Mississippi Mud Potatoes

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I still remember the first time I made Mississippi Mud Potatoes. I was craving something indulgent, hearty, and soul-warming, and this dish delivered far beyond what I expected. The combination of crispy potatoes, melted cheese, and smoky bacon with a touch of ranch and sour cream makes it irresistibly satisfying. It was meant to be a side, but honestly, it stole the whole meal.

What I love about this recipe is how easy it is to throw together with ingredients I almost always have on hand. It’s the kind of comfort food that feels like a warm hug, perfect for lazy weekends or feeding a hungry crowd. Each bite is rich and creamy with a bit of crunch and just the right balance of flavors.

Since then, it has become a regular feature on my table for potlucks, family dinners, and even holiday spreads. If you’re a fan of loaded baked potatoes or casseroles with bold flavor, this one is going to be your new obsession. For more cheesy and creamy meal ideas, I recommend checking out my creamy garlic chicken breasts or this ultra-comforting creamy Tuscan sausage pasta.

Why You’ll Love This Mississippi Mud Potatoes

This dish is the definition of comfort food: warm, cheesy, and loaded with flavor. It takes familiar ingredients like russet potatoes and bacon and transforms them into a gooey, golden masterpiece. It’s easy to prep ahead, bakes beautifully in one dish, and is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you serve it alongside grilled meats or just a green salad, it has a way of becoming the star of the meal.

Ingredients

Russet Potatoes: These are perfect for baking. They crisp up beautifully and soak in all the flavors from the cheese and bacon.

Bacon: Brings a smoky, savory crunch that makes every bite more exciting.

Cheddar Cheese: I use sharp cheddar for its strong flavor, which balances the richness of the other ingredients.

Sour Cream: Adds a tangy creaminess that binds everything together.

Mayonnaise: Gives the dish a luxurious texture without overpowering the flavor.

Ranch Seasoning: Infuses a herby, zesty taste that elevates the potatoes.

Green Onions: Fresh, slightly peppery, and they add a pop of color.

Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the flavors.

How to Make Mississippi Mud Potatoes

Step 1: Prep and Parboil the Potatoes

Peel and dice your russet potatoes into bite-sized chunks. Parboil them in salted water for about 8 to 10 minutes until just tender. Drain and let them steam dry for a few minutes to remove excess moisture.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Base

In a large bowl, mix together the sour cream, mayonnaise, and ranch seasoning until smooth. This forms the tangy, creamy coating that makes the dish so rich.

Step 3: Combine with Flavor

Add the parboiled potatoes into the bowl with the creamy mixture. Toss to coat well, making sure every potato chunk is evenly covered.

Step 4: Add Bacon and Cheese

Fold in half of the cooked, crumbled bacon and a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese. Mix gently to distribute without breaking the potatoes.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish. Top with the remaining cheese and bacon. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 25 to 30 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbling.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle chopped green onions on top just before serving. They add freshness and color, rounding out the rich, savory flavors of the dish.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

If you want to add a twist to your Mississippi Mud Potatoes, try swapping out the cheddar cheese for pepper jack to introduce a mild kick. You could also use smoked gouda or mozzarella for a different melt and flavor profile. For a healthier spin, Greek yogurt can replace the sour cream without losing too much creaminess. And if you’re out of ranch seasoning, a mix of garlic powder, onion powder, dill, and parsley will do the trick.

Want to make it meat-free? Just skip the bacon or replace it with a smoky plant-based alternative. This dish also works great with chopped cooked ham or crumbled sausage if you’re in the mood to switch things up.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Mississippi Mud Potatoes are rich and satisfying, so I often pair them with lighter main dishes like grilled chicken or baked fish. They also work beautifully as part of a potluck spread next to roasted veggies or a crisp green salad. And if you’re in the mood for full-on comfort, serve them alongside BBQ ribs or fried chicken.

These potatoes are so flavorful that they don’t need much else, but a drizzle of hot sauce or a dollop of extra sour cream on top never hurts.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, I recommend covering them with foil and placing in a 350°F oven until warmed through. For a quicker option, microwave them in short intervals, stirring occasionally to heat evenly. To keep the texture nice and crispy, avoid freezing, as potatoes can become mealy.

FAQs

Can I make Mississippi Mud Potatoes ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can assemble the entire dish a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just cover it well and bake when you’re ready to serve.

Can I freeze Mississippi Mud Potatoes?

Freezing isn’t ideal because the texture of the potatoes changes. They may become grainy or watery after thawing.

Can I use red or Yukon gold potatoes instead of russet?

Yes! Red or Yukon gold potatoes hold their shape well and have a slightly creamier texture, which works beautifully in this recipe.

How can I make Mississippi Mud Potatoes spicier?

You can add diced jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne, or use spicy ranch seasoning to turn up the heat without changing the overall flavor too much.

Related Recipe You’ll Like

If you can’t get enough of cheesy, comforting sides, you’re going to love my cheesy ranch oven-roasted potatoes. They have a similar flavor base but offer a crispy texture that contrasts beautifully with the creamy Mississippi Mud Potatoes. For something a little different, check out my funeral potatoes – they’re just as comforting and full of cheesy goodness.

Save and Share This Recipe for Later

Don’t let this deliciousness get lost in your scroll! Pin this Mississippi Mud Potatoes recipe to your favorite Pinterest board so it’s right there when you need a cozy, flavor-packed side dish. You can also share it on Facebook or send it to someone who loves cheesy comfort food as much as you do. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be coming back for seconds—and so will everyone else at the table.

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