These Mississippi Mud Potatoes are creamy, chocolatey goodness! This creamy, cheesy casserole is filled with little morsels of diced potatoes and crispy bacon, mixed with sautéed onion and garlic then baked until golden brown all over. The mayonnaise makes for a luscious texture, and the cheddar cheese makes for a rich, melty topping.

These potatoes make a great side dish for barbecues, family dinners or potlucks, and you’ll probably want to eat a double batch. They are perfect served hot, and it is an irresistible combination of flavours and textures that will have you going back for more!

Why You’ll Love It:

Rich and Creamy: The mayonnaise and melted cheese steam into a velvety, creamy texture that’s pure comfort.

Smoky Bacon Goodness: Crispy bacon gives flavor and a luring savory touch.

Crowd-Pleaser: Great for family gatherings, potlucks or holiday feasts, this dish is a guaranteed winner.

Make-Ahead Friendly: Ready to go in advance and baked when it’s time, great for busy schedules.

Key Ingredients:

Potatoes: Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes work best for this recipe. Russets are fluffy, Yukon Golds are creamier and hold their shape well.

Cheddar Cheese: Shred your own cheese for the best flavor and melt. Shredded cheese packaged in bags often has anti-caking agents that interfere with texture.

Bacon: Use thick-cut for heartier, smokier bites. If you cook it until extra crispy, it’ll hold its own in the dish.

Garlic: Freshly chopped garlic brings pungent, aromatic flavor. Adjust the amount to your taste, of course.

Mayonnaise: The creamy binder in this dish — and I suggest sticking with regular mayo for the best results. For a tangier change of pace, you can replace half the mayo with sour cream if you want.

Ingredients and quantities with method can be found in full on the recipe card

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Step-by-Step Instructions:

Prepare the Ingredients

Peel and Dice the Potatoes

Peel 6 cups of potatoes, and cut into pieces of equal size to ensure they cook evenly.

Transfer the diced potatoes to a large bowl.

Cook and Crumble the Bacon

Cook 1 cup bacon until crispy.

Crumble the bacon into small bits, and set aside.

Shred the Cheese

Grate 1 cup of cheddar cheese. Freshly shredded cheese melts more easily and tastes better than the packaged pre-shredded kind.

Chop the Onion

Mince ½ cup of onion for gentle sweetness and complexity.

Mince the Garlic

Chop 3 teaspoons of garlic for an aromatic bert boost of flavor.

Preheat the Oven

Then set your oven temperature to 325°F (163°C). The cooler heat also ensures flavors meld as well we can ensure the potato cook through.

Combine the Ingredients

Combine the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, mix together:

Diced potatoes

Shredded cheddar cheese

Crumbled bacon

Minced garlic

Chopped onion

Add the Mayonnaise: Add 3/4 cup of mayonnaise and mix until everything is well coated. The mayonnaise will wallop a creamy base in the dish.

Prepare the Baking Pan

Grease the Pan: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.

Transfer the Mixture Grease the pan and pour the potato mixture, creating a single layer spread evenly within the pan.

Bake the Potatoes

Bake: Set the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 1 1/2 hours.

Check Progress: Throughout the process, check the potatoes for even cooking. Stir gently if needed.

Golden Finish: The dish is ready when the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown. Cover with foil if top is browning too quickly.

Serve the Dish

Cool Slightly: Let the dish cool slightly before serving to assist it set and deepen the flavor.

Serve Hot: Serve the Mississippi Mud Potatoes out of the pan. They are delicious alongside grilled meats, barbecues, or as a meal by themselves.

Serving Suggestions:

Mississippi Mud Potatoes make for such a versatile side dish that they pair fabulously with so many main dishes:

Grilled or Smoked Meats: Pair with BBQ ribs, smoked brisket, or grilled chicken for a filling, stick-to-your-ribs meal.

Burgers and Sandwiches: This dish is a great add on to burgers, pulled pork or fried chicken sandwiches.

For Buyers’ Holiday Spreads: Serve it as a star side at Thanksgiving or Christmas with turkey or ham.

Vegetarian Plate: Serve with a crunchy green salad and roasted veggies for a meatless meal.

Storage and Reheating:

Refrigeration: Leftovers, stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, will keep for 3 days.

To reheat: Heat individual servings in the microwave or reheat whole dishes in the oven at 325°F (163°C) until warmed through.

Freezing: Although it will slightly change the texture, you can freeze the baked dish in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven.

Variations:

Adjust your Mississippi Mud Potatoes to your liking or dietary restrictions:

Veggies It Up: Toss in cooked broccoli florets, chopped bell peppers, or peas, for color as well as nutrition.

Change Up the Cheese: Use Monterey Jack, Colby or Pepper Jack cheese.

Make It Spicy: Add some minced jalapeños or a dusting of cayenne pepper for heat.

Lighter Alternative: Use light mayo/lower calories by using half mayo, half Greek yogurt.

Extra Crunch: Add crushed potato chips or breadcrumbs to the top of the dish for the last 15 minutes of baking.

Conclusion:

Mississippi Mud Potatoes are the best kind of comfort food — a cheesy, bacon-laden casserole that’s as satisfying to eat as it is simple to prepare comfort food casserole bacon casserole cheesy casserole southern food recipe casserole dish casserole loading comfort food casserole bacon casserole cheesy casserole southern food recipe casserole dish casserole loading Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks and holiday gatherings, this recipe provides crowd-pleasing flavors with minimal effort.

Tender potatoes and savory bacon meet gooey cheese for a match made in heaven, while creamy mayo brings it all together with a dish that’s hard to resist. Put your own spin on it with some fun variations, or just keep it classic — you can’t go wrong.

So, gather your ingredients, preheat the oven, and get ready for a dish that’s rich and decadent, and that is almost certainly going to leave everyone asking for seconds. Enjoy!