Mississippi Mud Potatoes: Cheesy, Bacon-Packed Southern Comfort Side
📜 Introduction
Mississippi Mud Potatoes are the savory, indulgent cousin of the famous Mississippi Mud Pie — trading chocolate and sugar for cheddar, bacon, and crispy golden potatoes. Inspired by Southern comfort classics, this creamy potato casserole is a celebration of everything rich, smoky, and satisfying. It’s a staple at church potlucks, family cookouts, and holiday tables throughout the South, from Mississippi and Louisiana to Texas and Georgia. 🥓🧀🥔
The name may come from the casserole’s appearance: rustic, deeply browned, and irresistibly messy — just like the muddy banks of the Mississippi River. But inside, it’s layers of diced potatoes tossed in sour cream and mayo, loaded with cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and garlic seasoning, all baked to bubbling perfection. It’s a dish that doesn’t apologize for being bold, rich, and belly-filling.
This Southern-style favorite is beloved for its make-ahead ease, crowd-pleasing flavor, and versatility. Serve it as a hearty side alongside BBQ ribs or grilled chicken, or make it the star of a casual dinner with a salad and sweet tea. And just like its dessert namesake, no one can resist going back for seconds.
🛠️ What You’ll Need
Making Mississippi Mud Potatoes is delightfully simple — part of the reason they’ve become a beloved staple at gatherings throughout the South. With basic tools and familiar pantry ingredients, this Southern-style potato bake comes together quickly and bakes into golden, cheesy perfection. 🥔🧄🧀
🍽️ Kitchen Tools
Here’s everything you’ll need to make prep smooth and cleanup easy:
Large mixing bowl – for tossing potatoes, cheese, and sauce together
9×13-inch baking dish – the ideal size for even cooking and generous portions
Frying pan or skillet – for crisping up the bacon beforehand
Spatula or wooden spoon – for mixing and spreading the casserole
(Optional) Aluminum foil – if making foil packet versions for grilling or camping
📌 Time-Saving Tip: Use pre-cooked or microwaveable bacon to skip the stovetop mess.
🧊 Prep Tips for Success
Dice your potatoes evenly so they cook through at the same rate
Spray your baking dish or foil with nonstick spray to prevent sticking
Grate your cheese fresh for better melt and richer flavor
Chill your sour cream and mayo for a firmer, fluffier mix
These tools and tips will help you whip up a hearty potato side dish that bakes beautifully and serves like a dream — whether you’re hosting or heading to a potluck.
Looking for another comforting potato side dish? Try our Crispy Smashed Potatoes with Herb Butter — golden, garlicky, and perfect for any occasion.
🧄 Ingredients for Mississippi Mud Potatoes
This rich and creamy Mississippi Mud Potato casserole is built on simple, hearty ingredients that are always a hit. With crispy bacon, gooey cheddar, and a tangy blend of sour cream and mayo, every bite delivers indulgent Southern comfort. Here’s what you’ll need to make it at home. 🧀🥓🥔
🍲 Main Ingredients
5 medium russet or Yukon gold potatoes, diced
📌 Russets yield a fluffier interior; Yukon golds are creamier and hold their shape better.1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese – sharp or medium works well
6 slices cooked bacon, chopped – crispy and flavorful
½ cup sour cream – adds tangy creaminess
¼ cup mayonnaise – makes the base extra rich and smooth
¼ cup green onions, chopped – for color and flavor
1 tsp garlic powder – or swap with a packet of ranch seasoning for variation
Salt and pepper, to taste
🔁 Optional Additions
Diced jalapeños – for a little heat
Cream of mushroom soup – for a creamier, casserole-like texture
Extra cheese – sprinkle more on top for an ooey-gooey finish
Chopped parsley – for a fresh green garnish
📌 Flavor Tip: Shred your own cheese instead of buying pre-shredded for better melt and more flavor.
🔄 Substitutions & Dietary Tips
Use turkey bacon or plant-based bacon for a lighter version
Sub Greek yogurt for sour cream to reduce fat and add protein
Choose vegan mayo and cheese for a plant-based version
Love cheesy casseroles? Don’t miss our Creamy Jalapeño Corn Casserole — another rich, crowd-pleasing dish from the South.
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Making Mississippi Mud Potatoes is as simple as mix, layer, bake — and dig in. These easy steps transform everyday ingredients into a creamy, cheesy, bacon-studded casserole that’s perfect for holidays, potlucks, and weeknight dinners. 🥄🔥🧀
🔪 Step 1: Prep & Mix
Preheat your oven to 375°F
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
5 diced potatoes
½ cup sour cream
¼ cup mayonnaise
1 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Half of the shredded cheddar cheese
Most of the cooked bacon (save some for topping)
Stir well until the potatoes are evenly coated and the ingredients are fully mixed.
📌 Tip: For extra even cooking, try to dice your potatoes into small, uniform pieces — about ½ inch cubes.
🍲 Step 2: Layer & Bake
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
Spread the mixture evenly into the dish.
Sprinkle the remaining cheese and reserved bacon over the top.
Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Uncover and bake an additional 10 minutes to allow the top to crisp and brown.
📌 Optional: Broil for the last 3–5 minutes for a golden, bubbly finish.
🌿 Step 3: Garnish & Serve
Let rest for 5–10 minutes after baking — this helps the cheese set slightly for cleaner scooping.
Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley.
Serve warm as a side dish or a hearty main course.
Pro Serving Ideas:
Pair with BBQ ribs, grilled chicken, or fried catfish
Serve leftovers with fried or scrambled eggs for a breakfast hash feel
Scoop into foil packets for tailgate or campfire meals
Serve this alongside our Awesome Blossom Onion Bites for a bold, flavor-packed Southern spread.
🧮 Nutrition Score (Approx. per Serving)
While Mississippi Mud Potatoes are all about indulgent comfort, it’s still helpful to know what’s going into each creamy, cheesy bite. Here’s a breakdown for a generous serving (about 1 cup), along with some tips to lighten things up without sacrificing flavor. 🥓🧀🥔
📊 Nutritional Breakdown (Per 1-Cup Serving)
Calories: ~370
Total Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 12g
Sodium: 510mg
Sugar: 2g
Fiber: 2g
This casserole is rich in flavor and satisfying as a side or a full meal, thanks to its mix of complex carbs from potatoes, protein from bacon and cheese, and fat from mayo and sour cream.
💡 Healthier Ingredient Swaps
Want to enjoy all the flavor with a little less indulgence? Here are some simple substitutions:
Swap sour cream for plain Greek yogurt – keeps the tang but adds protein
Use low-fat mayo or light sour cream to reduce calories
Replace bacon with turkey bacon or veggie bacon crumbles
Choose reduced-fat cheddar cheese, or reduce the amount on top
Use sweet potatoes for more fiber and vitamin A
📌 Portion Tip: Serve in smaller ramekins for portion control at large gatherings.
Looking for lighter comfort food? Try our Zesty Roasted Beet and Orange Salad — perfect alongside rich, cheesy mains.
🍽️ Serving & Storage Tips
Mississippi Mud Potatoes are as versatile as they are indulgent. Whether you’re serving them fresh from the oven or prepping a day ahead, this cheesy, bacon-packed casserole holds up beautifully — making it a favorite for gatherings, leftovers, and even breakfast pairings. 🧀🔥🥔
🍴 Best Ways to Serve
This hearty side is right at home at:
Backyard BBQs – pairs perfectly with grilled meats like ribs, steak, or pulled pork
Holiday dinners – a creamy contrast to ham or roasted turkey
Potlucks and tailgates – transportable, easy to reheat, and a guaranteed hit
Brunch or breakfast-for-dinner – serve with fried or scrambled eggs for a Southern twist on hash
📌 Flavor Pairing Tip: A crisp green salad or tangy slaw balances the richness of the casserole.
❄️ Storage & Reheating
Keep the comfort coming — here’s how to store and reheat for best results:
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days
To reheat:
Microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes
Or cover with foil and reheat in a 350°F oven for 15–20 minutes
❌ Do not freeze – the dairy can break and become grainy after thawing
📌 Meal Prep Tip: Make ahead, refrigerate overnight, and bake the next day — just add 5–10 minutes to the bake time.
Pair with our Honey Butter Roasted Carrots for a sweet, earthy side that complements the richness of the potatoes.
🔀 Variations & Flavor Ideas
The beauty of Mississippi Mud Potatoes lies in how flexible and forgiving the recipe is. Whether you want to kick up the heat, add more veggies, or adapt it for special diets, there are endless ways to make this casserole your own. 🔁🧄🫑🧀
🌶️ Flavor Boosters
Spice things up or deepen the flavor profile with these easy upgrades:
Diced jalapeños or green chiles – mixed into the base for heat
Caramelized onions or roasted garlic – adds sweetness and richness
Pepper jack or smoked gouda – for a more intense cheesy finish
Ranch seasoning packet – swap for garlic powder for a tangy kick
BBQ sauce drizzle – add on top before baking for smoky sweetness
📌 Pro Tip: Add extra cheese halfway through baking for an ultra-melty top.
🔥 Outdoor Grilling Version
Want to bring the flavor outside? Mississippi Mud Potatoes work perfectly on the grill:
Divide the mixture into foil packets
Grill over medium-high heat for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through
Carefully open and top with cheese and bacon before serving
Perfect for camping, tailgating, or when you don’t want to heat up the kitchen.
🥕 Vegetarian & Dietary Swaps
Make it meatless or dairy-free without losing the comfort factor:
Skip bacon and add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini
Use plant-based cheese, sour cream, and mayo for a vegan twist
Sub in sweet potatoes or cauliflower florets for lower-carb options
📌 Texture Tip: If using veggies instead of bacon, sauté them first to avoid excess moisture in the dish.
Try serving it with our Spicy Cucumber Sesame Slaw — a cool, crunchy contrast to this warm, cheesy bake.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Whether you’re making Mississippi Mud Potatoes for the first time or customizing it for your next gathering, these common questions and tips will help you nail it every time. 🥔💡🧀
1. What are Mississippi Mud Potatoes made of?
This dish typically includes:
Diced russet or Yukon gold potatoes
Cooked bacon
Shredded cheddar cheese
Sour cream & mayo for a creamy base
Seasonings like garlic powder, salt, and pepper
It’s a creamy, cheesy, bacon-packed casserole — think loaded baked potato meets Southern comfort bake.
2. Can I make Mississippi Mud Potatoes ahead of time?
Absolutely. This recipe is make-ahead friendly:
Mix all ingredients and spread in your baking dish
Cover and refrigerate up to 24 hours
Add an extra 5–10 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold
📌 Tip: Hold off on garnishing with green onions until after baking.
3. What’s the best type of potato for this recipe?
Both russet and Yukon gold potatoes work well:
Russets: fluffier, slightly crispier edges when baked
Yukon Golds: creamier texture, hold shape better
Avoid waxy potatoes like red potatoes — they can become gummy.
4. Can I bake this in a casserole dish instead of foil packets?
Yes! In fact, a 9×13-inch casserole dish is the most traditional method:
Bakes evenly
Serves easily at potlucks or gatherings
Can be reheated in the same dish
📌 Grilling Tip: If going foil-style, use heavy-duty foil and add a second layer to prevent tearing.
Looking for a holiday-ready potato dish? Don’t miss our Apple Cider Donut Cake for a sweet, cozy dessert pairing.
📝 Conclusion
Mississippi Mud Potatoes are the definition of Southern comfort: cheesy, creamy, bacon-studded, and completely crave-worthy. Whether you’re hosting a potluck, celebrating a holiday, or just need a warm and hearty side for weeknight dinner, this dish delivers flavor and familiarity in every bite. 🧀🥓🔥
Easy to prepare and endlessly adaptable, this loaded baked potato casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. You can bake it in a casserole dish, grill it in foil packets, or make it ahead and pop it in the oven when guests arrive — it’s a low-effort, high-reward recipe that feels right at home on any table.
From smoky bacon to gooey cheddar, and from tailgates to Thanksgiving feasts, Mississippi Mud Potatoes bring people together the way all good food should. 💛
So whip up a batch, make it your own with bold flavors or veggie twists, and don’t forget to garnish with green onions for that final touch of freshness. Then share your version, pin the recipe, and let others know just how delicious comfort food can be.
Looking to round out your Southern spread? Try our Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese Casserole for another retro-meets-modern comfort favorite.