Delicious Mississippi Mud Potatoes Recipe

There's something magical about the sizzle of crispy bacon and the smell of melted cheese wafting from the oven. Mississippi Mud Potatoes are the ultimate comfort food—creamy, cheesy, savory, and utterly irresistible, with golden edges and a gooey center that makes every bite better than the last.

I first whipped up this recipe for a game-day potluck, hoping to bring something hearty and crowd-pleasing. Not only did the entire tray vanish in minutes, but I’ve been getting requests for it ever since. It’s easy, budget-friendly, and absolutely perfect for feeding a hungry crowd or spicing up a regular weeknight dinner.

Let’s dive into why you’re about to become obsessed with this potato casserole.

Why You'll Love This Mississippi Mud Potatoes Recipe

Get ready to fall head over heels for a side dish that’s just as addictive as it sounds. These Mississippi Mud Potatoes check all the boxes—crispy, creamy, salty, and cheesy—and they come together with minimal effort.

First off, this recipe is ridiculously easy. All you need are a handful of everyday ingredients and a single baking dish. No need to parboil or precook—just mix, bake, and enjoy.

They’re also incredibly budget-friendly. Potatoes are one of the most affordable pantry staples, and when paired with bacon, sour cream, and cheese, you get maximum flavor without draining your wallet.

What makes them really shine is the texture. You get that crispy roasted edge, melty cheese throughout, and bacon in every bite. It’s the perfect balance of comfort and indulgence.

Finally, this dish is super versatile. Serve it as a hearty side with grilled meats, bring it to a potluck, or enjoy it on its own for a satisfying vegetarian (just skip the bacon!) dinner.

Let’s take a closer look at what makes these ingredients so special.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of Mississippi Mud Potatoes lies in the way just a few ingredients come together to create something truly crave-worthy. Each element adds its own special touch of flavor and texture.

Russet potatoes are the star of this recipe. Their starchy texture is perfect for baking, crisping beautifully on the outside while turning fluffy and tender inside. Peel them if you prefer a smoother finish, or leave the skins on for added texture and nutrients.

Bacon brings the smoky, salty crunch that makes every bite a little celebration. You can cook it ahead of time and crumble it over the top, or mix it right into the potato mixture before baking. Either way, it adds irresistible flavor and depth.

Sour cream is what gives these potatoes their creamy, tangy richness. It melts into the potatoes as they bake, creating a luscious base that holds everything together without becoming too heavy.

Shredded cheddar cheese is a must for that gooey, melty pull with every bite. Use sharp cheddar for bold flavor, or go with a blend if you like a little variety. Don’t be shy with it—this is comfort food, after all!

To tie it all together, you’ll want salt, pepper, and green onions. The green onions add a bright, fresh contrast to the rich base, while simple seasoning ensures every bite is full of flavor.

As for tools, all you need is a large mixing bowl, a knife for chopping, and a 9x13-inch baking dish to bring it all together. No fancy gadgets required.

How To Make This Mississippi Mud Potatoes Recipe

Making Mississippi Mud Potatoes couldn’t be easier, and you don’t need any fancy techniques to nail it. Just good ingredients, simple prep, and a hot oven.

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Meanwhile, wash and dice your russet potatoes into small, bite-sized cubes. Uniform pieces will help everything cook evenly and ensure that crispy-on-the-outside, fluffy-on-the-inside texture.

While the oven heats, cook your bacon until crisp. You can do this on the stovetop or bake it in the oven if you prefer less mess. Once it’s cooked, drain on paper towels and crumble into bits. Set aside a bit for topping later if you like an extra-crispy finish.

In a large bowl, mix the diced potatoes with sour cream, shredded cheddar, crisp bacon, and some salt and pepper. Make sure every potato cube is coated in that creamy mixture—this is what gives the dish its signature richness.

Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle extra cheese and reserved bacon over the top, then pop it into the oven.

Bake uncovered for 50–60 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and the top is bubbling and golden brown. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges are slightly crispy and the smell is impossible to resist.

Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Total time from prep to table is about 1 hour and 15 minutes, and trust me—it’s worth every second.

Storage Options

One of the best parts of this dish? It reheats like a dream. Whether you’ve made a double batch or are lucky enough to have leftovers, Mississippi Mud Potatoes store beautifully.

To store in the fridge, let the dish cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep well for up to 4 days, and the flavors get even better the next day.

If you want to freeze it, portion out the potatoes into freezer-safe containers or wrap the entire dish tightly in foil. It’ll stay good for up to 2 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

To reheat, pop individual portions in the microwave for 1–2 minutes, or warm a larger amount in the oven at 350°F until hot and bubbly. You can add a sprinkle of cheese on top before reheating for that just-baked taste.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the things I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. Whether you’re working with dietary needs or just feeling creative, there are tons of ways to switch things up.

Swap the bacon for cooked sausage, diced ham, or even seasoned ground beef if you’re turning this into a main course. Want a meatless version? Just leave out the meat entirely—it’s still rich and satisfying thanks to the sour cream and cheese.

You can also change up the cheese to suit your taste. Try Monterey Jack for a milder flavor, or pepper jack for a spicy kick. A little parmesan added to the top also gives a nice golden crust.

If you’re watching your dairy intake, sub in Greek yogurt for the sour cream, and choose a plant-based cheese. The results will be a little lighter, but still delicious.

For a different flavor twist, add diced jalapeños, caramelized onions, or a teaspoon of smoked paprika to the mix. These little additions take the flavor profile in fun, new directions.

Don’t be afraid to play around with what you have on hand. This is the kind of recipe that welcomes a little experimentation—and sometimes, those tweaks lead to your new favorite version.

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