Delicious Mississippi Mud Potatoes Recipe

There's something downright magical about the smell of cheesy, bacon-loaded Mississippi Mud Potatoes bubbling away in the oven. Crispy on the edges, creamy in the center, and packed with bold, smoky flavors—this dish is the definition of comfort food.

The first time I made Mississippi Mud Potatoes was during a backyard potluck. I wanted something hearty and satisfying, and these potatoes delivered in spades. Now, they're my go-to for game days, holidays, and everything in between.

They’re rich, cheesy, indulgent, and most importantly—incredibly easy to make with ingredients you likely already have on hand. Whether you’re serving them as a side or making them the star of the table, you’re in for a treat.

Let’s talk about why you’ll want to make these Mississippi Mud Potatoes again and again.

Why You'll Love This Mississippi Mud Potatoes Recipe

Get ready to meet your new favorite side dish. These Mississippi Mud Potatoes are irresistibly good—and surprisingly simple to make.

First off, this recipe is crazy easy. All you have to do is chop, mix, and bake. No fancy equipment, no complicated steps—just good, honest ingredients doing their thing in the oven.

It’s also perfect for feeding a crowd. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue, throwing a birthday bash, or heading to a family potluck, this dish scales beautifully. One batch serves at least 8 people generously.

Budget-friendly? Absolutely. With humble ingredients like potatoes, cheese, bacon, and sour cream, you can whip up a crowd-pleaser without breaking the bank.

And let’s not forget the versatility. Prefer a different cheese? Go for it. Want to spice it up with jalapeños or hot sauce? You do you. These potatoes are easy to customize based on your cravings or what’s already in your fridge.

Now let’s break down the ingredients that make these potatoes so irresistible.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of Mississippi Mud Potatoes lies in their simplicity. With just a few pantry staples and a little oven time, you get a rich, satisfying dish that everyone loves.

Russet potatoes are the base of this recipe, and for good reason. Their starchy texture gives the final dish that creamy, fluffy interior with crispy edges after baking. Make sure to scrub them well and leave the skins on for added texture and rustic flair.

Bacon adds a savory, smoky crunch that balances out the richness of the cheese and sour cream. I recommend cooking the bacon until it’s crispy, then crumbling it and folding it right into the potato mixture. Bonus tip: save a little extra for sprinkling on top before baking!

Sharp cheddar cheese is the star of the show when it comes to creaminess and flavor. It melts beautifully and creates those glorious golden, bubbly spots on top. If you like a deeper flavor, try mixing in a little smoked gouda or pepper jack.

Sour cream gives the potatoes their signature creamy texture and slight tang, cutting through the richness just enough. You could also use Greek yogurt in a pinch, but sour cream gives the most classic flavor.

You'll also need some salt, black pepper, and garlic powder to bring everything together. These simple seasonings highlight the natural flavors without overpowering the dish.

No special equipment is required—just a large mixing bowl, a sharp knife, and a 9x13-inch baking dish. A sheet of foil will come in handy to prevent over-browning during baking.

How To Make This Mississippi Mud Potatoes Recipe

Making this dish is almost as satisfying as eating it. The hands-on time is minimal, and the oven does all the heavy lifting.

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. While the oven heats, scrub your russet potatoes, then chop them into ½-inch cubes. Try to keep the pieces uniform so they cook evenly—nobody wants half mushy, half raw potatoes!

In a large bowl, toss the potatoes with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. This step adds a layer of flavor right from the start. Once everything is evenly coated, fold in the sour cream, shredded cheddar, and crumbled bacon. Don’t be afraid to get in there with a big spoon and give it a good mix.

Next, transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Spread it out into an even layer and sprinkle the top with a bit more cheese and bacon for that perfect, crispy finish. Cover with foil and bake for about 45 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.

You'll know it’s ready when the potatoes are fork-tender and the cheese is melted and lightly browned. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes before serving—it’ll be piping hot!

All in all, you’re looking at about 1 hour of total time, most of which is hands-off. Perfect for prepping the rest of your meal—or just relaxing with a glass of sweet tea.

Storage Options

These potatoes store wonderfully, making them a fantastic make-ahead dish.

Once cooled, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container. They’ll keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just make sure they’re fully cooled before sealing to avoid sogginess from trapped steam.

You can also freeze Mississippi Mud Potatoes for longer storage. Portion them into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

To reheat, simply pop them into a 350°F oven for 15–20 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 2–3 minutes. Add a sprinkle of cheese on top before reheating for extra gooey goodness.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best parts about Mississippi Mud Potatoes is how easy they are to customize. Here are a few fun twists you can try:

Want to make it vegetarian? Just skip the bacon and add sautéed mushrooms or roasted red peppers for a rich, umami-packed alternative. You can even toss in a handful of spinach or kale for a pop of green.

For a spicy kick, mix in diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce before baking. You can also use pepper jack cheese in place of cheddar for extra heat.

Swap out the cheddar cheese with smoked gouda, Monterey Jack, or even mozzarella for a different flavor profile. Each cheese brings something unique to the dish.

Craving even more richness? Stir in a few tablespoons of cream cheese along with the sour cream for an ultra-decadent version.

And if you're watching your carbs, try using cauliflower florets instead of potatoes for a low-carb spin on the classic.

Feel free to mix, match, and experiment until it suits your taste perfectly. That’s the beauty of a good comfort food recipe—it’s yours to make your own.

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