Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Boil Potatoes: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the cubed potatoes and cook for about 10 minutes, until they are just tender but not falling apart. Drain the potatoes and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, minced garlic, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Add Cheese and Bacon: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, crumbled bacon (reserving a little for topping), and chopped green onions (reserving a little for garnish).
Step 3: Assemble the Dish
- Mix Potatoes: Add the cooked and drained potatoes to the sauce mixture. Gently toss to coat the potatoes evenly with the sauce.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Transfer the potato mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out in an even layer.
- Top with Butter and Bacon: Drizzle the melted butter over the top of the potatoes. Sprinkle the reserved crumbled bacon on top.
Step 4: Bake
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Step 5: Serve
- Garnish: Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Garnish with the reserved green onions and chopped fresh parsley.
- Serve: Serve the Mississippi Mud Potatoes hot as a hearty side dish.
Tips for Perfect Mississippi Mud Potatoes:
- Potato Choice: Russet potatoes work well for this recipe, but you can also use Yukon Gold or red potatoes for a slightly different texture.
- Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack, Colby, or Pepper Jack, for added flavor.
- Bacon: For a smokier flavor, use thick-cut bacon or add a dash of liquid smoke to the sauce mixture.
- Make Ahead: You can assemble the dish ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Just increase the baking time slightly if baking from cold.
Enjoy these rich and flavorful Mississippi Mud Potatoes as a delicious and comforting addition to any meal!