Get ready for a comfort food classic that’s rich, hearty, and absolutely packed with flavor—Mississippi Mud Potatoes are here to win hearts and fill bellies. This baked potato casserole is creamy, cheesy, smoky, and garlicky in all the right ways. It’s the kind of dish that makes you want to go back for seconds… and maybe even thirds. Best of all? It’s so easy to throw together, making it a go-to for busy weeknights or casual weekend dinners with the family.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Incredibly Flavorful: Bacon, cheddar, garlic, and onion all baked together with creamy potatoes? You really can’t go wrong.
Ridiculously Easy: Toss everything in a pan and bake. That’s it! No need to boil the potatoes or pre-cook anything (except the bacon).
Perfect Side or Main Dish: It’s rich enough to hold its own as a main course, especially with a simple side salad, or pair it with grilled meat for a satisfying meal.
Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s a potluck, BBQ, or family dinner, this dish always disappears fast.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what makes this dish so irresistible:

Potatoes: The hearty base of the dish. Stick with starchy potatoes like Russets for that fluffy-on-the-inside texture.
Cheddar Cheese: For a rich, melty, tangy kick that brings everything together.
Mayonnaise: Don’t skip this! It gives the dish its signature creamy texture and helps bind all the flavors beautifully.
Bacon: Adds salty, smoky crunch and loads of flavor. Cook until crispy before mixing in.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic brings a deep, savory layer to every bite.
Onion: A must for that touch of sweetness and added texture.

Variations

Want to play around a bit? Go for it!

Spicy Kick: Add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.
Cheese Swap: Try smoked gouda or pepper jack for a twist on the classic flavor.
Loaded Style: Add chopped green onions, sour cream, or even a drizzle of ranch once it’s out of the oven.
Veggie Boost: Mix in some chopped bell peppers or steamed broccoli for extra color and nutrition.

How to Make Mississippi Mud Potatoes

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 325°F (163°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients

In the baking pan, toss together the diced potatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, minced garlic, and chopped onion.

Step 3: Add the Creamy Binder

Spoon in the mayonnaise and mix until every bit of potato is coated in that cheesy, creamy goodness.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden

Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake for about 1½ hours, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and the top is bubbling and golden brown.

Step 5: Serve It Up

Spoon it straight from the oven to your plate. Hot, cheesy, and absolutely comforting!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Dice Evenly: Try to cut the potatoes into uniform cubes so they cook at the same rate.
Pre-Crisp the Bacon: Fry the bacon until it’s just crispy—this keeps it from getting soggy as it bakes.
Use Real Mayo: Skip the low-fat or salad dressing substitutes. Full-fat mayonnaise is key to the creamy texture.
Let it Rest: Let the dish sit for about 5–10 minutes after baking so everything sets and flavors settle.

How to Serve

Mississippi Mud Potatoes are rich, indulgent, and versatile. Serve them as:

A Hearty Side

Perfect next to grilled steak, baked chicken, or pork chops.

A Main Dish

Pair it with a crisp green salad or some sautéed greens for a complete comfort meal.

Party Favorite

This dish shines at potlucks and family gatherings—just spoon it into a serving dish and watch it disappear.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer cooled leftovers into an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezing

This dish freezes beautifully! Wrap tightly in foil or transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for a quick bite.

FAQs

Can I use frozen hash browns instead of fresh potatoes?
Yes, you can! Thawed frozen hash browns will reduce your prep time and work well in this recipe—just adjust the baking time slightly.

What type of potatoes work best?
Russet potatoes are ideal because they bake up nice and fluffy. Yukon golds are also a great choice for a slightly creamier texture.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble the dish (without baking) the night before and refrigerate. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to cook.

Is there a way to make it vegetarian?
Sure! Skip the bacon and add smoked paprika for a hint of that smoky flavor. You could also toss in some sautéed mushrooms or roasted red peppers for more depth.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about the simplicity of Mississippi Mud Potatoes. It’s creamy, cheesy, smoky, and just the right kind of indulgent. Whether you’re feeding your family on a busy weeknight or bringing a dish to a gathering, this one is guaranteed to please. Don’t be surprised when it becomes a new favorite in your recipe rotation—give it a try and enjoy every cozy, satisfying bite!