Mississippi Mud Potatoes Classic

These Mississippi Mud Potatoes have been on every holiday table since I can remember the ultimate comfort food straight out of my Southern roots A soft creamy potato base with sharp cheddar and crispy bacon this one is a deeply satisfying side dish that instantly warms up any meal and brings out the best family memories every bite reminds me of laughter around our kitchen table

My family asks for this every Thanksgiving and Sunday supper The smell alone gets everyone to the table and even picky eaters sneak extra bites

Ingredients

• Russet potatoes: about 6-7 cups peeled and diced choose firm smooth potatoes for even cooking and creamy texture
• Sharp cheddar cheese: 2 cups freshly grated use orange cheddar for a deep flavor skip the pre-shredded for better melt
• Bacon: 1 pound cooked to very crispy then crumbled smoky thick-cut is a favorite
• Mayonnaise: 1 cup for creamy richness choose full-fat for best body or try half Greek yogurt for a lighter dish
• Garlic salt: 1 teaspoon adds flavor and that classic Southern taste check for high quality brands with pure seasoning
• Green onions: half cup thinly sliced for color and a gentle onion bite pick bright crisp stalks for freshness

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Ingredients:

Wash peel and dice potatoes into half-inch cubes uniform pieces cook evenly and absorb the cheese best

Cook the Bacon:

Fry bacon on medium heat until every strip is deeply crisp drain on paper towels then crumble about a pound total

Mix the Dressing:

In a large bowl whisk together mayonnaise garlic salt and green onions combine until the mixture is creamy and well blended

Coat Potatoes:

Add potatoes to the bowl toss so every piece is coated with the creamy dressing no dry bits left behind

Combine Cheese and Bacon:

Fold in the cheddar cheese and all but a handful of the crumbled bacon mix so cheese is evenly distributed

Assembly in Dish:

Transfer everything to a greased two-quart casserole or baking dish spread evenly and top with the saved bacon

Bake Until Creamy and Golden:

Cover with foil and bake in a 325 degree oven for about 45 minutes remove foil and bake 30 minutes more until top is golden cheese bubbles and potatoes are fork-tender

Rest and Garnish:

Let the dish rest 10 minutes before serving then garnish with extra green onions or more bacon for crunch

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I always use sharp cheddar because it balances creamy potatoes with such a punch of flavor My mom used to sprinkle extra cheese on top as a surprise crust and that moment you dig in for the first scoop is still one of my fondest kitchen memories

Storage Tips

For easy leftovers cool the casserole fully and store in an airtight container in the fridge up to four days For longer storage freeze portions on a tray then bag them up and thaw overnight before reheating in the oven to bring back that perfect creamy texture

Ingredient Substitutions

If you want to lighten things up use half Greek yogurt instead of all mayonnaise Swap bacon for smoked turkey or skip it completely and add roasted bell peppers or mushrooms Vegans can try plant-based cheese and mayo there are some great options now

Serving Suggestions

This dish goes with almost anything Try it next to holiday ham roast chicken or brisket For brunch it is perfect with scrambled eggs and fruit leftovers even make amazing breakfast hash with a quick reheat in a skillet

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Cultural and Historical Context

Mississippi Mud Potatoes are pure Southern comfort food made famous at church potlucks family reunions and holiday tables The creamy texture recalls the muddy richness of the Mississippi River while the cheese and bacon reflect classic Southern flavor traditions This old-fashioned casserole has a spot in every regional cookbook and modern kitchens keep the legacy going

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What makes Mississippi Mud Potatoes unique?

The dish combines creamy potatoes with cheddar and bacon, baked until golden for a crispy top and tender inside, echoing Southern comfort cuisine.

→ Can I use an air fryer for this dish?

Yes, the potatoes bake well in an air fryer; just adjust the time and temperature to cook them evenly and keep a creamy texture.

→ What types of potatoes work best?

Starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold are ideal because they absorb flavors well and yield a fluffy, tender texture after baking.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Cool the dish completely and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Freeze portions for longer storage if needed.

→ How can I customize this dish?

Add different proteins like ham or chorizo, try vegetarian swaps such as peppers or mushrooms, or change cheeses and spices to preference.

→ Are there dairy-free or gluten-free options?

Yes, substitute plant-based cheese and mayo for dairy-free needs, and ensure all seasonings and cheese are gluten-free for those restrictions.