Easy Side Dish

Mississippi Mud Potatoes Recipe

Creamy, dreamy potatoes baked with bacon, cheddar, green onions, and a pillowy sour cream sauce that feels pure Southern comfort on a plate.

Mississippi Mud Potatoes are pure comfort, with tender potatoes wrapped in smoky bacon, rich cheddar, and a silky sour cream sauce that bubbles into a golden crust while the kitchen fills with a savory, irresistible aroma.

You will want to make this crowd pleaser for weeknight dinners, holiday gatherings, or any time you need a hearty side that feels special without being complicated.

I first tested this recipe on a busy Sunday when I needed something impressive yet easy, and the golden topped potatoes disappeared from the platter faster than I could carry the plate to the table.

Recipe at a Glance

⏱Prep Time15 mins

🔥Cook Time45 to 50 mins

🕐Total Time1 hour

🍰Servings8 generous servings

🇺🇸CuisineAmerican

🔢Caloriesapprox 340 per serving

Ingredients

3 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and sliced about 1/4 inch thick

6 slices thick cut bacon, chopped

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

2 tablespoons all purpose flour

1 cup whole milk

1 cup sour cream

1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 pinch cayenne pepper (optional)

1/2 cup sliced green onions, divided

Substitutions & Variations

★Use thick cut bacon or cook extra crispy bacon to crumble on top for more texture.

★Replace russet potatoes with Yukon Gold potatoes for a slightly buttery flavor and softer texture.

★Swap sharp cheddar with Monterey Jack or a blend of your favorite shredded cheese.

★Use gluten free flour and whole milk substitute to make the recipe gluten free.

★For a dairy free version, choose plant based butter, oat milk, and a dairy free sharp cheddar alternative.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1

Preheat oven and prep potatoes

Heat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Peel the russet potatoes and slice them evenly about 1/4 inch thick for consistent baking. Rinse the slices under cold water and pat them completely dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels so they can brown nicely later.

2

Cook the bacon until crispy

In a large oven safe skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until deeply golden and crispy, about 5 to 7 minutes. Transfer the bacon with a slotted spoon to a plate lined with paper towels, leaving the rendered bacon fat in the skillet.

3

Make the roux and sauce base

Sprinkle the flour over the bacon fat in the skillet and whisk constantly for 1 to 2 minutes to cook the raw flour taste. Slowly pour in the whole milk while whisking, then add the sour cream, melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and optional cayenne. Whisk until the sauce is smooth and bring it to a gentle simmer, stirring often, until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon.

4

Layer potatoes and bacon

Spread half of the cooked bacon on the bottom of the skillet. Add a layer of potato slices, then sprinkle with half of the shredded cheddar and half of the sliced green onions. Repeat with another layer of potatoes, bacon, cheddar, and green onions, ending with a layer of potatoes.

5

Pour sauce over the layers

Slowly pour the creamy sauce over the layered potatoes, tilting the skillet so the sauce settles into the edges and covers the potatoes as evenly as possible.

6

Bake until bubbly and golden

Place the skillet on the middle oven rack and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, until the potatoes are fork tender and the top is a deep, golden brown with bubbling edges.

7

Rest before serving

Let the Mississippi Mud Potatoes rest in the turned off oven with the door slightly open for 10 minutes so the slices set and make cleaner portions.

8

Finish with fresh green onions

Scatter the remaining 1/4 cup sliced green onions over the top just before serving to add a fresh, mild bite that brightens the rich layers.

Pro Baker Tips

✓For extra tender potatoes, briefly par boil the slices for 3 minutes before layering.

✓Use a well seasoned cast iron skillet for the best crust and even heat.

✓Let the potatoes rest after baking so they slice cleanly and hold their shape.

✓Taste the sauce before pouring and adjust salt, pepper, or a squeeze of lemon to balance richness.

Storage & Serving Notes

◆Cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

◆Reheat gently in a 350°F oven or covered skillet until warmed through and bubbly.

◆Freeze portions in a sealed container for up to 2 months and reheat in the oven until heated through.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these indulgent Mississippi Mud Potatoes alongside roasted chicken or grilled steak for a show stopping comfort meal.

›Plated with a sprinkle of extra green onions and a light crack of black pepper

›Paired with a simple green salad and crusty bread for a balanced dinner

›As a generous scoop on top of grilled chicken for an elevated weeknight dinner

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I assemble this in a baking dish instead of using a skillet?

Yes, you can layer the potatoes, bacon, and cheese in a 9x13 inch baking dish, pour the sauce over, cover with foil, and bake at 375°F for 35 to 40 minutes, then uncover for the last 10 minutes to brown the top.

How do I keep the sauce from getting grainy?

Temper the sour cream by whisking a ladleful of hot sauce into it, then stir it back into the skillet slowly over low heat, and avoid boiling the sauce once the sour cream is added.

Can I make this ahead and reheat?

Assemble and bake the potatoes, cool completely, refrigerate, then reheat in a 350°F oven covered with foil until hot and bubbly.

What if I do not have heavy cream or whole milk?

Use whatever milk you have on hand, add a tablespoon of heavy cream if possible for richness, or make a milk and a touch of butter mixture to replace the missing cream.

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Go Make It!

Mississippi Mud Potatoes are pure comfort food that turns an ordinary weeknight into something special, so go ahead, bake a big skilletful, and enjoy every creamy, crispy bite with the people you love.