Mississippi Mud Potatoes is a deliciously indulgent side dish that’s bursting with cheesy goodness, crispy bacon, and creamy potatoes. It’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any gathering where comfort food is a must. Here’s a detailed breakdown of how to make this easy, rich dish!

Ingredients:

1. Potatoes:
   • 6 cups of potatoes, peeled and diced. Use a starchy variety like Russet potatoes for the best texture.
2. Cheddar Cheese:
   • 1 cup of freshly shredded cheddar cheese. Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded options.
3. Mayonnaise:
   • 3/4 cup. This adds creaminess and richness to the dish.
4. Bacon:
   • 1 cup of cooked bacon, crumbled. The crispy bacon adds a savory, smoky flavor.
5. Garlic:
   • 3 teaspoons of minced garlic. Garlic enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
6. Onion:
   • 1/2 cup of chopped onion. Use yellow or white onions for a balanced, slightly sweet flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prep Ingredients:

1. Potatoes:
   • Peel and dice 6 cups of potatoes into uniform pieces (about 1/2-inch cubes).
2. Bacon:
   • Cook 1 cup of bacon until crispy, then crumble it into small pieces.
3. Cheddar Cheese:
   • Shred 1 cup of cheddar cheese. Freshly shredding the cheese ensures better melting and creaminess.
4. Onion & Garlic:
   • Chop 1/2 cup of onion finely and mince 3 teaspoons of garlic.

2. Mix the Potato Mixture:

1. Combine Ingredients:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced potatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, minced garlic, and chopped onion.
2. Add Mayonnaise:
   • Stir in 3/4 cup of mayonnaise until everything is evenly coated. This creates a creamy binder for the potatoes.

3. Prepare for Baking:

1. Grease the Pan:
   • Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
2. Spread the Mixture:
   • Pour the potato mixture into the baking pan and spread it evenly into a single layer.

4. Bake:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C) to ensure even cooking.
2. Bake for 1.5 Hours:
   • Place the baking pan in the oven and bake for about 1 1/2 hours. Stir halfway through if needed.
   • The dish is done when the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown. If the top is browning too quickly, cover with foil.

5. Serve:

1. Cool Slightly:
   • Allow the dish to cool for a few minutes before serving.
2. Enjoy:
   • Serve hot as a hearty side dish with grilled meats, barbecues, or as a stand-alone meal.

Additional Tips:

• Extra Cheese:
  • For an extra cheesy top, sprinkle additional shredded cheddar cheese over the potatoes during the last 10 minutes of baking.
• Toppings:
  • Top with green onions, sour cream, or a few extra crumbles of bacon for added flavor and texture.
• Make-Ahead Tip:
  • Prepare the dish a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Bake it the next day for a quicker meal.

Nutrition (Per Serving):

• Calories: 340 kcal
• Carbohydrates: ~25g
• Protein: ~8g
• Fat: ~24g

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve as a comforting side dish with grilled chicken, roast beef, or pulled pork.
• Pair with a fresh green salad to balance the richness of the dish.

This Mississippi Mud Potatoes recipe is a must-try if you’re looking for an indulgent and easy-to-make comfort food. Perfect for any gathering!