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Mississippi Mud Potatoes

Featured in Perfect Side Dish Recipes.

This Southern potato casserole has become my ultimate potluck dish because it transforms regular potatoes into something magical by combining them with loads of cheese crispy bacon and plenty of garlic and what makes it really special is how simple ingredients create such a rich comforting dish that everyone always asks for seconds plus it's so easy to prepare ahead of time and travels well which makes it perfect for family gatherings or holiday dinners and I love how versatile it is because you can add different cheeses or toppings to make it your own while keeping that creamy comforting base.
Chef Zaho
Updated on Fri, 10 Jan 2025 20:13:17 GMT
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A close-up of a skillet filled with creamy, cheese-covered potatoes topped with crispy bacon and fresh parsley. Pin it
A close-up of a skillet filled with creamy, cheese-covered potatoes topped with crispy bacon and fresh parsley. | alicesrecipes.com

Your New Favorite Potato Side Dish

I've been making these indulgent Southern potatoes for years and they never fail to steal the show. Loaded with tender potatoes sharp cheddar crispy bacon and the perfect blend of seasonings this dish brings pure comfort to any table.

Southern Comfort At Its Best

There's something magical about combining simple ingredients into something extraordinary. These potatoes blend the best of Southern cooking into a dish that feels like a warm hug. They're special enough for holidays but easy enough for weeknight dinners.

What You'll Need

  • • Perfect Potatoes: 2 pounds Russet or Yukon Gold cut into even pieces
  • • Crispy Bacon: 6 slices cooked and crumbled
  • • Sharp Cheddar: 2 cups freshly shredded
  • • Creamy Mayo: ½ cup for richness
  • • Fresh Garlic: 2 cloves minced fine
  • • Sweet Onion: 1 medium diced small
  • • Simple Seasonings: Salt pepper and paprika if you like
  • • Pretty Garnishes: Fresh chives sour cream or parsley

Let's Make It Together

Start With Prep
Cook your bacon until crispy dice those potatoes and onions get your garlic minced.
Mix The Magic
Combine potatoes onion garlic bacon mayo and most of that cheese in a big bowl season it well.
Time To Bake
Pop it in a greased dish cover and bake at 375°F for 30 minutes. Uncover add remaining cheese and bake until golden.
Make It Pretty
Let it cool just a bit then top with fresh herbs or a dollop of sour cream.
A close-up image of a skillet dish featuring golden brown gnocchi topped with crispy bacon bits and chopped green onions in a creamy sauce. Pin it
A close-up image of a skillet dish featuring golden brown gnocchi topped with crispy bacon bits and chopped green onions in a creamy sauce. | alicesrecipes.com

Make It Your Own

  • • Plant Based: Use vegan cheese bacon and mayo
  • • Lighter Choice: Try cauliflower instead of potatoes
  • • Global Flavors: Go Italian with parmesan or Mexican with pepper jack
  • • Veggie Version: Skip the bacon or use tempeh bacon

Perfect Pairings

These potatoes are amazing with grilled chicken steak or lamb. Add a fresh green salad for balance. I love putting out extra sour cream and herbs so everyone can dress up their portion.

Keep It Fresh

  • • Fridge Fresh: Keeps 3-4 days in an airtight container
  • • Future Meals: Freezes well for up to a month
  • • Warm Up: Heat covered at 350°F or microwave stirring occasionally

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I prepare this ahead?

Yes, assemble up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate. Add extra baking time if cooking from cold.

→ How do I know when it's done?

Potatoes should be tender when pierced with a fork, and top should be golden brown.

→ Can I use different cheese?

Any melting cheese works well. Try Monterey Jack or a cheese blend.

→ Why are they called Mississippi Mud Potatoes?

The name comes from the rich, creamy texture reminiscent of Mississippi mud pie.

→ Can I make this lighter?

Use light mayo, reduced-fat cheese, and turkey bacon for a lighter version.

Cheesy Potato Bake

A Southern-style potato casserole combining tender potatoes with cheese and crispy bacon in a creamy sauce.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
90 Minutes
Total Time
105 Minutes
By: Fati Zaho

Category: Side Dishes

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Southern American

Yield: 8 Servings (1 casserole)

Dietary: Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 6 cups potatoes, peeled and diced.
02 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded.
03 3/4 cup mayonnaise.
04 1 cup bacon, cooked and crumbled.
05 3 teaspoons garlic, minced.
06 1/2 cup onion, chopped.

Instructions

Step 01

Heat oven to 325°F. Grease 9x13 baking pan.

Step 02

Combine potatoes, cheese. Add bacon, garlic, onion. Stir in mayonnaise. Mix until well coated.

Step 03

Place in preheated oven. Cook 1.5 hours until potatoes are tender and top is golden.

Step 04

Serve hot from oven.

Notes

  1. Make ahead friendly.
  2. Great for potlucks.
  3. Can use Greek yogurt instead.
  4. Add spice if desired.
  5. Perfect side dish.
  6. Crowd pleaser.

Tools You'll Need

  • 9x13 baking dish.
  • Mixing bowl.
  • Sharp knife.
  • Measuring cups.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (cheese).
  • Eggs (mayonnaise).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 350
  • Total Fat: 22 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 29 g
  • Protein: 8 g