Mississippi Mud Potatoes

There’s something magical about comfort food that wraps you up like a warm hug, and these Mississippi Mud Potatoes are exactly that. I first stumbled upon this recipe years ago at a family potluck, and after one bite, I knew I had to make it my own.

Creamy, cheesy, and packed with crispy bacon, this dish has become my go-to side for everything from weeknight dinners to holiday feasts. Simple to throw together but loaded with flavor, these potatoes prove that the best meals often come from humble ingredients.

Why You’ll Love These Mississippi Mud Potatoes

Let me tell you why this dish has earned a permanent spot in my recipe rotation:

• The creamy mayo and melty cheddar create this dreamy texture that makes you want to dive right in
• It’s seriously simple, just mix everything in one pan and let the oven do the work
• That crispy bacon adds the perfect salty crunch to every bite
• It disappears faster than anything at potlucks (I always get asked for the recipe)
• The garlic and onion give it that homey, savory depth that keeps people coming back for seconds

Trust me, once you try these potatoes, you’ll understand why they’re called “mud”, because you won’t be able to resist digging in!

Mississippi Mud Potatoes Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this comforting dish. I’ve learned over the years that using the right ingredients makes all the difference with these potatoes. Don’t worry, nothing fancy here, just good old-fashioned pantry staples that come together beautifully.

• 6 cups potatoes, peeled and diced (about 4 medium russets)
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded (sharp works best for flavor)
• 3/4 cup mayonnaise (the real stuff, not Miracle Whip)
• 1 cup cooked bacon, crumbled (about 8 thick slices)
• 3 teaspoons garlic, minced (fresh is best)
• 1/2 cup onion, chopped (yellow or white)

Ingredient Substitutions & Notes

I know we don’t always have everything on hand, so here are my tried-and-true swaps that still keep the spirit of the dish:

• Mayonnaise: Greek yogurt works in a pinch, though the texture will be slightly tangier
• Bacon: Turkey bacon is fine if you’re watching calories, or omit for vegetarian
• Cheddar: Any melty cheese works, try pepper jack for a kick
• Potatoes: Yukon golds hold their shape beautifully if you prefer them

A quick tip from my kitchen: mince the garlic fresh rather than using jarred. It makes a world of difference in flavor! And if you’re not an onion fan, you can reduce the amount or leave it out entirely; the dish will still be delicious.

How to Make Mississippi Mud Potatoes

Alright, let’s get to the good stuff, turning these simple ingredients into that glorious, creamy potato magic. I promise it’s easier than you think, and the results are always worth it.

Here’s exactly how I make them:

Preheat that oven: Get it going at 325°F (163°C) while you prep everything. This dish likes a nice, steady heat to cook the potatoes through perfectly.

Grab your pan: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. I use butter because, well, more flavor never hurt anybody.

Mix it all together: In your prepared pan, combine the diced potatoes, shredded cheddar, crumbled bacon, minced garlic, and chopped onion. Try to distribute everything evenly so every bite has all the good stuff.

Add the mayo magic: Spoon that creamy mayo over everything and gently stir until every potato piece is coated. Don’t overmix, though, we’re not making mashed potatoes here!

Bake uncovered: Pop it in the oven and let it work its magic for about 1 hour and 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the potatoes are fork-tender, and the top is golden brown with those irresistible crispy bits.

Serve immediately: This dish is best piping hot, right out of the oven, when the cheese is still gooey. Watch how fast it disappears!

Baking Tips for Perfect Mississippi Mud Potatoes

After making this recipe more times than I can count, here are my hard-earned secrets for potato perfection:

• Dice your potatoes evenly, about 1/2 inch cubes work best. This ensures everything cooks at the same rate.
• Resist the urge to stir while baking! That golden top is what makes this dish special.
• Check for doneness by piercing a potato cube with a fork after about 1 hour and 15 minutes. If it slides off easily, you’re good.
• Want it extra crispy? Finish under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, but watch it like a hawk!
• If you’re adding extra ingredients (like jalapeños for heat), mix them in with the other additions before baking.

Remember, ovens can vary, so trust your senses more than the clock. That heavenly smell when it’s ready? That’s your cue to dig in!

Serving Suggestions for Mississippi Mud Potatoes

Oh, let me tell you about all the ways I love to serve these potatoes! They’re practically begging to be the star of your next meal. Here’s how I do it:

For weeknight dinners, I pair them with simple grilled chicken or pan-seared pork chops. The creamy potatoes balance out the lean proteins perfectly. When I’m feeling fancy, they’re amazing alongside roasted salmon, the rich flavors play so well together.

Sunday brunch? These potatoes transform into the ultimate comfort food when served with sunny-side-up eggs and buttery toast. Just try not to eat the whole pan yourself, though I won’t judge if you do!

Need a potluck hero? This dish travels beautifully in its baking pan. I just cover it with foil, and it stays warm for hours. It’s always the first empty dish at church suppers and family reunions.

Pro tip: Bring copies of the recipe because you’ll absolutely get asked for it.

For a lighter meal, I balance the richness with a crisp green salad or steamed green beans. The contrast is just perfect. And don’t even get me started about leftovers, they reheat like a dream for breakfast the next day!

Storing & Reheating Mississippi Mud Potatoes

Now let’s talk about what to do with any leftovers (though honestly, in my house, that’s a rare problem). These potatoes keep surprisingly well, and I’ve perfected the art of bringing them back to life so they taste just as good as when they first came out of the oven.

For storing, just pop them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for about 3 days. I’ve tried pushing it to 4 days once, but the texture starts to suffer a bit. Trust me, you’ll want to eat them before then anyway!

When you’re ready to enjoy them again, the oven is your best friend for reheating. Preheat to 350°F while the potatoes sit on the counter to take the chill off. Spread them in a baking dish; no need to grease it again, and cover with foil. Bake for about 20 minutes, then remove the foil and give it another 5-10 minutes to crisp up that top layer.

If you’re in a hurry, you can microwave individual portions for about 60-90 seconds. It works in a pinch, but it won’t give you that same crispy texture. My secret? After microwaving, I pop it under the broiler for just a minute to get those golden edges back.

One thing I don’t recommend? Freeze these potatoes. The mayo-based sauce tends to separate when frozen and thawed, leaving you with a grainy texture. Better to enjoy them fresh or refrigerated, they’re worth making again from scratch anyway!

Mississippi Mud Potatoes Nutrition Information

Now, let’s be real, we’re not eating this dish because it’s a salad! But I know some folks like to keep track, so here’s the scoop on what you’re getting in each comforting serving. Just remember, these numbers can vary depending on the brands you use and any tweaks you make to the recipe.

A standard serving (about 1 cup) of these glorious potatoes comes in at around 320 calories. You’re looking at 22g of fat (hey, that’s where all the flavor lives!), with 8g being saturated from the cheese and bacon. The good news? You’re also getting 12g of protein to keep you satisfied, plus 2g of fiber from those potatoes.

On the carb side, it’s about 20g per serving, which isn’t bad considering how filling this dish is. Sodium comes in around 450mg, mostly from the bacon and cheese, so if you’re watching your salt intake, you might want to use low-sodium versions of those ingredients.

Here’s how I look at it: This is comfort food meant to be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. One serving is plenty satisfying alongside a lean protein and some veggies. And honestly? Sometimes your soul needs cheesy, bacony potatoes more than your body needs perfect macros!

FAQs About Mississippi Mud Potatoes

Comforting Potato & Casserole Dishes

Loved the hearty Mississippi Mud Potatoes? These comforting sides and casseroles bring warm, cheesy goodness to any meal.

• Loaded Baked Potato Dip: All the best baked potato toppings in a creamy, scoopable dip.​
• Cheesy Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes: Savory meat and gooey cheese on toasted garlic bread.​
• Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole: Creamy mashed potatoes baked with bacon, cheese, and chives.​
• Hash Brown Potato Soup: A rich and creamy soup perfect for potato lovers.​

Try these satisfying dishes next for more comfort food favorites the whole family will enjoy!

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