Mississippi Mud Potatoes are a rich, cheesy, and irresistibly creamy side dish that brings Southern comfort to your table. Made with tender diced potatoes, crispy bacon, melty cheese, and tangy sour cream, this casserole-style favorite is baked until golden and bubbly.
Its name reflects the hearty, “muddy” mix of ingredients that come together in a deliciously indulgent way. Perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or holiday spreads, Mississippi Mud Potatoes are both satisfying and simple to make.
Every bite offers a comforting blend of smoky, savory, and creamy flavors that are sure to become a household favorite.
Best Mississippi Mud Potatoes
Description
Mississippi Mud Potatoes are a rich, comforting side dish made with cubed potatoes, crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, sour cream, and green onions, all baked to golden perfection.
Creamy, cheesy, and packed with smoky flavor, this Southern classic is the ultimate indulgent comfort food.
It’s perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or holiday dinners. The name comes from its gooey, “muddy” texture once baked, resembling the Mississippi River’s dark, rich mud. Each bite offers a satisfying mix of crunchy, creamy, and savory goodness that’s hard to resist.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Preheat and Prep:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
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Cook the Bacon:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy, turning occasionally. Transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain, then crumble into small pieces once cool. Reserve 1–2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the pan for added flavor (optional).
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Parboil the Potatoes:
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the cubed red potatoes and boil for 8–10 minutes, or until just fork-tender (not mushy). Drain the potatoes thoroughly and let them sit for a few minutes to dry.
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Make the Creamy Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
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Sour cream
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1 ½ cups cheddar cheese (save ½ cup for topping)
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Crumpled bacon (reserve a few bits for garnish if you like)
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Chopped green onions
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Salt, pepper, garlic/onion powder (if using)
Gently fold in the cooked potatoes until evenly coated. Be careful not to mash the potatoes — you want them chunky and well-coated, not broken down.
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Assemble and Bake:
Transfer the creamy potato mixture into your prepared baking dish. Spread evenly. Top with the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden brown on top.
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Garnish and Serve:
Remove from oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra chopped green onions and reserved bacon bits for a pop of color and texture.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 8
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 500kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 34g53%
- Saturated Fat 16g80%
- Cholesterol 70mg24%
- Sodium 850mg36%
- Total Carbohydrate 35g12%
- Dietary Fiber 3g12%
- Sugars 4g
- Protein 15g30%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Mississippi Mud Potatoes are the ultimate comfort food—crispy on the edges, creamy in the middle, and loaded with cheese, sour cream, and bacon.
Whether you're preparing them for a potluck, family dinner, or holiday gathering, these tips and tricks will help you create the perfect version every time.
Prep Tips for Perfect Texture
- Use Russet or Yukon Gold Potatoes:
Russets are starchy and bake up fluffy, while Yukon Golds are creamier. Both work well, but Russets hold shape better for chunk-style casseroles. - Cut Even Cubes:
Chop the potatoes into even ½ to ¾-inch cubes for uniform cooking. If they're too small, they may fall apart; too large, and they’ll take longer to cook and absorb flavor unevenly. - Pre-boil for Speed (Optional):
If you're short on time, parboil the potato cubes for about 5–7 minutes before mixing with the sauce. This reduces baking time and guarantees they’ll be tender.
Flavor Boosting Tricks
- Season Every Layer:
Don’t just rely on cheese and bacon for flavor. Season your potato cubes with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika before mixing. - Sour Cream & Cream Cheese Combo:
While traditional recipes use sour cream, try adding a bit of cream cheese for extra richness and tang. - Use Sharp Cheddar Cheese:
Sharp cheddar adds a stronger cheesy punch. Mix some in and reserve more for the gooey golden topping. - Add Green Onions or Chives:
Stir chopped green onions into the mix or sprinkle fresh chives on top after baking for a burst of freshness and color. - Customize With Mix-ins:
Want to elevate it? Add cooked mushrooms, caramelized onions, or jalapeños for more depth and heat.
Bacon Tips for Maximum Crunch
- Cook Separately:
Always cook the bacon separately until crispy, then crumble it over the dish right before baking. This prevents it from becoming soggy in the casserole. - Save Some for Garnish:
Reserve a handful of bacon crumbles for sprinkling on top after baking for texture contrast and visual appeal.
Baking & Serving Tips
- Use a Well-Greased Pan:
The creamy mixture can stick, so grease your baking dish generously with butter or nonstick spray. - Bake Uncovered:
Bake uncovered at 375°F (190°C) for about 45–50 minutes. This allows the cheese to brown and form that irresistible golden crust. - Broil at the End:
For a crispy top, broil the dish for the last 2–3 minutes—just keep a close eye so it doesn’t burn. - Let It Rest:
Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes after baking. This allows the sauce to thicken and makes serving cleaner.
Serving Suggestions & Leftover Ideas
- Great as a Side or Main:
While it’s typically a side dish, it’s hearty enough to serve as a main. Pair it with grilled steak, roast chicken, or BBQ pork. - Serve with a Fresh Side:
Because the dish is rich and creamy, serve it alongside a crisp green salad or steamed veggies to balance it out. - Leftover Breakfast Hack:
Reheat leftovers in a skillet and top with a fried egg for a decadent breakfast hash. - Make It Ahead:
You can assemble the dish up to a day in advance and refrigerate. Let it come to room temperature for 20 minutes before baking.
Tips for the Best Results:
- Potato choice matters: Red potatoes hold their shape well when baked, but you can also use Yukon Gold or baby potatoes. Avoid russets — they tend to fall apart.
- Add-ins for extra flavor: Feel free to add sautéed onions, mushrooms, or bell peppers for a deeper flavor. Cook them in the bacon grease for even more taste.
- Want it extra creamy? Stir in 4 oz of softened cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream with the sour cream for an ultra-rich dish.
- Crispier top? Place under the broiler for the last 2–3 minutes for a bubbly, slightly crispy cheese top.
Serving Suggestions:
Mississippi Mud Potatoes are rich and filling. They pair perfectly with:
- Grilled or smoked meats (ribs, brisket, BBQ chicken)
- Holiday ham or roast beef
- Burgers or pulled pork sandwiches
This dish also stands strong on its own as a cheesy, carb-loaded comfort meal.
Storing & Reheating:
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: You can freeze this casserole after baking (let it cool first). Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months.
- To reheat: Bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions.
Variations:
- Spicy version: Add chopped jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to the sour cream mix.
- Loaded version: Top with crushed fried onions, extra cheese, or even a drizzle of ranch dressing before serving.
- Low-carb option: Substitute cauliflower florets for potatoes, and use full-fat sour cream and cheese for a keto-friendly dish.
Why You’ll Love This Dish:
- Quick prep with minimal ingredients
- Ultra comforting with creamy, cheesy, smoky flavors
- Perfect for feeding a crowd
- Easy to adapt for spice or dietary needs
Final Thoughts:
Mississippi Mud Potatoes are more than just a side — they’re the kind of dish that steals the show. With a velvety texture from the sour cream, gooey cheddar, and the savory crunch of bacon, this casserole hits every note of comfort food excellence. Whether you're cooking for your family or taking something to a gathering, this dish is sure to impress.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are Mississippi Mud Potatoes made of?
Mississippi Mud Potatoes are a rich and cheesy potato casserole typically made with diced potatoes (often red or russet), crispy bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, and green onions.
Some versions include butter or cream of mushroom soup for added creaminess. It’s baked until bubbly and golden brown, creating a comforting, savory side dish.
Can I use frozen hash browns or other potatoes?
Yes! You can substitute fresh diced potatoes with frozen diced hash browns for convenience—no need to parboil. Just be sure to thaw and drain them well before mixing with the other ingredients to avoid excess moisture. Yukon Golds also work great for a creamier texture.
How do I make this dish ahead of time?
Mississippi Mud Potatoes are perfect for meal prep or parties. You can fully assemble the casserole up to 24 hours ahead, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes, then bake as directed. Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 4 days and reheat beautifully.
What can I serve with Mississippi Mud Potatoes?
This dish is hearty and pairs well with grilled meats like steak, BBQ chicken, or pork chops. It’s also a fantastic addition to potlucks, holiday dinners, or casual gatherings. For balance, consider serving with a green salad or steamed vegetables.
