Introduction: The Comfort of the South in a Casserole Dish
When it comes to Southern comfort food, we often think of slow-simmered greens or fried chicken, but there is a hidden gem in the world of side dishes that deserves a permanent spot on your table: Mississippi Mud Potatoes. Don’t let the name fool you—there isn’t a speck of actual mud in sight. Instead, what you get is a decadent, creamy, and incredibly cheesy potato bake that has the power to upstage any main course it’s served alongside.
I first encountered this dish at a potluck in the heart of the South, and I remember being struck by how such humble ingredients—potatoes, mayonnaise, and bacon—could transform into something so luxurious. It is the definition of “soul food.” It’s rich, it’s savory, and it has that perfect golden crust that makes everyone reach for a second scoop. Whether you are hosting a holiday dinner or just looking to spruce up a weeknight meal, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Why I Love This Recipe
There are three main reasons why this recipe has become a staple in my kitchen:
- The Texture: Unlike traditional mashed potatoes or thin au gratin slices, these are cubed. This gives you distinct bites of tender potato held together by a thick, velvety binder of melted cheese and mayo.
- Effortless Prep: You don’t need to make a complicated roux or béchamel sauce. The mayonnaise acts as the creamy base, simplifying the process without sacrificing flavor.
- The “Wow” Factor: It sounds fancy, looks impressive when it comes out bubbly from the oven, yet it uses pantry staples you likely already have.
If you enjoy hearty, crowd-pleasing dishes like This Dorito Casserole, you will absolutely fall in love with the richness of these potatoes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 6–7 cups potatoes: Peeled and cut into bite-sized cubes. (Russet or Yukon Gold work best).
- 1 cup full-fat mayonnaise: This provides the signature creamy “mud” texture.
- 1–1¼ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese: For that essential savory kick.
- 8–10 slices bacon: Cooked until crispy and crumbled.
- 1 small onion: Finely chopped to add a subtle sweetness and depth.
- 2–3 cloves garlic: Freshly minced (or 1–2 teaspoons garlic powder if you’re in a hurry).
- Salt and black pepper: To taste.
- Optional garnish: Freshly sliced green onions for a pop of color and bite.
Swaps and Notes
- The Potatoes: I personally prefer Yukon Gold potatoes because they hold their shape well while offering a naturally buttery flavor. If you want a softer, fluffier result, Russets are your best bet.
- The Mayo: While full-fat mayo gives the best mouthfeel, you can substitute half of it with sour cream or Greek yogurt if you want a slightly tangier profile.
- The Cheese: Sharp cheddar is classic, but a mix of Pepper Jack and Smoked Gouda can take this dish in a completely different, spicy direction.
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the bacon and add smoked paprika to mimic that wood-fired flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). This lower temperature is key; it allows the potatoes to cook through completely without the mayonnaise breaking or the cheese burning. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or a thin coat of butter.
2. Prepare the Potatoes
Peel your potatoes and cube them into roughly 1-inch pieces. Keeping the size uniform is the secret to ensuring every bite is perfectly tender at the same time.
3. Crisp the Bacon
Cook your bacon until it is very crisp. You want it to stand up to the creamy sauce without becoming chewy. Drain it well on paper towels and crumble it into small bits.
4. The Great Mix
In a large mixing bowl (or directly in your baking dish to save on dishes!), combine the cubed potatoes, shredded cheese, crumbled bacon, chopped onion, and minced garlic.
5. Bind it Together
Spoon the mayonnaise over the potato mixture. Use a large spatula to fold everything together until every single cube of potato is well-coated in that creamy goodness. Season generously with salt and pepper.
6. The Long Bake
Spread the mixture evenly in the dish. Bake uncovered for about 1.5 hours. You are looking for the potatoes to be fork-tender and the top to be bubbly with golden-brown edges.
7. Rest and Serve
Let the dish rest for about 10 minutes. This allows the sauce to thicken up slightly so it sticks to the potatoes rather than running to the bottom of the plate. Garnish with green onions and enjoy!
Tips for Success
- Don’t Rush the Bake: Potatoes take time to soften in a creamy base. If the top is browning too fast, tent it loosely with foil, but keep it in for the full duration.
- Small Onion Dice: Make sure to chop your onions very finely. Since they aren’t sautéed beforehand, a fine dice ensures they soften perfectly during the long bake.
- Freshly Shredded Cheese: If possible, grate your cheese from a block. Pre-shredded cheese is coated in potato starch to prevent clumping, which can sometimes make your sauce feel “gritty.”
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Mississippi Mud Potatoes are incredibly versatile. They pair beautifully with:
- Southern Classics: These are a dream alongside These Easy Turkey Wings.
- BBQ Favorites: Serve them with pulled pork or smoked brisket.
- Holiday Mains: This is a fantastic alternative to traditional mashed potatoes for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner.
If you are looking for a starter to keep the party going while these bake, I highly recommend setting out This Crockpot Nacho Dip—it’s always a hit!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Estimate based on 8 servings
- Calories: 385 kcal
- Fat: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Protein: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
Storage and Leftover Tips
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
- Reheating: These reheat surprisingly well! Use the microwave for a quick lunch, or put them back in the oven at 350°F for 15 minutes to bring back that crispy top.
- Freezing: I do not recommend freezing this dish, as the mayonnaise-based sauce can separate and become oily when thawed.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you enjoyed the hearty, one-pan nature of this potato bake, you’ll definitely want to check out these other favorites from the Chefmaniac kitchen:
- Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole: Another easy, one-pan wonder.
- Sheet Pan Quesadillas: Perfect for feeding a hungry group in a hurry.
Final Thoughts
Mississippi Mud Potatoes are more than just a side dish; they are a warm hug in a casserole dish. There is something so nostalgic and satisfying about the combination of bacon, cheese, and potatoes. I hope this becomes a new favorite in your household just as it has in mine!
Did you try this recipe? I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment below or tag us on social media with your creations. Don’t forget to follow Chefmaniac for more Southern-inspired comfort food and easy weeknight wins.
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