Southern-Style Cheesy Mississippi Mud Potatoes

 Southern-Style Cheesy Mississippi Mud Potatoes

The Ultimate Comfort Food Side Dish

If you’re looking for the perfect creamy, cheesy, and utterly irresistible potato dish, you’ve just found it. Mississippi Mud Potatoes bring together thinly sliced potatoes, smoky bacon, and a rich homemade cheese sauce, all baked to golden perfection. This Southern-style classic is the ultimate comfort food side dish, ideal for BBQs, family dinners, and potlucks.

What makes this dish stand out? It’s effortlessly indulgent, with layers of tender potatoes coated in velvety cheese sauce, topped with crispy bacon and fresh green onions for a bold kick of flavor. It’s easy to prepare, bakes to perfection with minimal effort, and pairs beautifully with grilled meats or holiday spreads.

Get ready to impress your guests with this crowd-pleasing favorite that will have everyone asking for seconds!

---

Ingredients & Their Roles

To make Southern-Style Cheesy Mississippi Mud Potatoes, you’ll need:

Main Ingredients:

6 large potatoes, washed and scrubbed – The foundation of this dish, providing a hearty and creamy texture when baked. Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes work best for their starchy richness.

1/4 cup butter – Adds richness and depth, helping to create a silky smooth cheese sauce.

1/4 cup all-purpose flour – Works as a thickening agent, ensuring the cheese sauce clings to every bite of potato.

2 cups milk – Provides creaminess and blends with the roux (butter and flour mixture) to form the base of the sauce. Whole milk works best for a luxuriously thick texture.

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided – The star of the show! Cheddar melts beautifully, giving the sauce its creamy, tangy flavor. Half goes into the sauce, and the rest is sprinkled on top for that golden, bubbly finish.

1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon – Adds smoky, salty goodness that contrasts beautifully with the creamy potatoes. Crispy bacon is key for texture!

1/4 cup chopped green onions – Brings a mild, zesty bite, balancing the richness of the cheese sauce and bacon.

Salt and pepper to taste – Enhances all the flavors, ensuring a perfectly seasoned dish.

---

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish to prevent sticking.

2. Prepare the Potatoes

Slice the potatoes thinly (about 1/8-inch thick) for even cooking. Leaving the skins on adds a rustic touch and extra nutrients.

3. Make the Cheese Sauce

In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.

Stir in flour to create a roux, cooking for about 2 minutes until it turns a light golden color. This removes the raw flour taste.

Gradually whisk in milk, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens (about 3-4 minutes).

Remove from heat and stir in half of the shredded cheese, mixing until smooth and fully melted.

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Assemble the Dish

Layer half of the sliced potatoes in the prepared baking dish.

Sprinkle half of the bacon and half of the green onions over the potatoes.

Pour half of the cheese sauce evenly over the layers.

Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, bacon, green onions, and cheese sauce.

5. Bake to Perfection

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes. This ensures the potatoes cook through without drying out.

Remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top, and bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

6. Serve & Enjoy

Let the dish cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly for the perfect consistency.