Get ready to tuck into the ultimate comfort food experience with Cheesy Mississippi Mud Potatoes—an ooey, gooey, and undeniably irresistible side dish that’s just as welcome at holiday feasts as it is at casual weeknight dinners. Loaded with creamy cheese, savory bacon, and a hearty heap of potatoes all melded together in a golden, bubbly bake, this dish truly earns its place as a family favorite. The classic southern flavors, simple preparation, and crowd-pleasing results make Cheesy Mississippi Mud Potatoes the kind of recipe you’ll want to keep in your back pocket for every gathering.

Cheesy Mississippi Mud Potatoes Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Cheesy Mississippi Mud Potatoes lies in its short ingredient list, each one bringing its own memorable punch to the dish. It’s comfort food at its finest: every element is chosen for maximum flavor and texture, creating a gooey, satisfying bite every time.

Potatoes: The heart of the dish; use a starchy variety like russets for perfectly tender results and a flavor that soaks up all the cheesy goodness.
Cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar brings a tangy richness, meltiness, and that classic golden top you crave in every cheesy casserole.
Bacon: Smoky, salty, and crisp, bacon is the secret weapon that punctuates the potatoes with savory bites and irresistible aroma.
Garlic salt: A simple way to infuse the entire dish with subtle garlic flavor and perfect seasoning, all in one easy step.
Mayonnaise: This is what gives Cheesy Mississippi Mud Potatoes their unmistakably creamy, luscious texture—don’t skip it!
Green onions: Fresh, bright, and a little peppery, green onions cut through the richness and add color and crunch to every forkful.

How to Make Cheesy Mississippi Mud Potatoes

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F—the perfect temperature for coaxing out the creamy softness of the potatoes while creating that epic golden crust on top. Peel and dice your potatoes into bite-sized pieces for a base that absorbs all the flavors on offer. Fry up a pound of bacon until crisp, then crumble it so every serving promises a pop of savory crunch. Don’t forget to slice up the green onions thinly; they’ll add a pop of color and zing in every bite.

Step 2: Layer Up the Goodness

Grab your trusty 9×13-inch baking dish and bring together all the main players: diced potatoes, freshly grated cheddar cheese, that glorious bacon, garlic salt, and the vibrant green onions. Toss everything together right in the dish—don’t be shy about getting your hands (or a big spoon) in there and making sure every potato chunk is mingling with the cheesy, savory mix.

Step 3: Add the Creamy Binder

Now, here’s the magic touch: dollop a cup of mayonnaise over the potato mixture. Stir gently but thoroughly until the potatoes are coated in that creamy, rich layer—this is what transforms Cheesy Mississippi Mud Potatoes into the velvety, cohesive bake that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.

Step 4: Bake Until Bubbling and Golden

Pop the dish into your preheated oven and let it work its magic for about 1 hour and 30 minutes. What you’re looking for is fork-tender potatoes swimming in melty cheese, with a deeply golden, mouthwatering crust on top. Keep an eye out for bubbling edges and those enticing whiffs that start drifting out of your kitchen—that’s when you know it’s almost showtime!

Step 5: Rest, Serve, and Dig In

Let the Cheesy Mississippi Mud Potatoes cool for just a few minutes before serving. This brief pause helps everything set up slightly, ensuring neat servings with gorgeously gooey center and a bit of crispy edge in every scoop. Gather everyone around, serve it up hot, and watch as those first scoops disappear in seconds!

How to Serve Cheesy Mississippi Mud Potatoes

Garnishes

For the perfect finishing touch, sprinkle some extra chopped green onions or freshly cracked black pepper over the dish as soon as it comes out of the oven. If you’re feeling festive, try a dusting of smoked paprika or some extra bits of crispy bacon. The vibrant green from the onions and the deep gold from the cheese are a match made in comfort food heaven.

Side Dishes

Cheesy Mississippi Mud Potatoes play well with almost any main course. They’re classic beside roasted chicken, grilled steaks, barbecue, or even as a star at the holiday table with ham or turkey. For a lighter touch, add a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables—the potatoes are rich, so a fresh, herbal side makes for the perfect flavor-balancing act.

Creative Ways to Present

While a big family-style dish is always a hit, you can also divide the mixture into individual ramekins for charming single servings. For a playful twist, serve scoops inside roasted potato skins for a double potato delight. Or, take Cheesy Mississippi Mud Potatoes on the go by packing them into a picnic thermos—each spoonful delivers those homestyle, comforting flavors wherever you are.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Cheesy Mississippi Mud Potatoes keep beautifully in the fridge. Transfer them to an airtight container and store for up to 4 days—just make sure the container is well-sealed to preserve all that cheesy, bacon-packed goodness and prevent any unwanted fridge odors sneaking in.

Freezing

If you want to make a batch in advance (or save leftovers for another day), Cheesy Mississippi Mud Potatoes freeze surprisingly well. Portion the cooled dish into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Store in the freezer for up to 2 months, for a comforting meal that’s never far away.

Reheating

To reheat, simply pop leftovers into a covered baking dish and warm in a 325°F oven until hot and bubbly once again—about 20 to 30 minutes should do the trick. For a faster option, microwave individual portions, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. Add a sprinkle of cheese on top for extra melty magic!

FAQs

Can I use different types of cheese in Cheesy Mississippi Mud Potatoes?

Absolutely! While sharp cheddar is a classic, you can mix things up with Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a bit of pepper jack for a spicy kick. Blending cheeses can add an extra layer of flavor and make the casserole even more gooey.

Are Cheesy Mississippi Mud Potatoes gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, as long as your mayonnaise and bacon are certified gluten-free. Just be sure to double-check package labels if you’re serving anyone with specific allergies or sensitivities.

Can I prepare the dish ahead of time and bake later?

Definitely! You can assemble the entire dish (up to the baking stage), cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before placing in the oven so it cooks evenly.

What’s the best type of potato to use?

Starchy potatoes like russets are perfect for Cheesy Mississippi Mud Potatoes, as they soak up the flavors and soften beautifully. Yukon Golds are another great choice for a buttery, almost creamy texture—they hold their shape well while still melding with the cheese and mayo.

Can I add extra veggies or toppings?

Of course! Feel free to toss in diced bell peppers, sautéed mushrooms, or even some jalapeños for heat. Swapping the green onions for chives or adding fresh herbs like parsley at the end can add a new twist too. The base recipe is super forgiving and ready to be personalized!

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about a bubbling dish of Cheesy Mississippi Mud Potatoes emerging from the oven—few sides can deliver quite the same warmth and satisfaction. Whether you’re serving family, hosting friends, or just treating yourself to comfort food at its finest, this recipe is sure to hit the spot. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised when it steals the show every single time!

Cheesy Mississippi Mud Potatoes Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 17 reviews

Author: Zoe
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These Cheesy Mississippi Mud Potatoes are a comforting and indulgent side dish perfect for any gathering. Creamy potatoes mixed with cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and tangy green onions, baked to golden perfection. A true crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients

Scale

Potatoes:

6–7 cups potatoes, peeled and diced

Cheese Mixture:

2 cups cheddar cheese, grated
1 teaspoon garlic salt
1 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup green onions, thinly sliced

Additional:

1 (1 lb) package bacon, cooked and crumbled

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 325°F.
Mix Ingredients: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, combine potatoes, cheddar cheese, garlic salt, bacon, and green onions. Add mayonnaise and mix until well coated.
Bake: Bake for about 1 hour 30 minutes or until potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown.
Serve: Enjoy your delicious Cheesy Mississippi Mud Potatoes!

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American