Mississippi Mud Potatoes: A Comforting Southern Casserole Your Family Will Love

Estimated reading time: 9 minutes

Introduction

I’ve always believed that potatoes are right up there with the world’s best comfort foods. Growing up in a small town, my family loved gathering around steaming-hot casseroles, especially on chilly evenings. There’s just something about piping-hot potatoes, salty bacon, and molten cheese that sends my taste buds into a happy dance. One of my favorite ways to bring that cozy feeling to the dinner table is with Mississippi Mud Potatoes.

These potatoes are all about warm, creamy goodness paired with the smoky crunch of bacon. The name might conjure up images of the famous Mississippi mud cake—thick, rich, and oh-so-decadent—but this side dish is salty, cheesy, and potato-forward, giving a whole new meaning to the word “loaded.”

What Makes Mississippi Mud Potatoes So Special

I first stumbled upon Mississippi Mud Potatoes when I was searching for something a little different to serve alongside grilled chicken at a neighborhood cookout. My mom used to call them “loaded potato casserole,” but when I found this version with the catchy “Mississippi mud” name, it was too fun to resist. The spirit of Southern comfort food is woven right into each layer of potato, bacon, cheese, and creamy goodness.

This dish really showcases some of the best attributes of Southern cooking: hearty portions, lively flavors, and that come-on-over hospitality. The potatoes turn out beautifully tender, with crispy edges if they’re baked just right. Each spoonful is loaded with smoky bacon, tangy cheddar, and a velvety mayo-based sauce. There’s nothing fussy about this recipe—just pure Southern bliss.

To dive deeper into the heart of Southern comfort food, check out this comprehensive guide by Southern Living.

Ingredients for Mississippi Mud Potatoes

Here’s a rundown of what you’ll need to get that hallmark taste. This ingredient lineup reflects both practicality and the joy of comfort cooking:

1. Russet Potatoes (about 3 lbs.)
   • Russets hold up well in casseroles because they’re starchy and can absorb lots of flavor. If you prefer, Yukon Golds are another option, offering a buttery texture.
2. Bacon (8-10 slices)
   • The smoky crunch is crucial here. If you have bacon bits left over (is that even possible?), save them for salads or breakfast eggs. But for the casserole itself, freshly-cooked bacon brings the best flavor.
3. Sharp Cheddar Cheese (3 cups shredded)
   • There’s something special about the bite of sharp cheddar in loaded potatoes. Medium cheddar works, too, or a mix of cheddar and pepper jack if you like a little spice.
4. Mayonnaise (1 cup)
   • The creamy component that unifies it all. Some folks like to blend sour cream with mayo, but plain mayo has a smooth, rich texture that stands out in this dish.
5. Butter (3 tablespoons, melted)
   • Helps keep everything moist and adds a hint of richness to the potatoes.
6. Green Onions (2-3 stalks, chopped)
   • Optional, but they add a pop of color and a faint onion-y zip to the casserole.
7. Salt and Pepper (to taste)
   • Season generously—it’s a hearty dish, and potatoes can take a fair amount of salt to bring out their essence.
8. Paprika or Garlic Powder (½ teaspoon each, optional)
   • If you want to add some extra flavor notes, try sprinkling a little paprika or garlic powder.

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Step-by-Step Mississippi Mud Potatoes Instructions

Preparing the Potatoes

1. Wash and Peel
   Scrub the potatoes under running water. Peel them if you prefer peeled potatoes, or leave the skins on for extra texture (just make sure they’re clean).
2. Dice
   Cut them into bite-sized chunks, roughly 1-inch cubes. Smaller cubes cook faster and evenly.
3. Parboil
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Toss in the diced potatoes and let them simmer for about 8–10 minutes, or until they’re just shy of fork-tender. This step speeds up the baking process and prevents raw centers. Drain thoroughly in a colander.

Cooking the Bacon

1. Cook Slices
   Lay out your strips of bacon in a cold skillet and warm it to medium heat. Cook until crisp, flipping once. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn.
2. Drain and Crumble
   Transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Then crumble it or chop it into bacon bits. You’ll scatter these flavorful morsels throughout the casserole.

Building the Creamy Mixture

1. Combine Mayo and Butter
   In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayo and melted butter until they form a smooth sauce. If you want extra tang, feel free to substitute half of the mayo with sour cream.
2. Fold in Seasonings
   Add salt, pepper, and any optional spices (paprika, garlic powder). Adjust the amounts to your liking.
3. Add Potatoes
   Stir in the drained potato cubes, coating them in the creamy sauce. You want every piece covered.
4. Cheese and Bacon
   Gently fold in half of the shredded cheddar and about half of the bacon crumbles. Save the remaining cheese and bacon for topping.

Assembling and Baking

1. Preheat the Oven
   Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease the Casserole Dish
   Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or something similar.
3. Spread the Potato Mixture
   Spoon the mixture into the dish in an even layer.
4. Top with Cheese and Bacon
   Scatter the rest of the cheese and bacon on top.
5. Bake
   Slide the dish into the oven for about 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden. If you like crispy bits, you could bake a little longer.
6. Garnish
   Pull the casserole out and sprinkle chopped green onions on top (if you like). Let it rest for about 5 minutes before digging in.

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Flavor Variations for Mississippi Mud Potatoes

I’m a big believer in customizing recipes to make them fit my family’s tastes. Mississippi Mud Potatoes are flexible enough to handle plenty of flavorful twists:

1. Spicy Kick: Toss in diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper for a little heat. Pepper jack cheese works well here if your crowd loves spice.
2. Ranch-Style: Mix a packet of ranch seasoning into the mayo-butter blend for that herby tang.
3. BBQ Vibes: Drizzle your favorite barbecue sauce over the top and use cheddar mixed with mozzarella. Bacon pairs beautifully with barbecue flavors.
4. Veggie Boost: Toss in sautéed mushrooms or roasted bell peppers to add even more texture.

If you’re craving more bacon-based goodness, check out Maple Bacon Magic on our site. It’s sweet, salty, and beyond tempting. This dish pairs perfectly with the comforting profile of these potatoes.

For a fascinating look into the history of casseroles, visit History.com’s article on casseroles.

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Serving Suggestions and Pairings

So, how do we enjoy Mississippi Mud Potatoes to the fullest? In my household, we love them at potlucks and weekend gatherings because they feed a crowd, and everyone always heads back for seconds.

• Main Course Pairings:
  My favorite main dish with these potatoes is simple grilled chicken or steak. The flavors complement each other, and it keeps the spotlight on this casserole. For even more savory dinners, try it with Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe or smoky barbecue ribs.
• Side Dishes:
  If you’re building a big family meal, add a bright salad for some crispness. Or dish up something sweet, like Pineapple Casserole Recipe, which gives a sweet-tangy contrast. Another fun side to try: Honey Butter Skillet Corn. The sweet corn balances out the richness of the potatoes.
• Condiments:
  A drizzle of ranch or a dollop of sour cream on top can never hurt, especially for those who like an extra bit of creamy oomph.

For a finishing flourish, you could serve these potatoes with fresh rolls or cornbread. And if your family adores Mexican-inspired food, try making Cheesy Gordita Crunch another night; the melted cheese factor is off the charts.

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Storage and Reheating Tips

Life with two kids means I often try to prepare dishes ahead of time. Casseroles like Mississippi Mud Potatoes are perfect for that. Here’s how I handle storing and reheating:

1. Storage:
   • After baking, let the dish cool completely.
   • Transfer leftovers (if any) to an airtight container.
   • Place in the refrigerator and keep for up to 3 days.
2. Reheating in the Oven:
   • Put leftovers in an oven-safe dish, cover with aluminum foil, and warm at 350°F for about 15–20 minutes.
   • Uncover for the last few minutes to let the cheese crisp up again.
3. Reheating in the Microwave:
   • For single servings, microwave on medium-high in 30-second intervals until heated through. Stir gently for even warming.

You can also prepare the entire casserole a day early and refrigerate it unbaked. Then, simply pop it in the oven before dinner. Just add an extra 5–10 minutes to the bake time if it’s chilled.

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FAQs about Mississippi Mud Potatoes

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Conclusion

Well, there you have it—Mississippi Mud Potatoes have a special place in my heart and at my dinner table. There’s just something completely satisfying about a batch of tender spuds, salty bacon, and melted cheese baked up all cozy in one dish. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s simple enough for Tuesday dinner yet impressive enough for a holiday potluck.

I hope you’ll give this recipe a try in your own kitchen. When it comes out of the oven, the smell alone will have everyone racing to the table. And if your crowd likes extra toppings, set out a bowl of green onions or sour cream so everyone can garnish as they please. Let me know how your version turned out in the comments below—I love hearing about your kitchen adventures!