Mississippi Mud Potatoes

Imagine sinking your fork into a creamy, cheesy potato casserole topped with a crispy, golden crust that gives way to layers of velvety potatoes and savory bacon. That’s the magic of Mississippi Mud Potatoes – a Southern comfort dish that combines simple ingredients into something truly extraordinary. This hearty side dish gets its intriguing name from its layered appearance, reminiscent of the muddy banks of the Mississippi River. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or looking for the perfect potluck contribution, these indulgent potatoes never fail to impress. You’ll learn how to create this crowd-pleasing casserole with perfectly balanced flavors and textures that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Mississippi Mud Potatoes are more than just a side dish – they’re a celebration of comfort food at its finest. The contrast between the crispy cheese topping and the creamy potato layers creates a texture experience that keeps you coming back for just one more bite. What makes this recipe truly special is how it transforms humble ingredients into something magnificent through the perfect balance of savory elements and rich dairy.

You’ll appreciate how this dish can be prepared ahead of time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or holiday gatherings when time is precious. The combination of tender potatoes, crisp bacon, sharp cheddar, and velvety sour cream creates a harmony of flavors that satisfies deep cravings for comfort food.

Unlike plain mashed or baked potatoes, these mud potatoes offer complexity with every forkful – a bit of crunch, creaminess, and savory depth all at once. Even potato skeptics find themselves won over by this irresistible Southern casserole that manages to be both sophisticated and homey at the same time.

Ingredients

To create perfect Mississippi Mud Potatoes, you’ll need:

• 2 pounds (900g) russet potatoes, washed and sliced ¼-inch thick (peeling optional)
• 8 slices bacon (about 8 oz/225g), cooked until crispy and crumbled
• 2 cups (8 oz/225g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded and divided
• 1 cup (8 oz/225g) sour cream
• 1 can (10.5 oz/300g) cream of chicken soup
• ½ cup (120ml) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 small onion (about 1 cup/150g), finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika (plus extra for garnish)
• 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped (for garnish)

The russet potatoes are crucial here for their starchy quality that helps create the perfect creamy texture. The combination of sour cream and cream of chicken soup forms the signature “mud” component that gives this Mississippi potato casserole its distinctive rich consistency. Sharp cheddar provides the perfect flavor punch and creates that irresistible golden crust when baked.

Pro Tips

Select the Right Potatoes: For authentic Mississippi Mud Potatoes, russet potatoes are non-negotiable. Their high starch content breaks down during baking to create that creamy, tender texture that defines this dish. Avoid waxy varieties like red or new potatoes which will remain too firm. Slicing the potatoes to a uniform ¼-inch thickness ensures they cook evenly and develop the perfect texture.

Layer for Maximum Flavor Development: The magic happens in how you build the layers. Start by tossing the potato slices in the creamy mixture before layering to ensure every piece is coated. Then, instead of mixing all ingredients together, create intentional layers with cheese and bacon between the potato layers. This stratification creates pockets of flavor that burst with each bite and gives the casserole its distinctive “mud” appearance when served.

Perfect Your Baking Technique: The two-stage baking process is critical. First bake covered to gently cook the potatoes through, then uncover for the final 20-25 minutes to develop that irresistible golden crust. Test doneness by inserting a knife into the center – it should slide through easily with no resistance. Letting the casserole rest for 10-15 minutes after baking allows the layers to set and flavors to meld, resulting in perfect servable portions rather than a collapsed mess.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Cook your bacon until crispy either in a skillet or baked in the oven, then drain on paper towels and crumble when cool enough to handle. While the bacon cooks, slice your potatoes to a uniform ¼-inch thickness – using a mandoline makes this job incredibly quick and ensures even cooking.

Step 2: Create the Creamy Base

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sour cream and cream of chicken soup until smooth. Add the melted butter, diced onion, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika, stirring until everything is well combined. This mixture is the heart of your Mississippi Mud Potatoes – it will become velvety and rich as it bakes, coating each potato slice perfectly.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

Add the sliced potatoes to the creamy mixture and gently fold until every slice is coated. Be careful not to break the potatoes while mixing. Transfer half of the potato mixture to your prepared baking dish, spreading it into an even layer. Sprinkle half of the crumbled bacon and 1 cup of shredded cheese over this layer. Top with the remaining potato mixture, spreading it evenly with a spatula.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 60 minutes. This covered baking period allows the potatoes to cook through while steaming in the creamy sauce. After the initial baking time, remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining cheese and bacon over the top, and return to the oven uncovered for another 20-25 minutes until bubbling around the edges and beautifully golden on top.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Once baked, let your Mississippi Mud Potatoes rest for 10-15 minutes before serving – this crucial step allows the layers to set for easier serving. Sprinkle with fresh chives and a light dusting of paprika for an eye-catching presentation. The casserole should have a beautiful golden crust that gives way to creamy, layered potatoes underneath – the perfect visual and textural contrast that makes this dish so beloved.

Variations

Southwestern Mud Potatoes: Transform the classic Mississippi Mud Potatoes with Tex-Mex flair by adding 1 can of drained green chilies, substituting pepper jack for half the cheddar cheese, and mixing in 1 teaspoon of cumin and ½ teaspoon of chili powder. After baking, top with chopped cilantro and a dollop of guacamole for a spicy twist that pairs perfectly with grilled meats or as a hearty side for taco night.

Vegetarian Mud Potatoes: Create a meatless version by omitting the bacon and substituting cream of mushroom soup for the chicken soup. Enhance the umami flavor by adding 8 ounces of sautéed mushrooms and a tablespoon of soy sauce to the creamy mixture. The mushrooms provide a satisfying depth that ensures vegetarians won’t miss out on the rich complexity of traditional Mississippi Mud Potatoes.

Loaded Baked Potato Style: For an extra-indulgent variation, treat your Mississippi Mud Potatoes like a deconstructed loaded baked potato by adding ½ cup of sliced green onions to the mixture and increasing the bacon amount. After baking, create wells in the top and add small dollops of additional sour cream before serving. This version embraces all the classic baked potato toppings in a convenient, shareable casserole format.

Storage and Serving

Mississippi Mud Potatoes refrigerate beautifully and can actually improve in flavor overnight as the ingredients meld together. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. For reheating, cover with foil and warm in a 325°F oven for about 20 minutes until heated through, removing the foil for the last 5 minutes to re-crisp the top. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the texture soggy.

Serve these indulgent potatoes alongside a simple protein like roasted chicken or grilled steak to create a balanced meal where the Mississippi Mud Potatoes can shine as the star side dish. For a stunning presentation, serve the casserole directly from the baking dish, garnished with fresh herbs, allowing guests to see the beautiful layers as they serve themselves.

For an elegant dinner party, portion individual servings into ramekins before baking for personalized potato stacks that elevate the presentation of this homestyle favorite. The individual portions bake more quickly and create more of the coveted crispy edges that everyone fights over.

FAQs

Can I prepare Mississippi Mud Potatoes ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the entire Mississippi Mud Potatoes casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator and add an extra 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time when cooking from cold.

Why are my potatoes still firm after baking?
This typically happens if your potato slices are too thick or uneven. Always slice potatoes to a uniform ¼-inch thickness and ensure you’re baking covered for the full initial period to allow proper steaming.

Can I freeze Mississippi Mud Potatoes?
While technically possible, freezing isn’t recommended as potatoes can become grainy and the dairy components may separate upon thawing. For best results, enjoy your Mississippi Mud Potatoes fresh or refrigerated.

What can I substitute for cream of chicken soup?
You can make a simple roux with 2 tablespoons each of butter and flour, then add 1 cup of chicken broth and ¼ cup of cream, seasoned with poultry seasoning. Alternatively, cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup works well.

Are Mississippi Mud Potatoes gluten-free?
Standard cream of chicken soup contains gluten. For gluten-free Mississippi Mud Potatoes, use a gluten-free soup variety or make your own cream base using cornstarch instead of flour. Also verify that your other packaged ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Print