Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes
- Peel and Cube: Peel the potatoes and cut them into 1-inch cubes. Place them in a large pot of salted water and bring to a boil.
- Cook the Potatoes: Boil the potatoes for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are just tender. Be careful not to overcook them; they should hold their shape. Drain the potatoes and set them aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Mixture
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, heavy cream, 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, half of the chopped green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
Step 4: Assemble the Dish
- Combine Potatoes and Mixture: Gently fold the cooked potatoes into the creamy mixture, ensuring that all the potatoes are well coated.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Transfer the potato mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Dot the top with small pieces of butter.
Step 5: Bake
- Bake the Potatoes: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are hot and bubbly and the top is golden brown.
- Add Topping: Remove the baking dish from the oven and sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top. Return to the oven for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
- Garnish: Once the dish is out of the oven, sprinkle the remaining chopped green onions on top for a fresh burst of flavor and color.
- Serve: Let the Mississippi Mud Potatoes cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the dish to set slightly.
Tips for Perfect Mississippi Mud Potatoes
- Potato Choice: Russet potatoes work well for this recipe due to their starchy nature, which helps absorb the creamy mixture.
- Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack or Gruyere, for a unique twist.
- Make-Ahead: You can prepare the dish ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking. When ready to serve, bake as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if starting from a chilled state.
Final Thoughts
Mississippi Mud Potatoes are a deliciously rich and satisfying side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses. The combination of creamy potatoes, cheese, bacon, and green onions makes for a comforting and flavorful dish that’s sure to be a hit at your next gathering. Enjoy!