first helps them cook evenly in the oven.
- For crispier bacon flavor, stir half into the casserole and save half for topping.
- Leftovers reheat well in the oven or air fryer.
Serving Suggestions
- Perfect with barbecue ribs, roasted chicken, or steak.
- Serve at potlucks alongside green beans or coleslaw.
- Add to a holiday spread as a rich, indulgent side dish.
Tips
- Dice potatoes evenly for even cooking.
- Don’t skip pre-boiling, otherwise potatoes may stay firm.
- Use sharp cheddar for maximum cheesy flavor.
- Store leftovers in fridge for up to 4 days or freeze portions for 2 months.
Timing
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Nutritional Information (per serving, 8 servings)
- Calories: 475
- Protein: 18g
- Sodium: 790mg
FAQs
Q1: Can I use frozen diced potatoes or hashbrowns?
- Yes, but thaw and pat dry before mixing into the casserole.
Q2: Can I make cheesy Mississippi mud potatoes ahead of time?
- Yes, assemble up to 24 hours ahead, refrigerate, and bake when ready.
Q3: Can I skip the mayonnaise?
- Yes, replace with extra sour cream or plain Greek yogurt.
Q4: Can I cook this in a slow cooker?
- Yes, cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours.
Q5: Can I make it spicy?
- Yes, add cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or spicy cheese.
Conclusion
Cheesy Mississippi Mud Potatoes are the perfect combination of creamy, cheesy, and smoky flavors, baked into one indulgent casserole. With tender potatoes, crispy bacon, and gooey melted cheese, this dish is comfort food at its best. Perfect for weeknights, holidays, or gatherings, it’s a recipe that’s always a hit with family and friends.