Mississippi Mud Potatoes – The Ultimate Southern Comfort Side Dish

If you love cheesy, smoky, and hearty comfort food, then you’re going to fall in love with Mississippi Mud Potatoes. This classic Southern side dish combines crispy roasted potatoes, savory bacon, melty cheese, and a rich creamy sauce that tastes like it came straight from Grandma’s kitchen.

Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or a weekend dinner with friends, these potatoes are as comforting as they are indulgent. Whether you serve them alongside grilled steak, fried chicken, or BBQ ribs, they’ll steal the show every time!

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❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• 🧀 Cheesy & creamy — every bite is rich, warm, and comforting.
• 🥓 Packed with bacon — smoky flavor in every bite.
• 🥔 Crispy edges, soft center — perfect texture balance.
• 🍽️ Crowd favorite — always the first dish to disappear at potlucks.
• ⏱️ Easy to make — simple ingredients, no fuss, big flavor.

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🧂 Ingredients You’ll Need

Main Ingredients:

• 6 large russet potatoes, scrubbed and cubed
• 1 lb bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup mayonnaise (or substitute with Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• ½ cup chopped green onions (plus more for garnish)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

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👩‍🍳 How to Make Mississippi Mud Potatoes

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.

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Step 2: Cook the Bacon

In a skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until crispy.
Transfer to a paper towel–lined plate to drain, then crumble into small pieces. Set aside.

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Step 3: Prepare the Potatoes

Wash and cube the russet potatoes (about 1-inch pieces). Place them in a large pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil.
Cook for 8–10 minutes, just until fork-tender — don’t overcook or they’ll fall apart.

Drain well and let cool slightly.

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Step 4: Make the Creamy Mixture

In a large bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, half of the cheddar cheese, half of the bacon, green onions, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until fully blended.

Add the cooked potatoes to the mixture and gently fold until everything is evenly coated.

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Step 5: Assemble the Dish

Transfer the potato mixture into your prepared baking dish.
Top with the remaining cheddar cheese and bacon.

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Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Bubbling

Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbling around the edges.

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Step 7: Garnish & Serve

Sprinkle extra green onions on top for color and freshness.
Serve hot — and watch everyone come back for seconds! 😋

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🧀 Recipe Tips for Perfect Results

1. Choose the right potatoes: Russets hold up best when baked, giving you crispy edges and soft centers.
2. Don’t skip the bacon: Its smoky flavor is what makes this dish “Mississippi Mud.”
3. Add some spice: For a kick, toss in diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
4. Make it ahead: Assemble the dish up to a day before, refrigerate, then bake before serving.
5. For extra crispiness: Sprinkle crushed Ritz crackers or French-fried onions on top before baking.

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🍽️ Serving Suggestions

These Mississippi Mud Potatoes are the ultimate versatile side dish! Try pairing them with:

• BBQ ribs or pulled pork 🐖
• Grilled or fried chicken 🍗
• Steak or meatloaf 🥩
• Holiday ham or turkey 🍖
• A fresh green salad for balance 🥗

They’re also hearty enough to enjoy as a main course with a side of roasted veggies.

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🧊 Storage & Reheating

Refrigerator:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer:
Freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

To Reheat:
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes or microwave individual portions until hot.

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🕒 Recipe Summary

Feature	Details
Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	30 minutes
Total Time	45 minutes
Servings	6–8
Difficulty	Easy
Category	Side Dish / Comfort Food

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💬 Variations to Try

• 🧄 Loaded Garlic Mud Potatoes: Add roasted garlic for an aromatic boost.
• 🌶️ Spicy Mud Potatoes: Stir in diced jalapeños or sprinkle hot sauce before serving.
• 🧀 Three-Cheese Blend: Use cheddar, mozzarella, and Monterey Jack for an extra cheesy bite.
• 🥦 Veggie Twist: Mix in broccoli florets or diced bell peppers for a colorful variation.

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🤍 Final Thoughts

Mississippi Mud Potatoes are everything a Southern side dish should be — hearty, creamy, cheesy, and soul-satisfying. With crispy bacon, tender potatoes, and melty cheddar in every bite, this dish turns an ordinary meal into something unforgettable.

Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a big holiday feast, these potatoes will have everyone at the table asking for seconds (and the recipe!).

So grab your baking dish and bring a little Southern comfort to your kitchen tonight — these Mississippi Mud Potatoes are guaranteed to be love at first bite! 🥔🧀❤️

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