Cozy Mississippi Mud Potatoes Recipe: Southern Charm On A Plate
These hearty Mississippi mud potatoes recipe deliver pure comfort straight from Southern kitchens, packed with crispy, cheesy goodness that makes every bite irresistible.
Savory potato chunks get loaded with smoky bacon and melted cheese, creating a side dish that steals the show at any gathering.
Each forkful promises a delectable blend of rustic flavors and creamy textures that dance across your palate.
Crisp edges, tender centers, and a delightful mix of seasonings make this dish more than just a simple potato recipe.
The combination of ingredients creates a mouthwatering experience that transforms an ordinary side into something extraordinary.
Baked to golden perfection, these potatoes will have everyone asking for seconds before the first plate is even finished.
Let’s find out this Southern-inspired culinary adventure and watch as these potatoes become the star of your next meal.
Quick Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Calories: 300 kcal
Servings: 7
What’s in Mississippi Mud Potatoes
For Base and Texture:
Potatoes: Starchy foundation that provides hearty, comforting base with creamy interior and crispy edges when baked.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp, tangy cheese that melts beautifully, delivering rich and creamy coating.
Mayonnaise: Creates smooth, velvety texture while adding subtle tanginess and helping ingredients bind together.
Garlic: Intense, robust flavor that elevates overall taste with its pungent and warming characteristics.
For Crispy Topping and Extra Punch:
Bacon: Delivers smoky, salty crunch that provides amazing textural contrast and deep umami flavor.
Ingredient Selection Tips:
Choose waxy or all-purpose potatoes like Yukon Gold for best results.
Use freshly shredded cheese for optimal melting and smoothest texture.
Select thick-cut bacon for maximum crispiness and flavor intensity.
Opt for fresh garlic instead of pre-minced for more vibrant taste.
Tools to Make Mississippi Mud Potatoes
Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining all ingredients thoroughly and ensuring even coating.
Baking pan (9×13 inches): Perfect for spreading potato mixture and achieving golden-brown results.
Cheese grater: Needed to shred fresh cheddar cheese for maximum flavor.
Chef's knife: Crucial for dicing potatoes, chopping onions, and mincing garlic precisely.
Cutting board: Provides clean surface for ingredient preparation.
Measuring cups: Helps accurately measure potatoes, cheese, and mayonnaise.
Wooden spoon or spatula: Used for mixing ingredients and stirring during baking.
Aluminum foil: Optional for covering dish if top browns too quickly.
How to Cook Mississippi Mud Potatoes Simply
Potato Preparation Wash and chop fresh potatoes into bite-sized chunks, creating a rustic landscape of delicious potential.
Flavor Foundation Crisp up bacon in a skillet until it reaches a deep golden-brown crunchiness, then crumble into irresistible pieces.
Cheese and Aromatics Grate sharp cheddar cheese and finely dice sweet onions, releasing their mouthwatering fragrance throughout the kitchen.
Creamy Mixture Blend potatoes with crumbled bacon, cheese, and onions, folding in creamy mayonnaise to create a harmonious medley of flavors.
Baking Magic Transfer the potato mixture into a well-greased baking dish, spreading evenly to ensure maximum deliciousness in every bite.
Oven Transformation Slide the dish into a preheated oven, baking until potatoes turn golden and crispy, with edges that promise a delectable crunch.
Serving Celebration Remove from oven and let rest briefly, then serve as a crowd-pleasing side that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Tips to Improve Mississippi Mud Potatoes
Add extra crispy bacon on top just before serving for a delightful crunch and smoky flavor explosion.
Prep the entire dish up to a day in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for maximum convenience.
Experiment with different cheese varieties like pepper jack, gouda, or blue cheese to create unique flavor profiles that match your mood.
Toss in diced bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms to increase nutritional value and add extra texture to the classic potato dish.
Sprinkle red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, or your favorite herb blend to give the potatoes an exciting flavor twist that'll surprise your taste buds.
How to Serve Mississippi Mud Potatoes Neatly
Picnic Perfect Companion: Pack this hearty potato dish in a portable container for outdoor gatherings, family reunions, and summer barbecues. Families will love the convenient and delicious side that travels well and tastes amazing.
Sunday Dinner Superstar: Pair these creamy, cheesy potatoes with roasted chicken, grilled steak, or slow-cooked pulled pork for a complete meal that satisfies everyone at the table. The rich bacon and cheese flavors complement multiple protein options.
Comfort Food Makeover: Transform this dish into a cozy weeknight dinner by adding diced ham or rotisserie chicken directly into the potato mixture. Serve with a crisp green salad to balance the richness and create a filling one-pan meal that feels like a warm hug.
Game Day Crowd-Pleaser: Scoop these potatoes into small appetizer portions using mini ramekins or a muffin tin for the perfect football watching snack. Top with extra crispy bacon bits and chopped green onions for an irresistible crowd-pleasing starter.
Store Mississippi Mud Potatoes with Ease
Fridge Fresh Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cold temperatures help maintain the potatoes' delicious texture and flavor profile.
Batch Cooking Brilliance: Prepare double batches and freeze individual portions in sealed containers. Reheat directly from frozen for quick weeknight meals with minimal effort.
Make-Ahead Magic: Assemble the entire dish up to 24 hours before baking, covering tightly with plastic wrap. Store in the refrigerator and pop into the oven when ready to cook, adding 10-15 minutes to original baking time.
Smart Reheating Technique: Warm refrigerated portions in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes. Add a sprinkle of extra cheese on top to restore crispy edges and enhance moisture, preventing dry potato texture.
Hearty Mississippi mud potatoes showcase rich, creamy layers of comfort from Southern kitchens. Crispy potato slices nestled with bacon, cheese, and ranch create a delightful side dish you’ll crave at potlucks and family gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
6 cups (1.4 kg/49.4 oz) diced and peeled potatoes
1 cup (240 ml/8 fl oz) freshly shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup (240 ml/8 fl oz) crumbled and cooked bacon
½ cup (120 ml/4 fl oz) mayonnaise
½ cup (120 ml/4 fl oz) chopped onion
3 tsp (15 ml/0.5 fl oz) minced garlic
Instructions
Preparation: Peel and cube potatoes into uniform pieces. Crisp bacon until golden, then crumble. Grate sharp cheddar cheese and finely mince yellow onions and garlic.
Temperature Setup: Position oven rack centrally and preheat to 325°F (163°C), ensuring stable cooking environment.
Mixing: Combine potatoes, bacon fragments, cheese, garlic, and onions in a large mixing bowl. Incorporate mayonnaise, gently folding to coat ingredients evenly and thoroughly.
Baking Preparation: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. Spread potato mixture uniformly, creating a level surface for consistent cooking.
Oven Roasting: Bake for 75 minutes, rotating midway to ensure balanced browning. Shield with aluminum foil if top darkens too quickly, protecting the delicate crust.
Finishing: Extract from oven when potatoes reach fork-tender consistency and surface exhibits a rich, golden-brown coloration. Rest for 10 minutes to allow flavor integration and easier serving.
Notes
Potato Precision: Cut potatoes into uniform 1-inch cubes to ensure consistent cooking and prevent uneven texture.
Bacon Brilliance: Cook bacon until extra crispy for maximum crunch and flavor depth in the dish.
Cheese Shredding Tip: Grate cheese directly before mixing to maintain moisture and prevent clumping.
Baking Success: Cover with foil if browning too quickly to prevent burning while ensuring potatoes cook thoroughly.
Founder, Head Recipe Developer & Cuisine Specialist
Expertise
Recipe Development and Testing, Modern American and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education and Workshops
Education
Johnson & Wales University
Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and global cuisines.
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
Program: Diploma in Pastry Arts
Focus: Specialized education in baking and pastry, emphasizing artisanal bread, confections, and plated desserts.
Michael Reynolds is the founder and head recipe creator at wd-50.com. With over 15 years of experience in the kitchen, he’s spent time working in top restaurants and now focuses on making great food easy for everyone at home.
Michael studied culinary arts at Johnson & Wales University and later trained in pastry at the Auguste Escoffier School. He knows his way around both savory meals and sweet treats.
At wd-50.com, his goal is to help you feel confident in the kitchen, whether you’re trying something new or cooking a favorite dish. He loves using fresh ingredients and simple steps that still bring out big flavors.
Michael Reynolds
Founder, Head Recipe Developer & Cuisine Specialist
Expertise
Recipe Development and Testing, Modern American and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education and Workshops
Education
Johnson & Wales University
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
Michael Reynolds is the founder and head recipe creator at wd-50.com. With over 15 years of experience in the kitchen, he’s spent time working in top restaurants and now focuses on making great food easy for everyone at home.
Michael studied culinary arts at Johnson & Wales University and later trained in pastry at the Auguste Escoffier School. He knows his way around both savory meals and sweet treats.
At wd-50.com, his goal is to help you feel confident in the kitchen, whether you’re trying something new or cooking a favorite dish. He loves using fresh ingredients and simple steps that still bring out big flavors.