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Mississippi Mud Potatoes are a comforting, decadent dish that brings together the best of savory ingredients: tender potatoes, crispy bacon, rich cheddar cheese, and creamy mayonnaise, all baked to perfection. This dish is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or any occasion where you want to serve something that’s sure to delight everyone at the table. My first encounter with this dish was at a family reunion in the South, where it was the star of the buffet table. Its hearty, flavorful layers made it an instant favorite, and I’ve been making it ever since.
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Ingredients:
6 cups potatoes, peeled and diced
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
3/4 cup mayonnaise
1 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
3 teaspoons minced garlic
1/2 cup chopped onion
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Peel and Dice the Potatoes: Start by peeling and dicing 6 cups of potatoes. Aim for uniform pieces to ensure even cooking. Place the diced potatoes in a large bowl.
Cook and Crumble the Bacon: Cook the bacon until crispy, then crumble it into small pieces. You’ll need 1 cup of cooked and crumbled bacon. Set aside.
Shred the Cheese: Shred 1 cup of cheddar cheese. Freshly shredded cheese melts better and has a richer flavor compared to pre-shredded options.
Chop the Onion: Finely chop 1/2 cup of onion. This will add a subtle sweetness and depth to the dish.
Mince the Garlic: Mince 3 teaspoons of garlic. Fresh garlic enhances the flavor, giving a nice aromatic touch to the potatoes.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). This lower temperature allows the potatoes to cook slowly, melding all the flavors together perfectly.
Step 3: Combine the Ingredients
Mix the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced potatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, minced garlic, and chopped onion. Toss the ingredients together to ensure even distribution.
Add the Mayonnaise: Add 3/4 cup of mayonnaise to the potato mixture. Stir well until everything is evenly coated. The mayonnaise will create a creamy texture and help the cheese to meld with the potatoes as it bakes.
Step 4: Prepare the Baking Pan
Grease the Baking Pan: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or non-stick cooking spray. This prevents the potatoes from sticking and makes for easier cleanup.
Transfer the Mixture: Pour the potato mixture into the prepared baking pan. Spread it out evenly, ensuring the potatoes are in a single layer for uniform cooking.
Step 5: Bake the Potatoes
Bake in the Oven: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 1 1/2 hours. Check the potatoes periodically to ensure they are cooking evenly.
Achieve Golden Perfection: The dish is ready when the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown. If the top is browning too quickly, you can cover it with foil to prevent burning.
Step 6: Serve the Dish
Cool Slightly: Once the Mississippi Mud Potatoes are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly. This helps the dish set and makes it easier to serve.
Serve Hot: Serve the potatoes hot, straight from the baking pan. They make a great side dish for grilled meats, barbecues, or even as a hearty main course.
