Mississippi Mud Potatoes: The Ultimate Creamy, Cheesy, Bacon-Loaded Comfort Side

By Jason Griffith

There are side dishes, and then there are event side dishes—the ones that steal the show, disappear first, and are instantly requested at every subsequent gathering. Meet the Mississippi Mud Potatoes.

This isn’t your grandma’s simple mashed potatoes. This is a creamy, cheesy, decadent baked casserole loaded with sharp cheddar, savory bacon, and a tangy, herby dressing that makes every bite an absolute pleasure. It’s the ultimate comfort food for holidays, potlucks, or simply making a cozy Sunday dinner feel a little bit more special.

Don’t let the name fool you. While it sounds rich and heavy, the balance of sour cream and mayonnaise provides a wonderful tang that cuts through the richness, leaving you with a perfectly satisfying, irresistible dish. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll understand why everyone fights for the last scoop.

Why I Love This Recipe

I’ve been making these Mississippi Mud Potatoes for years, and they are always the first thing to vanish from the dinner table. Here’s why this recipe has earned its permanent spot in my rotation:

• Ultimate Comfort: It hits all the high notes of classic comfort food: creamy texture, gooey cheese, and salty, crunchy bacon.
• Crowd-Pleaser: This recipe is perfectly scaled for potlucks and holiday dinners. It’s one of those dishes that even the pickiest eaters love.
• Prep-Ahead Power: You can boil the potatoes and mix the dressing the day before, assembling and baking right before serving. This is a huge time-saver when hosting!
• Versatile Pairing: It works beautifully with everything from grilled steak to smoked chicken. For another fantastic crowd-pleasing option, consider serving this alongside my recipe for Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders with Marinara Garlic Butter.

Ingredients for Mississippi Mud Potatoes

This recipe uses straightforward, familiar ingredients that come together to create something truly spectacular.

Ingredient	Quantity	Notes
Potatoes	6 cups, peeled and diced	Russets or Yukon Golds work best. Dice them into 1-inch pieces.
Cheddar Cheese	1 cup, shredded	Sharp cheddar provides the best flavor contrast.
Mayonnaise	3/4 cup	Adds creaminess and richness. Use full-fat for the best texture.
Bacon	1 cup, cooked and crumbled	About 8-10 slices. Make sure they are crispy!
Green Onions	1/2 cup, sliced	Adds a fresh, mild onion bite.
Sour Cream	1/2 cup	Provides essential tanginess and a smooth texture.
Salt & Pepper	To taste	Don’t be shy; potatoes need seasoning!
Optional: Garlic Powder	1 tsp	For an extra layer of savory flavor.
Optional: Paprika	1/2 tsp	Adds color and a subtle smoky note.

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Swaps and Notes

• Potatoes: While Russets are classic for casseroles, Yukon Golds will hold their shape better and offer a buttery flavor.
• Cheese: Feel free to swap cheddar for a mix of Monterey Jack or Gruyère for a different melt and flavor.
• Lightened Up: You can use Greek yogurt in place of sour cream for a slightly tangier, lower-fat option, but stick with full-fat mayo for the best creaminess.
• Spice Kick: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or a chopped jalapeño (remove seeds for less heat) to the mix if you like a little heat.

How to Make Mississippi Mud Potatoes

Follow these easy steps to create this incredible baked potato dish.

1. Prep the Potatoes

1. Dice and Boil: Peel and dice the potatoes into consistent 1-inch cubes. Place them in a pot of cold, salted water. Bring to a boil and cook until the potatoes are just fork-tender, about 8-10 minutes. It’s crucial not to overcook them, or they will turn to mush when you mix the casserole.
2. Drain: Drain the potatoes immediately and set them aside to cool slightly.

2. Mix the Creamy Base

1. Preheat: Preheat your oven to 375∘F (190∘C). Lightly grease an 8×8 or 9×9 inch baking dish.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, cooked bacon, green onions, salt, pepper, and any optional seasonings (garlic powder, paprika).
3. Mix Well: Stir everything together until the base is uniform and creamy.

3. Assemble and Bake

1. Fold in Potatoes: Gently add the slightly cooled, drained potatoes to the creamy mixture. Use a rubber spatula to gently fold the ingredients together, ensuring the potatoes are coated without breaking them apart.
2. Transfer: Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer.
3. Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling hot, the top is lightly golden, and the cheese around the edges is irresistible.
4. Serve: Let it rest for a few minutes before topping with extra sliced green onions or a sprinkle of crumbled bacon. Serve warm!

Tips for Success

• Cold Start for Potatoes: Always start your potatoes in cold water and bring them up to a boil. This ensures they cook evenly from the outside to the center.
• Salty Water: Cook your potatoes in well-salted water. This is the only chance you get to season the interior of the potatoes, which is key for flavor.
• Crisp Bacon is Key: The textural contrast of crispy bacon is essential. Do not use soft or chewy bacon, as it will get lost in the creaminess of the casserole.
• Gentle Folding: Once the potatoes are cooked, treat them gently. Over-mixing will crush them and turn the casserole into a thick paste.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This rich potato dish pairs wonderfully with robust, hearty mains.

• Proteins: It’s the perfect side for smoked brisket, grilled chicken, or pork tenderloin.
• Soup/Stew: Serve a smaller portion alongside a warm, comforting bowl of This Cajun Chicken and Sausage Gumbo is my Favorite Bowl of Southern Comfort.
• Bread Pairing: A side of crusty French bread or warm cornbread is ideal for soaking up any extra sauce.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Note: This is an estimated value and will vary based on specific brands and ingredient measurements.

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	350-400
Total Fat	25g
Cholesterol	45mg
Sodium	480mg
Total Carbs	25g
Protein	10g

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Storage and Leftover Tips

Storage

Once cooled, cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer leftovers to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating

The best way to reheat Mississippi Mud Potatoes is in the oven. Preheat to 300∘F (150∘C), cover the dish loosely with foil, and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can microwave individual portions, but the oven helps retain the creamy texture without drying it out.

More Recipes You Will Love

If you enjoy easy, cheesy, and crowd-pleasing recipes, you’ll definitely want to check out these favorites:

• This Crockpot Nacho Dip is the Reason I Never Have Leftovers
• This Walking Taco Bar is My Favorite No-Fuss Way to Feed a Crowd
• This Baked Brie Appetizer is My Favorite Effortless Way to Impress Guests

Final Thoughts

The Mississippi Mud Potatoes are more than just a side dish; they’re a tradition. They’re the reason people gather around the table a little longer and share a few more laughs. Give them a try for your next big dinner, and let me know how quickly they disappear!

Did you try this recipe? Leave a comment below and tell me what you served it with!