We absolutely love Mississippi Mud Potatoes because they’re packed with hearty layers of tender spuds and gooey cheese. They draw inspiration from the classic chocolate mud pie though they swap sweet flavors for a savory edge that’ll keep everyone reaching for seconds.
Rumor has it that these potatoes got their name from the thick rich texture that mirrors the muddy banks of the Mississippi River. We can’t wait to show you how to capture that perfect balance of crisp edges and creamy centers in every single bite.
Best Mississippi Mud Potatoes Recipe
| Time | Duration |
|---|---|
| Prep | 15 minutes |
| Cook | 50 minutes |
| Total | 65 minutes |
| Yields | 6 servings |
Ingredients
- 3 pounds of russet potatoes peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 6 slices of bacon diced
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup of sour cream
- 1/4 cup of butter melted
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
Steps
- Preheat our oven to 400°F.
- Cook diced bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel.
- Combine potatoes, cooked bacon, melted butter, sour cream, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a large mixing bowl. Stir thoroughly.
- Spread the mixture on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 35 minutes. Stir the potatoes halfway through for evenly crispy edges.
- Top with shredded cheddar cheese. Bake for 15 more minutes until cheese melts and the potatoes turn golden.
- Remove from the oven and let the potatoes rest for a few minutes before serving. They will have a creamy center with a satisfying outer crunch.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount | Prep Method |
|---|---|---|
| Russet potatoes | 4 large | Peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes |
| Bacon | 8 strips | Cooked until crisp then crumbled |
| Cheddar cheese | 2 cups | Freshly shredded |
| Sour cream | 1 cup | Full-fat |
| Butter | 3 tablespoons | Melted |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon | Fine-grain |
| Black pepper | ½ teaspoon | Coarsely ground |
| Onion powder | ½ teaspoon | Optional |
| Garlic powder | ½ teaspoon | Optional |
| Cooking spray | As needed | For coating the baking dish |
- We gather our russet potatoes first. We rinse and peel them to remove any residual grit. We cut them into uniform cubes for even cooking.
- We cook our bacon and place it on paper towels to absorb excess grease. Then we crumble it into small bits.
- We shred our cheddar cheese right before adding it to the mixture. We find that freshly shredded cheese has a creamier melt.
- We measure our sour cream for richness and tang. We blend it with the melted butter to coat our potatoes evenly.
- We season with salt and black pepper. We add onion powder and garlic powder if we want deeper savory notes.
- We use cooking spray on the baking dish to prevent sticking and preserve the crisp edges.
Tools And Equipment
We rely on a few key items to assemble our Mississippi Mud Potatoes with ease. We prefer a large mixing bowl to toss potatoes and seasonings without spilling. We use a sharp knife and a sturdy cutting board to cut our potatoes into uniform cubes. We also reach for a nonstick skillet to crisp our bacon bits. A 9-by-13-inch baking dish is ideal for even layering. We coat the dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking and to achieve crispy edges.
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Sharp knife | Slice potatoes and bacon into uniform pieces |
| Cutting board | Provide a stable surface for safe slicing |
| Large mixing bowl | Toss ingredients evenly without spillage |
| Nonstick skillet | Crisp bacon bits for an extra layer of flavor |
| 9-by-13-inch baking dish | Ensure even cooking and optimal surface for layering |
| Cooking spray | Prevent sticking and aid in creating crisp edges |
Prep Steps
We focus on three elements: potatoes, bacon, and sauce. These steps ensure the perfect crisp edges and creamy centers in our Mississippi Mud Potatoes.
| Task | Approx Time |
|---|---|
| Peel & Dice | 10 minutes |
| Cook Bacon | 8 minutes |
| Mix Sauce | 2 minutes |
Prepare The Potatoes
We peel our russet potatoes using a sharp knife. Then we cut each into cubes about 1 inch thick so they cook evenly. We rinse them under cool water to remove excess starch. We pat them dry with paper towels to ensure crisp results.
Cook The Bacon
We heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat. We add sliced bacon in a single layer. We flip each piece often to prevent burning. Once the bacon is crisp we place it on paper towels to drain. We crumble the cooled bacon into bite-size bits.
Mix The Sauce
We melt butter in a small bowl and let it cool slightly. We add sour cream then we whisk until smooth. We stir in salt black pepper and optional onion or garlic powder to enhance the flavor. We keep the sauce on standby until we combine everything for baking.
Directions
Now that our potatoes and sauce are ready we can finish our Mississippi Mud Potatoes with two simple steps. Gather the 9-by-13-inch baking dish and let us begin.
Assemble The Dish
Lightly coat our baking dish with cooking spray to keep everything from sticking. Arrange half of the diced potatoes in an even layer. Drizzle half of the sour cream mixture over the potatoes. Sprinkle half of the crispy bacon and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat this process with the remaining potatoes sour cream mixture bacon and cheese.
Bake To Perfection
Bake the assembled dish at 375°F for 35 minutes or until the potatoes are tender. Carefully remove from the oven to stir the potatoes and ensure even cooking. Return the dish to the oven for another 15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and the edges are golden. Use the table below for quick reference.
| Baking Step | Temperature | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| First Bake | 375°F | 35 minutes |
| Stir & Return | 375°F | 15 minutes |
Serving Tips
We enjoy serving our Mississippi Mud Potatoes straight from the oven. We keep them in the baking dish to highlight their crispy edges and gooey center. Here are a few ways we like to serve them for maximum flavor:
- Create a toppings bar with chopped green onions, extra bacon crumbles, or minced jalapeños. Encourage guests to garnish their own servings.
- Sprinkle fresh herbs like parsley or basil for extra color and aroma.
- Pair these potatoes with grilled steak or roasted chicken. We love the savory taste of seared proteins next to our hearty Mississippi Mud Potatoes.
- Serve them as a main dish with a crisp side salad. We use fresh greens to balance the rich cheese and sour cream sauce.
Below is a simple reference table of suggested add-ons:
| Add-On | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chopped Chives | 2 tablespoons |
| Minced Jalapeños | 1 tablespoon |
| Extra Bacon | ¼ cup |
| Hot Sauce | 1 teaspoon |
We also like to keep a small ramekin of salt and pepper at the table. This allows everyone to fine-tune the dish to their taste.
Conclusion
We love how this hearty recipe becomes a new favorite wherever it’s served. It delivers a touch of comfort and a burst of flavor in every bite.
We enjoy its versatility for both everyday meals and special gatherings. With minimal fuss it’s sure to brighten any menu and bring smiles to every table.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Mississippi Mud Potatoes?
Mississippi Mud Potatoes are a savory dish inspired by the classic chocolate mud pie. They feature layers of tender, cubed russet potatoes, crispy bacon, and gooey cheddar cheese. This combination creates a hearty, comforting meal with a crisp exterior and creamy interior.
How do I make them extra crispy?
Use cooking spray or lightly grease your baking dish. Cut the potatoes into uniform cubes for even cooking. Bake at 375°F until golden and bubbling. This method, combined with crumbled bacon and cheddar cheese, ensures a delightfully crisp crust on top.
What ingredients do I need?
Gather russet potatoes, bacon, cheddar cheese, sour cream, melted butter, and seasonings like salt, pepper, onion, or garlic powder. These staples balance flavor and texture. Chopped green onions or jalapeños can be added for extra zing.
Can I prepare them ahead of time?
Yes. You can prep the potatoes, cook and crumble the bacon, and shred the cheese ahead. Keep them separately in airtight containers. When you’re ready, combine in the baking dish, add sour cream mixture, and bake until bubbly.
What tools will I need?
A sharp knife for cutting potatoes, a sturdy cutting board, a nonstick skillet for cooking bacon, a large mixing bowl, and a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Cooking spray or butter is also useful to prevent sticking and ensure crisp edges.
How can I serve Mississippi Mud Potatoes?
They work as a rich side dish or a main course with a salad. Top them with extra bacon, chopped green onions, or jalapeños. Pair with grilled steak or roasted chicken for a hearty meal, and keep salt and pepper nearby for personal taste adjustments.