Loaded Potato Side Dish

When you need a side dish that delivers all the comfort of a loaded baked potato but feeds a crowd without any fuss, these Mississippi Mud Potatoes are pure gold. Everything gets tossed together in one big casserole dish - tender potatoes, crispy bacon, melted cheese, and creamy mayo that brings it all together. The result is this incredible combination of flavors and textures that makes everyone forget about whatever main dish you're serving because they're too busy going back for thirds of these potatoes.

I discovered this recipe when I needed something that could feed my whole extended family for a casual barbecue, and I didn't want to be stuck in the kitchen all day making individual baked potatoes. The first time I made it, people kept asking what made it so good, and I realized it was that perfect combination of creamy mayo, crispy bacon, and melted cheese all coating tender potato chunks. Now it's my go-to side dish for any gathering.

Essential Ingredients for Maximum Flavor

• Yukon Gold potatoes (about 3 pounds): These hold their shape beautifully and have that perfect creamy texture when cooked
• Thick-cut bacon: Diced and mixed throughout, adding smoky, salty flavor in every bite
• Sharp cheddar cheese: Shredded fresh for the best melting and that gorgeous cheese pull
• Quality mayonnaise: The secret ingredient that creates that rich, creamy coating
• Sweet yellow onion: Adds flavor and sweetness that complements the bacon perfectly
• Fresh garlic cloves: Minced fine so every bite gets that perfect garlicky punch

Step-by-Step Assembly Process

Prepare your workspace and ingredients:

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and generously spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray. Peel and dice 3 pounds of Yukon Gold potatoes into bite-sized chunks, about ¾ inch pieces for even cooking.

Cook the bacon to perfection:

Dice 8 strips of bacon into small pieces and cook in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy and golden. Remove with a slotted spoon to paper towels to drain, reserving about 2 tablespoons of the bacon grease for extra flavor.

Create the incredible flavor mixture:

In a large bowl, combine the diced potatoes, crispy bacon pieces, 1 diced yellow onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, ¾ cup mayonnaise, 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper.

Mix everything thoroughly:

Using clean hands or a large spoon, mix all the ingredients until every piece of potato is coated with the creamy mixture and the bacon and cheese are evenly distributed. Don't be gentle here - you want everything well combined.

Transfer and bake to tender perfection:

Spread the mixture evenly in your prepared baking dish, cover tightly with aluminum foil, and bake for 60-70 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender and the top is golden and bubbly around the edges.

Finish with fresh garnish:

Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes, then sprinkle with chopped green onions for that fresh color and mild onion flavor that ties everything together beautifully.

Pin it

My husband literally stood at the counter eating this straight from the casserole dish the first time I made it, claiming he was just "testing" to make sure it was good enough to serve. Now whenever I'm planning a menu for company, he specifically requests these potatoes because he knows how much people love them.

Understanding the Potato Selection

Yukon Gold potatoes are absolutely perfect for this recipe because they hold their shape well during the long baking time while developing that creamy interior. Russet potatoes would work too, but they tend to break down more and create a mushier texture. The key is cutting them into uniform pieces so everything cooks evenly.

Mastering the Bacon Technique

Fresh bacon makes such a difference in this recipe compared to those pre-cooked pieces you can buy. Cooking it yourself ensures it's perfectly crispy and releases those flavorful drippings that add extra richness to the dish. I save a couple tablespoons of the bacon grease and drizzle it over the potatoes before baking for even more flavor.

Creating the Perfect Creamy Coating

The mayonnaise is what makes this dish so special - it creates this rich, creamy sauce that coats every piece of potato and helps all the flavors meld together. Some people are hesitant about using mayo in a baked dish, but it transforms into something completely different during cooking, creating that signature "mud" texture that gives the dish its name.

Cheese Selection and Distribution

Sharp cheddar gives you the best flavor balance with the rich mayo and salty bacon, but feel free to experiment with other cheeses. A blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack is delicious, or you could use pepper jack for a little heat. The key is shredding it fresh rather than using pre-shredded for the best melting.

Make-Ahead and Serving Strategies

This casserole can be assembled completely up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerated until you're ready to bake it. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time if you're starting from cold. It's also perfect for potluck gatherings because it travels well and stays warm for a long time.

After making countless pans of these Mississippi Mud Potatoes for family gatherings, potluck dinners, and casual weeknight meals, I can honestly say they never fail to be the star of the table. There's something so satisfying about creating this kind of comfort food that brings people together and makes them feel completely satisfied. Whether served alongside grilled meats at a barbecue or as part of a holiday spread, these potatoes prove that sometimes the simplest combinations create the most memorable flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Mix everything together and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. You might need to add 10-15 extra minutes to the cook time.

→ What type of potatoes work best?

Yukon Gold potatoes are perfect because they're creamy and hold their shape well. Regular russets work too but can get a bit mushier.

→ Can I use turkey bacon instead?

Absolutely! Turkey bacon works great. You can also use ham or even leave the meat out entirely for a vegetarian version.

→ How do I know when the potatoes are done?

Stick a fork in the center - it should go through easily without resistance. The top should also be golden and bubbly.

→ What can I serve this with?

This pairs perfectly with grilled chicken, barbecue ribs, meatloaf, or any main dish that needs a hearty side. Great for potlucks too!

→ Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, but the texture changes a bit. Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat in the oven at 350°F until heated through.