Thank you so much for being here—whether you’re a longtime reader or this is your first visit, I’m genuinely thrilled to share this crowd-favorite recipe with you. Today, we’re diving into one of the South’s most comforting treasures: Mississippi Mud Potatoes. Creamy, cheesy, loaded with bacon, and finished with a sprinkle of green onions, this dish is everything you love about comfort food, in one casserole pan.
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What Are Mississippi Mud Potatoes?
Let’s get into it—Mississippi Mud Potatoes are a Southern-style baked potato casserole that brings big flavor with minimal effort. The name “mud” might throw you off, but it’s more of a nod to the rich, earthy goodness of the dish rather than the appearance. Think tender diced potatoes smothered in melty cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and a creamy, garlicky mayo mixture that bakes to perfection. And that finish with fresh green onions? A chef’s kiss moment.
Why You’ll Fall Head Over Heels for This Recipe
There’s a lot to love here:
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One pan wonder: Everything mixes in one bowl and bakes in one dish.
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Seriously satisfying: Cheesy, savory, and ultra comforting.
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Make-ahead friendly: Assemble it early, bake when ready.
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Perfect potluck side: It travels well and feeds a hungry crowd.
Whether you’re serving this at a holiday table, BBQ, or just a cozy Sunday dinner, Mississippi Mud Potatoes are anything but boring!!
What Do Mississippi Mud Potatoes Taste Like?
Imagine the best baked potato you’ve ever had, now chop it up and supercharge it with bacon, garlic, and a generous amount of melty cheese. It’s creamy and hearty with pops of flavor from the onion and green onion. The top layer crisps up beautifully in the oven, while the inside stays rich and gooey. The garlic is subtle but adds a delicious depth. It’s comfort food with a capital C.
Benefits of This Recipe
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Naturally gluten-free for those avoiding wheat.
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Kid-friendly and picky-eater approved.
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Uses pantry staples—nothing fancy, just pure flavor.
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Customizable with your favorite mix-ins or cheeses.
Ingredients for Mississippi Mud Potatoes
Here’s everything you need to make this cozy dish:
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2 1/2 cups diced potatoes (Yukon golds or russets work great)
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3/4 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
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1/2 cup crumbled cooked bacon
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1/2 cup diced onion
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1/3 cup mayonnaise
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2 garlic cloves, pressed
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
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1/4 cup chopped green onions (for topping)
Ingredient Notes:
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Potatoes: Peel them if you prefer, but leaving the skin on adds texture and nutrition.
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Cheddar: Sharp cheddar is best for that bold flavor.
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Bacon: You can use bacon bits in a pinch, but fresh cooked bacon gives the best texture and taste.
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Mayonnaise: This might sound surprising, but it adds creaminess without making the dish overly rich or greasy.
Tools You’ll Need
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8×8-inch baking dish
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Large mixing bowl
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Garlic press (or finely mince with a knife)
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Oven and timer
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Nonstick cooking spray
Ingredient Swaps & Add-Ins
I promised you versatile, and here’s proof!
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Add chopped jalapeños for a spicy kick.
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Swap mayo for sour cream or Greek yogurt if you prefer tanginess.
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Try different cheeses like pepper jack, Monterey Jack, or smoked gouda.
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Add chopped bell pepper or mushrooms for more veggie power.
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Toss in some rotisserie chicken to make it a main dish!
How to Make Mississippi Mud Potatoes (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Preheat your oven.
Set it to 325°F (165°C) and spray your 8×8 baking dish with nonstick spray.
Step 2: Mix everything together.
In a large bowl, combine the diced potatoes, shredded cheese, crumbled bacon, diced onion, mayonnaise, pressed garlic, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Transfer to dish.
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
Step 4: Bake.
Pop it in the oven for about 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and everything is golden and bubbly.
Step 5: Garnish.
Top with chopped green onions and serve warm!
What to Serve With Mississippi Mud Potatoes
This dish plays well with:
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Grilled meats like steak, chicken, or ribs
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Southern favorites like fried chicken or meatloaf
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A fresh green salad to balance out the richness
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Cornbread or biscuits for the ultimate comfort combo
Tips for the Best Results
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Cut potatoes evenly for uniform cooking.
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Don’t skimp on seasoning! Salt and pepper are key here.
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Let it rest for 10 minutes after baking so it firms up before serving.
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If making ahead, assemble everything, cover, and refrigerate. Add an extra 10 minutes to bake time if going in cold.
Storage Instructions
Got leftovers? Lucky you.
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Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
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Reheat in the oven at 325°F or microwave in 30-second bursts until warmed through.
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Freezing isn’t ideal because mayo can separate, but it’s possible if tightly wrapped. Just know the texture might change a bit.
General Info & FAQs
Can I use frozen potatoes?
You can! Frozen diced hash browns make a great shortcut. Just make sure they’re thawed and patted dry before mixing.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Use a 9×13-inch pan and bake for the same amount of time, checking that the potatoes are fork-tender before removing.
Is there a dairy-free version?
Yes—use dairy-free mayo and vegan cheese, and skip the bacon or sub with a plant-based version.
Final Thoughts
Mississippi Mud Potatoes are proof that the simplest ingredients can create something unforgettable. It’s cozy, indulgent, and guaranteed to draw people back for seconds (and thirds). Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a potluck, or just because you’re craving something extra comforting, this recipe always delivers.
Mississippi Mud Potatoes
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups diced potatoes
- 3/4 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup crumbled cooked bacon
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 2 garlic cloves pressed
- salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Spray an 8x8-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
- Combine potatoes, cheese, bacon, onion, mayonnaise, garlic, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Transfer to the prepared dish.
- Bake until potatoes are fork tender, about 1 1/2 hours. Top with green onions.