Soil-rich Mississippi Mud Potatoes Recipe

The Best Mississippi Mud Potatoes Recipe for Cozy Comfort

Southern comfort finds its soul in mississippi mud potatoes, a hearty dish that whispers tales of home-cooked goodness.

Crispy potato wedges nestle beneath a blanket of melted cheese and savory bacon bits.

Memories of grandma’s kitchen dance through each delectable bite.

Robust flavors mingle with creamy textures that promise pure satisfaction.

Minimal ingredients create maximum impact in this crowd-pleasing recipe.

Simple yet indulgent, these potatoes invite you to savor every mouthwatering morsel.

Dive into this irresistible side dish that turns an ordinary meal into an extraordinary feast.

What Makes Mississippi Mud Potatoes So Satisfying

  • Create Hearty Comfort Food: These potatoes deliver a satisfying meal packed with rich flavors and classic ingredients that everyone loves.
  • Master Simple Cooking Technique: The recipe requires minimal kitchen skills, making it perfect for beginners and experienced cooks seeking a straightforward preparation method.
  • Customize with Ease: Cooks can personalize the dish by adjusting toppings or adding extra ingredients like jalapeños, different cheeses, or alternative protein options.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Crowd Favorite: Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, game day gatherings, and casual social events where people appreciate delicious, filling side dishes.

What Goes Into Mississippi Mud Potatoes

For the Main Ingredients:
  • Potatoes: Large russet potatoes that create a hearty base for this delicious dish.
For the Dairy and Cheese:
  • Sour Cream, Mayonnaise, Butter, Cheddar Cheese: Creamy ingredients that add rich flavor and smooth texture to the potatoes.
For the Flavor Enhancers and Toppings:
  • Bacon, Ranch Seasoning, Green Onions, Salt, Black Pepper: Savory ingredients that provide depth of flavor and a delightful garnish to complete the dish.

How To Make Mississippi Mud Potatoes Step By Step

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Heat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly spray with cooking spray.

Step 2: Prepare Potatoes

Thoroughly wash potatoes. Use a fork to poke multiple holes all over each potato. This helps steam escape and prevents potatoes from bursting during baking.

Step 3: Roast Potatoes

Place potatoes directly on the prepared baking sheet. Roast for 60-75 minutes until they’re completely tender. Check doneness by piercing with a knife.

Step 4: Cook Bacon

Fry bacon in a skillet until crispy and golden brown. Transfer to paper towels to drain excess grease. Crumble into small pieces once cooled.

Step 5: Create Creamy Sauce

In a mixing bowl, combine:
  • Sour cream
  • Mayonnaise
  • Melted butter
  • Ranch seasoning
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Whisk until smooth and well-blended.

Step 6: Split Potatoes

Carefully remove potatoes from the oven. Slice each potato lengthwise, creating a deep split without cutting completely through.

Step 7: Open Potato Pockets

Gently press potato sides to create an opening for toppings.

Step 8: Add Creamy Sauce

Drizzle the prepared sauce generously over each potato, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 9: Top with Cheese and Bacon

Sprinkle:
  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Crumbled bacon

Distribute evenly across potatoes.

Step 10: Final Bake

Return potatoes to the oven for 5-7 minutes. Bake until cheese melts and becomes bubbly.

Step 11: Garnish

Remove from oven. Sprinkle freshly chopped green onions on top.

Step 12: Serve and Enjoy

Serve immediately while hot. Savor the rich, comforting flavors of these loaded ranch potatoes.

Helpful Tips For Mississippi Mud Potatoes

  • Select Fork-Friendly Potatoes: Choose medium to large russet potatoes with smooth, even surfaces for consistent baking and easier stuffing.
  • Prevent Potato Splitting: Pierce potatoes thoroughly and evenly with a fork to release steam and prevent unwanted bursting during high-temperature roasting.
  • Master the Crispy Bacon: Cook bacon until golden and crisp for maximum flavor and texture, ensuring it crumbles perfectly when added to the potatoes.
  • Balance Creamy Sauce Consistency: Whisk sauce ingredients until smooth and well-blended, creating a uniform mixture that coats potatoes evenly without being too runny or thick.
  • Serve Immediately Hot: Transfer loaded potatoes directly from oven to serving plate to maintain optimal cheese melt and potato temperature for the most enjoyable dining experience.

Tasty Twists On Mississippi Mud Potatoes

  • Vegetarian Delight: Replace bacon with crispy roasted mushrooms or smoky tempeh bits for a plant-based protein alternative.
  • Spicy Southwest Version: Mix in diced jalapeños, use pepper jack cheese, and add a dash of chipotle powder to the ranch seasoning for a zesty kick.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Confirm ranch seasoning is gluten-free, and use certified gluten-free ingredients to make the recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Greek-Inspired Transformation: Swap ranch seasoning for dried oregano, use crumbled feta cheese, and top with chopped kalamata olives for a Mediterranean profile.

Best Sides With Mississippi Mud Potatoes

  • Elevate Flavor Companions: Bacon Ranch Potato Pairing Suggestions
  • Pair with Crisp Lager: A cold, light beer like Pilsner perfectly cuts through the rich, creamy potato's heaviness and complements the salty bacon and tangy ranch notes.
  • Match with Zesty Salad: Create a fresh green salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette to balance the potato's richness and provide a refreshing contrast.
  • Complement with Grilled Protein: Serve alongside grilled chicken breast or lean steak to transform this side dish into a complete, satisfying meal with protein-packed accompaniments.

How To Store Mississippi Mud Potatoes Easily

  • Store leftover potatoes in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring freshness and preventing bacterial growth.
  • Wrap individual potatoes tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe containers. Freeze up to 1 month for best quality, preventing freezer burn and maintaining texture.
  • Place potato on microwave-safe plate, cover with damp paper towel. Heat at 50% power for 1-2 minutes, checking midway to ensure even warming and prevent drying out.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Place potatoes on baking sheet, cover loosely with foil.

Quick Answers About Mississippi Mud Potatoes

  • Are these potatoes healthy?

While delicious, these potatoes are indulgent with bacon, cheese, and creamy sauce. They’re best enjoyed as an occasional treat rather than a regular diet staple.

  • Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Skip the bacon and replace it with vegetarian bacon bits, crispy roasted mushrooms, or additional cheese to maintain the savory flavor profile.

  • What type of potatoes work best?

Russet potatoes are ideal due to their large size and starchy texture, which creates a perfect fluffy interior and crispy skin when baked.

  • How do I know when the potatoes are fully cooked?

The potatoes are done when they’re easily pierced with a knife and the skin looks slightly wrinkled and crisp around the edges.

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Soil-rich Mississippi Mud Potatoes Recipe

Soil-rich Mississippi Mud Potatoes Recipe


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4.6 from 24 reviews

  • Total Time: 80-97 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Mississippi Mud Potatoes offer a soulful Southern comfort dish packed with creamy, cheesy goodness. Rich bacon, melted cheese, and ranch seasoning create a mouthwatering side that draws hungry guests straight to the table and satisfies deep cravings.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 4 large potatoes
  • 1/2 cup bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

Seasoning and Flavoring:

  • 2 tbsp ranch seasoning mix
  • 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

Sauce and Topping:

  • 1/3 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp butter, melted

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper or a light coating of cooking spray.
  2. Thoroughly wash and pierce potatoes multiple times with a fork to ensure even cooking and prevent bursting during baking.
  3. Arrange potatoes directly on the prepared baking sheet and roast for approximately 60-75 minutes, or until they become tender and can be easily pierced with a knife.
  4. While potatoes are baking, crisp the bacon in a skillet until golden brown and drain on paper towels, then crumble into small pieces.
  5. In a mixing bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, melted butter, ranch seasoning, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well-combined.
  6. Once potatoes are fully cooked, remove from oven and carefully slice each potato lengthwise, creating a deep split without cutting completely through.
  7. Gently press the sides of each potato to create a slight opening, allowing space for the delicious toppings.
  8. Generously drizzle the prepared creamy sauce over each potato, ensuring full coverage.
  9. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon evenly across the potatoes.
  10. Return the loaded potatoes to the oven for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until cheese melts completely and becomes slightly bubbly.
  11. Remove from oven and garnish with freshly chopped green onions for a vibrant finishing touch.
  12. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy the rich, comforting flavors of Mississippi Mud Potatoes.

Notes

  • Potato Selection Matters: Choose medium to large russet potatoes with uniform shape for consistent cooking and optimal texture.
  • Bacon Perfection: Cook bacon until extra crispy to enhance the crunch and prevent sogginess when added to the potatoes.
  • Seasoning Flexibility: Customize ranch seasoning by using low-sodium options or making homemade blend for dietary preferences.
  • Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare bacon and sauce in advance, storing separately in refrigerator to streamline final assembly and reduce cooking time.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 65-82 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 8 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Katherine Pierce

Katherine Pierce

Recipe Curator & Food Educator

Expertise

  • Curating diverse recipe collections
  • Educating on global culinary traditions
  • Developing informative food content

Education

Boston University Metropolitan College
Certificate Program in the Culinary Arts
Focus: French and international cuisine techniques, Hands-on culinary training with industry professionals, Food industry insights and operations


Katherine grew up believing every dish has a story. She studied the art of food at Boston University and explored the history behind it. She loves pulling easy recipes from every corner of the world and putting them at your fingertips.
When Katherine’s not writing or testing new flavors, she’s teaching cooking classes, baking colorful mooncakes, or dreaming up new ways to mix old favorites with new twists.

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