Mississippi Mud Potatoes are a delicious and hearty side dish that combines tender potatoes, crispy bacon, gooey cheese, and a creamy, savory sauce. This dish is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion where you want a comforting, crowd-pleasing recipe. With its layers of flavor and texture, these potatoes are sure to become a favorite at your table.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs baby red potatoes or russet potatoes, diced into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 3 green onions, chopped (optional)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes
Place the diced potatoes in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with melted butter and season with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss until the potatoes are evenly coated.
Step 3: Add the Creamy Mixture
In a separate small bowl, mix the sour cream with half of the cheddar cheese, half of the Monterey Jack cheese, and half of the bacon. Stir until well combined. Pour this mixture over the potatoes and toss until the potatoes are well coated.
Step 4: Assemble the Dish
Transfer the coated potatoes to the prepared baking dish and spread them out in an even layer. Cover the dish with aluminum foil.
Step 5: Bake the Potatoes
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil, stir the potatoes, and sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, and bacon on top.
Step 6: Bake Uncovered
Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender, the cheese is melted, and the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Once the potatoes are done baking, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions and fresh parsley or chives, if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Cooking Notes
- Potato Type: You can use baby red potatoes or russet potatoes for this recipe. Baby potatoes tend to hold their shape better, while russets are more starchy and create a creamier texture.
- Bacon: For extra flavor, cook the bacon until crispy and drain it on a paper towel before crumbling. You can also use pre-cooked bacon bits for convenience.
- Cheese Options: Feel free to mix up the cheeses with your favorites like sharp cheddar, gouda, or colby jack for added flavor.
Variations
1. Spicy Mississippi Mud Potatoes
Add diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes to the potatoes for a spicy kick. You can also use pepper jack cheeseto amp up the heat.
2. Loaded Mississippi Mud Potatoes
Top the baked potatoes with extra toppings like sour cream, chopped tomatoes, and avocado slices for a fully loaded potato dish. You can even sprinkle crispy fried onions on top for extra crunch.
3. Vegetarian Mississippi Mud Potatoes
To make this dish vegetarian, simply omit the bacon or use a plant-based bacon substitute. The dish will still be packed with flavor thanks to the cheeses and spices.
4. Mississippi Mud Potato Casserole
If you’re feeding a crowd, double the recipe and bake it in a larger casserole dish. This variation is perfect for potlucks or family gatherings.
Keto Version and Low-Carb Adjustments
For a keto-friendly version of this dish, replace the potatoes with cauliflower florets to reduce the carb content. You can still use the same seasoning and cheese mixture for a creamy, cheesy result with far fewer carbs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the dish up to 24 hours ahead of time, then cover and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to bake, let it come to room temperature and follow the baking instructions.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Q: Can I use frozen potatoes?
Yes, you can use frozen diced potatoes or hash browns for convenience. Simply thaw them before mixing with the sour cream and cheese mixture, and bake as directed.
Q: Can I freeze Mississippi Mud Potatoes?
This dish can be frozen, but the texture of the potatoes may change slightly upon thawing. To freeze, assemble the dish (but don’t bake it), wrap tightly in foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
Mississippi Mud Potatoes are the ultimate comfort food, with a rich, cheesy, and creamy texture that’s hard to resist. The addition of bacon and savory spices gives this dish layers of flavor, while the creamy cheese sauce ties it all together. Whether you serve it as a side dish or a hearty main course, this recipe is sure to be a hit with family and friends. Try it today and enjoy the comforting, delicious taste of Mississippi Mud Potatoes!
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