Mississippi Mud Potatoes

Mississippi Mud Potatoes are a flavorful and indulgent dish, typically loaded with creamy, cheesy goodness and baked to perfection. They’re a great side dish for any meal—perfect for barbecues, holiday dinners, or a comforting weeknight dish. Here’s a version of Mississippi Mud Potatoes that’s sure to be a hit!

Mississippi Mud Potatoes

Ingredients:

• 4-5 medium potatoes (Russet or Yukon Gold are great options)

• 1 cup sour cream

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise (or use ranch dressing for extra flavor)

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of cheddar and mozzarella)

• 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled (optional, but highly recommended!)

• 1 tablespoon butter (for greasing)

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• Salt and pepper (to taste)

• 1/4 cup green onions, chopped (for garnish)

• Extra cheese for topping (optional, if you want it extra cheesy!)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Cook the Potatoes:
   Wash and peel the potatoes, then cut them into 1-inch cubes. Boil the potato cubes in salted water for about 10-15 minutes until they’re fork-tender. Drain the water and set the potatoes aside.

3. Prepare the Potato Mixture:
   In a large bowl, mix together the sour cream, mayonnaise (or ranch dressing), garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.

4. Mash the Potatoes:
   Add the cooked potatoes to the bowl with the sour cream mixture. Mash the potatoes lightly with a potato masher or a fork. You can leave them a little chunky or mash them smoother, depending on your preference.

5. Add Cheese and Bacon:
   Stir in 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheese and the crumbled bacon (if using). Mix everything well.

6. Transfer to a Baking Dish:
   Butter a 9×9-inch (or similarly sized) baking dish and spoon the mashed potato mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly.

7. Top with More Cheese:
   Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese on top of the mashed potato mixture.

8. Bake:
   Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is golden brown.

9. Garnish and Serve:
   Remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle with chopped green onions for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve hot as a delicious side dish!

Tips:

• Customize: You can swap out the cheddar cheese for a different type of cheese (like mozzarella, gouda, or even pepper jack for some spice).

• Add Extras: Some people like to add a layer of crispy fried onions on top before baking for extra crunch.

• Make Ahead: You can prepare the mashed potatoes the day before, store them in the fridge, and then bake when you’re ready to serve.

These potatoes are rich, cheesy, and decadent—definitely a crowd-pleaser! Let me know if you try it, or if you’d like to adjust the recipe in any way!