Mississippi Mud Potatoes

Recipe Snapshot

• Budget-Friendly: Uses simple pantry staples and affordable potatoes
• Family-Tested: A crowd-pleasing side for potlucks, BBQs, and holidays
• Real-Life Prep Time: 15 minutes prep, 60–70 minutes bake
• Method: Oven-baked casserole
• Freezer-Friendly: Yes (best baked before freezing)
• Best For: Potlucks, holiday meals, weeknight dinners, feeding a crowd

Ingredients

• Yellow Potatoes – These hold their shape well while baking and become perfectly tender. Dice them evenly so they cook at the same rate. Russet potatoes will also work if that’s what you have on hand.
• Small Yellow Onion – Adds simple savory flavor as it bakes. It softens nicely and blends into the casserole. You can leave out if you do not like onions.
• Bacon – Cooked and crumbled bacon gives this dish its signature smoky flavor. You can bake the bacon ahead of time or use pre-cooked bacon or bacon bits to save time.
• Mayonnaise – This creates the creamy base that coats the potatoes and helps everything bake together. It keeps the casserole rich and moist.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese – Melts into the potatoes for that classic cheesy flavor. Freshly shredded cheese melts smoother, but pre-shredded works fine for convenience.
• Onion Powder  and Garlic Powder – Simple pantry seasonings that boost flavor without adding extra prep.
• Salt and Black Pepper – Balances and enhances all the flavors in the dish.
• Green Onions, Sliced – A fresh topping that adds a little color and brightness right before serving.

How to Make Mississippi Mud Potatoes

Step 1 – Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and spray a 9X13 baking dish with a nonstick cooking spray. 

Step 2 – Combine the ingredients in a large mixing bowl.

Step 3 – Place the potatoes, onions, cooked and crumbled bacon, mayonnaise, cheddar cheese, onion powder, garlic powder, salt and pepper to the 9X13 pan. 

Step 4 – Cover the pan with foil. Baking for 60-70 minutes until the potatoes are fork tender.  

Step 5 – Let sit for 5-10 minutes to cool slightly. Serve topped with the sliced green onions and enjoy! 

Tips for Success

• Dice potatoes evenly so they cook at the same rate.
• Cover tightly with foil to trap steam and soften the potatoes.
• Use freshly shredded cheese for smoother melting.
• Easy to Travel With – We’ve tested this for potlucks, and it travels well and stays warm for a long time.
• Baking Time – If the potatoes are not tender after 70 minutes continue to bake until tender and check every 5-10 minutes.

Variations & Additions

• Swap the cheese: Try Colby Jack, mozzarella cheese or a cheddar blend.
• Add sour cream: Replace half the mayo with sour cream for a tangier flavor.
• Make it lighter: Use turkey bacon and light mayo.
• Add heat: Stir in diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne.

Only use substitutions you already keep on hand to keep this budget-friendly.

What to Serve with Mississippi Mud Potatoes?

This Mississippi Mud Potatoes recipe pairs perfectly with just about any main dish, making it an easy choice for weeknight dinners, BBQs, or holiday meals. The rich, cheesy flavor goes especially well with simple proteins, so you can keep the rest of the menu easy and budget-friendly.

• Grilled Steak
• Grilled BBQ Pork Chops
• Baked Chicken Thighs
• Crockpot Spiral Ham

Storing & Freezer Instructions

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Reheating: Warm in the microwave or cover and reheat in the oven at 325°F until heated through.
• Freezer: Bake completely, cool, then freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.