Delicious Mississippi Mud Potatoes Recipe

There’s something undeniably comforting about a pan of Mississippi Mud Potatoes bubbling away in the oven. Between the crispy edges, gooey cheese, and smoky bacon, this dish is everything you want in a down-home, stick-to-your-ribs comfort food.

this Recipe

I first had a version of this recipe at a potluck in the Mississippi Delta, and it was love at first bite. Ever since, it’s become a regular in my meal rotation—especially when I need something hearty, crowd-pleasing, and easy to pull together with pantry staples.

From backyard BBQs to weeknight dinners, these loaded potatoes bring flavor, texture, and a little Southern flair to any table. Let’s dive into what makes them such a must-try.

Why You'll Love This Mississippi Mud Potatoes Recipe

Get ready to discover your new favorite side dish—or main, honestly, because these potatoes are that filling and flavorful.

First off, they’re incredibly easy to make. Just a few simple steps and basic ingredients stand between you and a bubbling casserole dish of cheesy, bacon-filled potatoes. Perfect for busy nights or when you need a no-fuss dish that still impresses.

They’re budget-friendly too. This recipe relies on affordable staples—potatoes, cheese, sour cream, and bacon—which makes it a great choice when you're trying to stretch a dollar without sacrificing flavor.

They feed a crowd. Whether you're feeding your family of four or doubling the recipe for a potluck, Mississippi Mud Potatoes are hearty, satisfying, and sure to disappear fast.

And finally, they’re super customizable. You can tweak the add-ins, swap out cheeses, or even make it vegetarian if you’d like. It’s a forgiving recipe that always delivers.

Once you’ve tasted the crispy, creamy, cheesy perfection, you’ll want to keep this one on regular rotation. Ready to grab your ingredients?

Ingredients Notes

What makes Mississippi Mud Potatoes so addictive is how a few humble ingredients come together in the most delicious way. Each component plays a key role in delivering that rich, crave-worthy flavor.

Russet potatoes are the best choice for this dish. Their starchy texture allows them to crisp up on the outside while staying tender on the inside. You’ll want to cut them into small, uniform cubes so they cook evenly and soak up all the cheesy goodness.

Bacon brings that essential smoky, salty bite that cuts through the richness of the cheese and sour cream. I like to cook it separately until crispy and crumble it over the top before baking for the best texture. Use thick-cut if you can for extra satisfaction in every bite.

Cheddar cheese is the star of the show. It melts beautifully and adds that sharp, tangy depth that balances out the creamy elements. You can use mild or sharp depending on your flavor preference—or go bold and mix in a bit of pepper jack for a spicy twist.

Sour cream helps create that luscious, velvety texture that makes this dish so comforting. It melds with the cheese into a rich, savory coating for the potatoes. Full-fat is best here for flavor and consistency, but Greek yogurt can work in a pinch.

You’ll also need a large 9x13-inch baking dish, aluminum foil, and a good mixing bowl to bring it all together. Nothing fancy—just solid kitchen basics that let the ingredients shine.

How To Make This Mississippi Mud Potatoes Recipe

This dish might look and taste like it took hours to make, but it’s actually super simple. Here’s how to pull it together from start to finish.

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. While the oven heats, wash and dice your russet potatoes into small, bite-sized cubes. Don’t peel them—those skins add great texture and a rustic feel. Place the chopped potatoes in a large mixing bowl.

Next, cook your bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp. Remove and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain, then crumble into pieces once it’s cool. Save about a tablespoon of the rendered bacon grease—trust me, it adds magic when mixed with the potatoes.

Add the cheddar cheese, sour cream, a splash of the reserved bacon grease, salt, pepper, and garlic powder to the bowl of potatoes. Stir everything together until the potatoes are well coated and cheesy. Fold in half of the crumbled bacon.

Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish and spread it into an even layer. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for another 20–25 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and the top is golden and bubbly.

Right before serving, sprinkle the remaining bacon on top and garnish with a handful of chopped green onions or fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Altogether, the recipe takes about an hour from start to finish—and your kitchen will smell absolutely amazing the whole time.

Storage Options

Mississippi Mud Potatoes store surprisingly well, making them a great make-ahead option or next-day lunch.

If you have leftovers, let them cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, they’ll stay fresh for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15–20 minutes, or microwave individual portions in 30-second intervals until heated through.

Want to freeze them? You sure can! Just wrap the cooled, baked casserole tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Avoid freezing raw potatoes, though—the texture just won’t be the same. Fully baked and cooled is the way to go if you're planning ahead.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about Mississippi Mud Potatoes is how flexible the recipe is. You can easily make it your own with a few simple tweaks.

Want to lighten things up? Swap the sour cream for plain Greek yogurt and use turkey bacon or even chopped smoked turkey sausage. You’ll still get all the flavor with a bit less indulgence.

If you’re vegetarian, leave out the bacon and add in some sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions for umami and depth. A sprinkle of smoked paprika will help mimic that smoky profile, too.

Feel like changing up the cheese? Go for it. Try a mix of Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even a spicy pepper jack. Each variation brings something a little different to the table.

You can also turn this side dish into a full meal. Just stir in some cooked diced chicken, ham, or even browned ground beef before baking. Suddenly it’s a hearty dinner in one dish!

Print