There’s something wonderfully cozy about making Mississippi Mud Potatoes Recipe on a chilly weekend afternoon. I remember the first time I brought this dish to a family gathering—it was a hit! The rich, creamy potatoes mixed with crispy bacon and sharp cheddar created an aroma that instantly pulled everyone into the kitchen. It’s that kind of comfort food that reminds you of warm conversations, laughter, and the joy of sharing a homemade meal.

This Mississippi Mud Potatoes Recipe stands out for its irresistible blend of creamy and crunchy textures paired with bold, savory flavors. The gentle garlic and onion infuse the dish with a subtle kick, while the mayonnaise adds a silky finish coating every tender potato piece. As it bakes, the edges develop a slight golden crust, contrasting beautifully with the soft center. It’s straightforward enough that you don’t need to be a pro to pull it off, but fancy enough to impress guests and family alike.

If you’re new to layered potato dishes, don’t worry—I’ll walk you through everything step by step so you can get it right the first time. It’s a forgiving recipe that’s incredibly flexible, so you can tweak it based on what you have on hand. Plus, its make-ahead qualities mean you’ll have more time to enjoy your company once it’s in the oven.

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What Makes This Recipe Special

Flavor Harmony: The combination of creamy mayo, sharp cheddar, savory bacon, and mild garlic creates a mouthwatering flavor balance.
Easy Assembly: No complex techniques, just toss and bake—perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners.
Texture Play: Soft, tender potatoes meet crispy bacon and a slight crust on top for an irresistible bite.
Showstopper Finish: The golden edges and bubbling cheese make this dish look as good as it tastes.

Gather Your Ingredients

A rustic brown plate holds a heap of cooked diced yellow potatoes mixed with crispy cooked bacon pieces. The potatoes are soft with a light yellow color, and the bacon has dark golden-brown crispy edges. The dish looks warm and hearty, placed on a wooden surface with a few salt grains scattered around. The background features cloves of garlic, adding a homey feel. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you dive in, it’s a good idea to have all your ingredients measured out and ready to go. The recipe card at the bottom has exact amounts for each, but here’s a quick rundown to keep in mind while prepping.

Potatoes: Peeled and diced, the base of the dish—Yukon Gold or Russets work great.
Cheddar cheese: Shredded for easy melting; sharp cheddar packs great flavor but you can use mild if preferred.
Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and richness; feel free to use light mayo if you want to lighten it up.
Bacon: Cooked and crumbled for smoky, salty crunch; turkey bacon or pancetta make good substitutes.
Garlic: Minced fresh garlic delivers a nice punch without overpowering the dish.
Onion: Chopped finely to blend seamlessly—yellow or white onion works well.

If you want to switch up any of these, mild cheeses and different herbs can customize the dish, but stick to the basic potato-cheese-mayo-bacon combo for that classic Mississippi Mud Potatoes Recipe experience.

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Chef’s Note

You’ll find the complete list of ingredients with exact measurements in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Kitchen Tools Required

9 x 13 inch baking pan: Large enough to evenly spread potatoes and ensure even baking.
Mixing bowl: For combining potatoes, cheese, bacon, and other ingredients before baking.
Measuring cups and spoons: Accuracy here keeps the balance of flavors just right.
Sharp knife and cutting board: To peel and dice potatoes, and chop onions precisely.
Oven mitts: For safely handling the hot baking dish when it comes out of the oven.

How to Make Mississippi Mud Potatoes Recipe

Getting started is easier than you might think. You’ll mix everything together in one pan, bake at a moderate temperature, and then enjoy comfort food at its best. Here’s the step-by-step breakdown.

Preheat and prep: Set your oven to 325°F (163°C). Peel and dice 6 cups of potatoes into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
Combine ingredients: In your 9 x 13 baking pan or mixing bowl, toss together the potatoes, 1 cup shredded cheddar, 1 cup crumbled cooked bacon, 3 teaspoons minced garlic, and ½ cup chopped onion until well mixed.
Add mayonnaise: Stir in ¾ cup mayonnaise, coating the potatoes completely. This will keep them moist and give that signature creamy texture to the dish.
Bake gently: Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 1 ½ hours, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and the top is lightly golden.
Serve warm: Remove from the oven carefully, let it cool for a few minutes, then scoop out portions. The cheese will be melty and the bacon crispy—perfect!

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Cooking Secrets

Tip 1: Use potatoes diced into similar sizes to ensure even cooking throughout the dish.
Tip 2: Mayonnaise keeps the potatoes creamy—don’t skip this step or substitute with too watery sauces.
Tip 3: If you like a crisper top, you can broil for the last 2-3 minutes—watch closely!
Tip 4: Let the dish rest a few minutes before serving for easier scooping and flavor melding.

How to Serve

A dark brown plate holds a single layer of small, golden yellow potato cubes mixed with crispy, reddish-brown bacon pieces scattered evenly throughout. The potatoes have a shiny, slightly soft texture and the bacon looks crisp with rough edges, creating a rough, crunchy contrast. The plate is placed on a wooden surface with garlic cloves and salt grains nearby. The whole scene is set against a white marbled background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Taste Enhancers

You can brighten up this dish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives right before serving. If you’re feeling adventurous, a dash of smoked paprika adds a nice smoky depth. Sour cream on the side pairs perfectly, adding a cool tang that balances the rich mayonnaise and cheese.

Tasty Combos

For a full meal, serve Mississippi Mud Potatoes Recipe alongside roasted or grilled chicken and a crisp green salad. A chilled white wine or a hoppy beer complements the creamy, cheesy flavors beautifully. You might also enjoy it with steamed veggies or a light coleslaw for some refreshing crunch.

Serving Tips

When you’re feeding a crowd, bake the potatoes in multiple smaller pans so everyone can grab warm servings easily. This recipe also works great for leftovers—portion into airtight containers for easy reheating. If gifting, pack in a casserole dish, include reheating instructions, and tie the lid with a colorful ribbon for a lovely homemade present.

Easy Variations

Make it dairy-free by swapping cheddar for a plant-based cheese and using vegan mayo.
Add a spicy kick by mixing in diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Swap bacon for sautéed mushrooms or smoked turkey for a lighter version.
Include fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to add earthy aroma and flavor.
Top with crushed crispy onions during the last 10 minutes of baking for extra crunch.
For a heartier dish, stir in some cooked sausage or ground beef before baking.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil for about 20 minutes until warmed through.
You can microwave smaller portions covered with a damp paper towel, heating in 1-minute intervals and stirring gently.
Freeze once cooled for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container; thaw overnight in fridge before reheating.

Common Questions

Can I use frozen potatoes for this recipe? Fresh potatoes give the best texture, but thawed and patted dry frozen diced potatoes can work in a pinch.
Is there a substitute for mayonnaise? You could try sour cream or Greek yogurt, but it will change the creaminess and flavor slightly.
Can I prepare this ahead of time? Absolutely! Assemble in the baking pan, cover, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving, adding extra baking time if chilled.
How do I know when it’s done baking? The potatoes should be fork-tender and the cheese melted with golden edges—about 1 ½ hours at 325°F.
Can I add more veggies? Yes! Diced bell peppers or corn can add color and sweetness without overpowering the classic taste.