Mississippi Mud Potatoes (Cheesy Bacon Baked Potatoes)

 Mississippi Mud Potatoes (Cheesy Bacon Baked Potatoes)

💬 What Are Mississippi Mud Potatoes?

Named for their rich, hearty, “mud-like” texture after baking, these Southern-style potatoes are creamy, cheesy, smoky, and totally irresistible. Think loaded baked potato casserole — all in one pan!

🧾 Ingredients

✅ Main Ingredients:

• 6 cups potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet), peeled and cut into small cubes
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, grated (sharp cheddar gives the best flavor)
• 3/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
• 3 tsp garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped

✅ Optional Add-ins:

• 1/4 tsp black pepper or more to taste
• 1/2 tsp paprika (for a hint of smoky color)
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish)
• Chili flakes or jalapeños for heat (optional)

🔥 Instructions

1️⃣ Preheat the Oven

• Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
• Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2️⃣ Mix the Ingredients

• In a large mixing bowl, combine:
  • Diced potatoes
  • Shredded cheddar
  • Crumbled bacon
  • Minced garlic
  • Chopped onion

3️⃣ Add Mayonnaise

• Add 3/4 cup of mayonnaise to the mix.
• Stir well until everything is evenly coated.

4️⃣ Bake It Up

• Spread the mixture evenly in the greased baking dish.
• Cover with foil and bake for 1 hour.
• Remove foil and bake uncovered for another 20–30 minutes, until potatoes are fork-tender and the top is golden and crispy.

5️⃣ Serve

• Let cool for 5 minutes, sprinkle with chopped parsley if desired, and serve hot!

🧠 Q&A Section

❓ Can I use sour cream instead of mayo?

Yes! You can sub the mayonnaise with sour cream or Greek yogurt for a tangier (and slightly healthier) flavor. You could also do half mayo, half sour cream.

❓ Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can:

• Assemble it ahead (don’t bake), cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
• Bake it fresh just before serving.
• If baking from cold, add 10–15 minutes to the cooking time.

❓ What kind of potatoes work best?

• Yukon Gold = buttery and hold shape well
• Russet = fluffy, great for soaking up flavor
  Avoid waxy potatoes like red potatoes — they don’t absorb the cheesy mixture as well.

❓ Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes! Once fully cooked and cooled, freeze in portions. Reheat in the oven or microwave until hot throughout. For best texture, eat within 1 month.

❓ How can I spice it up?

• Add sliced jalapeños, chili flakes, or pepper jack cheese.
• A few dashes of hot sauce in the mayo mix add subtle heat.

❓ What goes well with this dish?

It’s a perfect side for:

• Grilled or roasted meats (steak, BBQ chicken, pulled pork)
• Green salads
• Cornbread or dinner rolls
• Fried or baked fish

🍴 Pro Tip:

Add a handful of crushed crackers or buttered breadcrumbs on top before the final 20 minutes of baking for extra crunch!

❤️ Final Thoughts:

Mississippi Mud Potatoes are comfort food at its finest — creamy, cheesy, and absolutely satisfying. Whether you’re serving this for a holiday, a potluck, or just a cozy dinner, it’s bound to be a hit.