Mississippi Mud Potatoes Recipe: A Creamy, Cheesy, Bacon-Lover’s Dream

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Have you ever found yourself craving that warm, comforting dish that feels like a hug on a plate? The kind that doesn’t just fill your stomach—but fills your soul? If so, Mississippi Mud Potatoes might just be what you didn’t know you were missing.

Maybe it’s the golden, gooey cheddar pulling from every scoop. Or the smoky crunch of perfectly crisped bacon mingling with creamy potatoes. Whatever the reason, one thing’s for sure—this dish delivers that rich, cozy goodness you crave after a long day or during those weekend gatherings when everyone crowds around the table, waiting for something hearty and irresistible.

You don’t need to be from Mississippi to fall in love with this Southern staple. All it takes is a baking dish, a few familiar ingredients, and a little patience. Before long, your kitchen will smell like comfort and nostalgia, and your taste buds will be thanking you.  Indulge in gourmet dining at home with our Baked Spinach Mushroom Quesadillas

What Are Mississippi Mud Potatoes?

If you’ve never heard of Mississippi Mud Potatoes before, you’re in for a treat. Think of them as the ultimate potato casserole—rich, loaded with flavor, and built to satisfy. This isn’t your average side dish. These potatoes are the main event in disguise.

So, what makes them so special?

• Creamy base from mayonnaise or sour cream
• Smoky bacon adding a savory punch
• Cheddar cheese that melts into every corner
• Tender potatoes absorbing all that rich flavor
• Hints of garlic and onion giving it depth and complexity

The “mud” in the name doesn’t mean it’s messy—instead, it describes that creamy, cheesy texture that forms when everything bakes together into one irresistible dish.

Mississippi Mud Potatoes are especially popular in the South, often making appearances at cookouts, church potlucks, or family reunions. But there’s no reason you can’t bring this classic into your own home no matter where you live.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Mississippi Mud Potatoes

Before you roll up your sleeves, let’s get everything you need in one place. You might already have most of these items in your kitchen.

Ingredient Table

Ingredient	Amount
Potatoes (peeled & diced)	6 cups
Cheddar cheese (shredded)	1 cup
Mayonnaise	3/4 cup
Bacon (cooked & crumbled)	1 cup
Garlic (minced)	3 teaspoons
Onion (chopped)	1/2 cup

Kitchen Tools Needed:

• 9×13 baking dish
• Oven preheated to 325°F (163°C)
• Mixing spoon or spatula
• Cutting board and knife
• Cheese grater (if shredding your own cheese)

Tips:

• For an extra kick, add chopped jalapeños or a pinch of smoked paprika.
• Swap mayonnaise for Greek yogurt if you want a lighter version.
• Use Yukon Gold potatoes for a creamier texture or russets for more structure.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Mississippi Mud Potatoes

Let’s break it down so you can make this dish without a hitch. You don’t need any special skills—just a little time and a lot of love.

1. Preheat Your Oven

Set your oven to 325°F (163°C). This lower temperature allows the potatoes to cook slowly, soaking up every bit of flavor from the cheese, bacon, and seasonings.

2. Prep Your Pan

Grab your 9×13 baking dish and grease it lightly with cooking spray or a touch of oil. This step ensures nothing sticks and cleanup stays easy.

3. Mix the Main Ingredients

In the baking dish, combine:

• 6 cups of peeled and diced potatoes
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup crumbled, cooked bacon
• 3 teaspoons minced garlic
• ½ cup chopped onion

Use a spoon or your hands to mix everything together until evenly distributed.

4. Add the Creamy Binder

Pour in the ¾ cup of mayonnaise. Stir thoroughly until the entire mixture is coated in a creamy layer. You’re building the “mud” texture here—rich, thick, and ready to melt.

5. Bake to Perfection

Place your dish in the oven and bake uncovered for about 90 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when:

• The potatoes are fork-tender
• The top is golden and bubbly
• Your kitchen smells absolutely heavenly

If the top starts browning too quickly, you can loosely cover it with foil during the last 30 minutes.

Serving Suggestions for Mississippi Mud Potatoes

Once your dish comes out of the oven, it’s time to decide how to serve it. These potatoes are versatile, so you can build an entire meal around them.

Perfect Pairings:

• Grilled or baked chicken – balance the richness
• Pulled pork or brisket – for full-on Southern vibes
• Roasted vegetables – add color and texture
• Garden salad – bring in something fresh and crisp

You can even enjoy it as a stand-alone dinner. Add a fried egg on top and call it breakfast-for-dinner—no judgment here.

Why This Dish Works: Flavor + Texture + Simplicity

This recipe checks all the boxes. You get everything you love in one bite:

• Creamy from the mayo and cheese
• Savory from bacon and garlic
• Satisfying with starchy potatoes
• Minimal prep, maximum payoff

And because it uses basic pantry staples, you don’t need to run to a specialty store to pull it off.

Nutrition Facts and Serving Size

Here’s what you’re working with for one serving out of six.

Nutritional Info	Per Serving
Calories	520 kcal
Protein	12g
Carbohydrates	30g
Fat	38g
Sodium	480mg

Note: Nutrition values are approximate and may vary based on exact brands or ingredients used.

If you’re looking to make it a little lighter:

• Use low-fat cheddar
• Replace bacon with turkey bacon
• Cut the mayonnaise with half Greek yogurt

Reasons You’ll Love Mississippi Mud Potatoes

Need a little more convincing? Let’s lay it out:

Top Benefits:

• Easy to Make: Everything goes into one dish—no complicated steps
• Crowd-Pleaser: Adults and kids go back for seconds
• Budget-Friendly: Simple, affordable ingredients
• Great for Leftovers: Tastes even better the next day

Make It Your Own: Variations to Try

Once you’ve nailed the classic version, try these spins:

• Spicy Tex-Mex: Add diced jalapeños, cumin, and pepper jack cheese
• Ranch Style: Mix in a packet of ranch seasoning and chopped green onions
• Loaded Version: Top with sour cream, extra bacon, and a sprinkle of green onions after baking
• Veggie Boost: Fold in broccoli florets or bell peppers before baking

Frequently Asked Questions About Mississippi Mud Potatoes

What makes Mississippi Mud Potatoes different from other casseroles?

You get that unique combo of mayo, bacon, and cheddar that melts into the potatoes, giving them a creamy, almost “muddy” texture—hence the name.

Can you make Mississippi Mud Potatoes ahead of time?

Definitely. Assemble everything the night before, refrigerate, and bake the next day. Just add 5–10 minutes to your baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.

Can these be frozen?

Yes. Freeze them after baking in individual portions. Reheat in the oven at 300°F until warmed through. Perfect for meal prep!

What kind of potatoes work best?

Russets hold their shape well, but Yukon Golds offer a creamier texture. You can also do a mix for the best of both worlds.

Is there a low-calorie version of this recipe?

You can reduce the calories by using light mayo, low-fat cheese, and leaner bacon. The flavor stays rich, just with fewer indulgences.

Final Thoughts: Make Mississippi Mud Potatoes Tonight and Taste the Magic

Now that you know the ins and outs of this unforgettable recipe, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and make some magic in the kitchen. Mississippi Mud Potatoes aren’t just food—they’re a feeling. That nostalgic, deeply satisfying, soul-hugging kind of feeling.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or a crowd, this dish delivers every time. It’s the kind of recipe you come back to—again and again.

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