Delicious Mississippi Mud Potatoes Recipe

If you’re a fan of rich, cheesy, and indulgent potato dishes, you’re in for a treat with this Mississippi Mud Potatoes recipe. Think of it as the ultimate comfort food – loaded with crispy bacon, melted cheese, creamy sour cream, and perfectly roasted potatoes. My family goes wild for this dish at every gathering, and it’s often the first thing to disappear from the table. It’s the perfect side dish for a barbecue, potluck, or even a cozy family dinner. The best part? It’s easy to make and packed with flavor!

Ingredients

• 4 large russet potatoes, scrubbed and diced into 1-inch cubes
• 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup green onions, chopped (for garnish)
• Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Prepare the potatoes: In a large bowl, toss the diced potatoes with olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until the potatoes are well-coated.
3. Roast the potatoes: Spread the seasoned potatoes in an even layer on the prepared baking sheet. Roast for 25-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden brown and crispy on the outside, stirring halfway through.
4. Add the toppings: Once the potatoes are done roasting, transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Add the melted butter, crumbled bacon, and sour cream. Gently toss until the potatoes are coated in all the delicious flavors.
5. Cheesy goodness: Transfer the potatoes to an oven-safe dish and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with chopped green onions and fresh parsley. Serve hot, and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 6
• Calories per serving: 420
• Total fat: 27g
• Saturated fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Protein: 14g

Preparation Time

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 35 minutes
• Total time: 50 minutes

How to Serve

• As a side dish: Mississippi Mud Potatoes pair perfectly with grilled meats like steak, chicken, or ribs.
• With a dipping sauce: Serve with a side of ranch or spicy aioli for extra flavor.
• Topped with extra bacon: You can never have too much bacon, so feel free to sprinkle on more crispy bacon before serving.
• As a main course: Add pulled pork or shredded chicken on top to turn this side dish into a hearty main meal.
• With a fresh salad: Balance out the richness by serving it alongside a crisp, green salad with a tangy vinaigrette.

Additional Tips

1. Choose the right potatoes: Russet potatoes are ideal for this recipe as they get nice and crispy on the outside while staying fluffy on the inside.
2. Pre-cook your bacon: Make sure the bacon is fully cooked and crispy before adding it to the potatoes for that perfect crunch.
3. Use a mix of cheeses: For an extra cheesy experience, use a blend of cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses.
4. Bake on parchment: Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper helps prevent sticking and ensures the potatoes roast evenly.
5. Make it spicier: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the potato seasoning if you like a little heat.

Recipe Variations

• Loaded Mississippi Mud Potatoes: Add a dollop of sour cream, more crumbled bacon, and extra cheese on top for a fully loaded version.
• Spicy version: Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the potato mixture for a spicy kick.
• Mississippi Mud Potato Casserole: Layer the roasted potatoes in a casserole dish with additional cheese and bake until bubbly and golden.
• Vegetarian option: Skip the bacon and add roasted mushrooms or sautéed onions for a veggie-friendly version.
• BBQ twist: Drizzle some barbecue sauce over the potatoes before adding the cheese for a smoky, sweet twist.

Serving Suggestions

• With steak: Serve Mississippi Mud Potatoes alongside a juicy grilled steak for a classic pairing.
• For breakfast: Turn this dish into breakfast potatoes by adding scrambled eggs and serving with toast.
• With roasted vegetables: Serve with roasted Brussels sprouts, green beans, or asparagus for a balanced meal.
• At a barbecue: This recipe is perfect for summer barbecues or family gatherings. Pair it with ribs, pulled pork, or burgers.
• With sour cream: Add a dollop of sour cream and sprinkle with extra green onions for a loaded baked potato feel.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze the fully cooked potatoes in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven to retain crispness.
• Reheating: Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through and crispy, about 10-15 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the potatoes soggy.

Special Equipment

• Baking sheet: A large baking sheet ensures the potatoes roast evenly.
• Parchment paper: For easy cleanup and crispy potatoes, use parchment paper to line the baking sheet.
• Mixing bowl: A large bowl is needed to toss the potatoes with the butter and toppings.
• Tongs: To easily flip the potatoes halfway through roasting.

FAQ

1. Can I make Mississippi Mud Potatoes ahead of time?
Yes! You can roast the potatoes and cook the bacon ahead of time. When ready to serve, simply toss everything together, add the cheese, and bake until melted.

2. What type of potatoes work best?
Russet potatoes are the best for this recipe because they get crispy on the outside while remaining soft and fluffy inside.

3. Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?
Yes, you can substitute turkey bacon for a lighter version. Cook it until crispy and follow the recipe as usual.

4. Can I make this dish without cheese?
If you’re avoiding cheese, you can still enjoy this dish by skipping the cheese. The bacon, butter, and seasonings will still make the potatoes flavorful.

5. How can I make these potatoes crispier?
To make the potatoes extra crispy, make sure they’re spaced out on the baking sheet and not too crowded. You can also broil them for the last 2-3 minutes of roasting.

Closing Note

These Mississippi Mud Potatoes are the ultimate comfort food, perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them as a side dish or turning them into a hearty meal, their crispy, cheesy, and bacon-loaded goodness will leave everyone at the table wanting more. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, this is a recipe you’ll want to keep on repeat. Enjoy!