Delicious Mississippi Mud Potatoes Recipe

There’s something magical about the way Mississippi Mud Potatoes fill your kitchen with the smell of sizzling bacon, melting cheese, and roasting potatoes. It’s that kind of warm, comforting dish that practically guarantees clean plates and happy bellies.

this Recipe

The first time I made this recipe, it was on a chilly Sunday afternoon with friends over for game day. We needed something hearty, easy, and undeniably indulgent—and these cheesy, smoky potatoes totally delivered. It’s been a staple ever since, especially when I want something satisfying with minimal fuss.

Whether you're feeding a crowd, bringing a side to a potluck, or just craving a no-fuss comfort food, these potatoes are everything: creamy, crispy, and loaded with flavor. Let’s dive in.

Why You’ll Love This Mississippi Mud Potatoes Recipe

Get ready to meet your new favorite side dish—one that’s rich, gooey, and bursting with savory goodness. These Mississippi Mud Potatoes have that irresistible combination of textures and flavors that make them a standout on any dinner table.

First off, they’re incredibly easy to prepare. With just a handful of pantry staples and about 15 minutes of prep time, you’ll have a dish that tastes like it came from a down-home diner.

They’re also budget-friendly. Potatoes, bacon, cheese, and sour cream—nothing fancy here, but when combined, they create a dish that tastes like a million bucks without breaking the bank.

What I love most is how customizable this recipe is. Add some green onions, swap in sausage for the bacon, or toss in some chopped jalapeños for a kick. You can truly make it your own.

And did I mention they’re perfect for crowds? This dish easily doubles or triples, making it ideal for holidays, potlucks, or game day gatherings. Just serve it up in a big casserole dish and watch it disappear.

If you’re looking for something comforting, cheesy, and seriously satisfying, these Mississippi Mud Potatoes check all the boxes.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this dish is how simple the ingredients are—but each one plays a big role in building that signature flavor and texture.

Russet potatoes are the star here. Their starchy makeup helps them bake up tender on the inside with crispy edges on the outside. You’ll want to peel and cube them into even pieces so they cook uniformly. Yukon Golds can work in a pinch, but russets give you that classic texture.

Bacon adds a smoky, savory punch that takes this dish to the next level. I prefer using thick-cut bacon, cooked until crispy and then crumbled. Make sure to reserve a tablespoon or two of the bacon grease—it adds incredible depth when mixed into the potatoes.

Shredded cheddar cheese is what gives these potatoes their gooey, melty deliciousness. Sharp cheddar provides the best flavor contrast to the rich bacon and tangy sour cream, but feel free to mix in mozzarella or pepper jack for variety.

Sour cream brings it all together with a creamy, tangy finish. It coats the potatoes perfectly and balances the richness of the other ingredients. You can also add a little mayonnaise or cream cheese for an even creamier result.

For a little added punch, seasoning salt and black pepper round out the flavor. Some people like to throw in a pinch of garlic powder or paprika, depending on their taste.

You won’t need any fancy equipment—just a good-quality baking dish, a large mixing bowl, and some foil for covering. A sharp knife and sturdy cutting board will make prep a breeze.

How To Make This Mississippi Mud Potatoes Recipe

Making these potatoes couldn’t be simpler, but each step adds a layer of flavor and texture that makes the final result unforgettable.

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. While that’s heating, peel and cube your russet potatoes into bite-sized chunks. Try to keep them as uniform as possible so they cook evenly. Place the diced potatoes into a large mixing bowl.

Next, fry up your bacon until it's nice and crispy. Drain it on paper towels, then crumble into bits. If you're using thick-cut bacon (my favorite), you’ll want to chop it before cooking to get evenly crisp pieces. Don’t forget to set aside a tablespoon or two of the rendered bacon grease—it’s liquid gold.

Add the bacon grease, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon (save a bit for topping), and your seasonings into the bowl with the potatoes. Use a large spoon or spatula to mix everything together thoroughly, making sure every potato cube gets coated with cheesy, creamy goodness.

Once everything is combined, transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Spread it out evenly and top with the remaining bacon and a little extra cheese if you like it extra gooey. Cover the dish with foil to help everything cook through.

Bake for 50–60 minutes, removing the foil for the last 10–15 minutes to allow the top to get golden and bubbly. You’ll know it’s ready when the potatoes are fork-tender and the cheese is beautifully melted.

Altogether, you’re looking at just over an hour from start to finish—most of which is hands-off time in the oven. The result? A bubbling tray of potato perfection.

Storage Options

These Mississippi Mud Potatoes store surprisingly well, making them perfect for prepping ahead or enjoying as leftovers.

If you’re planning to make them ahead, assemble the dish but hold off on baking. Cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake, adding an extra 5–10 minutes if it's coming straight from the fridge.

Once cooked, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen a bit after sitting, which makes them even tastier the next day.

To freeze, portion the fully baked and cooled potatoes into airtight freezer containers or bags. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheat individual servings in the microwave, or warm a larger portion in the oven at 350°F until heated through. Add a sprinkle of extra cheese before reheating for that fresh-from-the-oven taste.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is super flexible, which makes it perfect for tailoring to your family’s taste—or just mixing things up now and then.

If you’re not a bacon eater, try swapping in cooked sausage or diced ham for a different kind of savory punch. Vegetarian? Just leave out the meat and amp up the flavor with sautéed mushrooms or roasted red peppers.

Want more heat? Stir in a handful of diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce. Pepper jack cheese also adds a spicy kick while keeping that melt factor high.

You can also experiment with different cheeses. A combo of cheddar and mozzarella gives you that perfect blend of flavor and stretch. For something bolder, try smoked gouda or Monterey jack.

If you’re out of sour cream, Greek yogurt makes a great stand-in. It’s a little tangier and lighter but still adds the creamy texture this dish needs.

Don’t be afraid to get creative. Toss in some chopped green onions, sprinkle on some breadcrumbs for a crunchy topping, or mix in a few cooked veggies for a heartier casserole-style dish.

With its crispy edges, cheesy center, and comforting flavors, these Mississippi Mud Potatoes are the kind of dish that brings people together. Whether it’s game day, potluck night, or just a cozy dinner at home, this recipe always delivers. Try it once, and I guarantee it’ll earn a spot in your regular rotation.

Let me know how you make it your own—I’d love to hear your spin on this comfort classic!

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