Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
- Cook Bacon:
- In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Leave about 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the skillet.
- Cook Onion and Garlic:
- In the same skillet with the bacon grease, add the chopped onion and cook over medium heat until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 2: Assemble the Dish
- Mix Potatoes:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed potatoes, cooked bacon, cooked onions and garlic, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, melted butter, chopped chives, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder. Stir until all the ingredients are well combined and the potatoes are evenly coated.
- Transfer to Baking Dish:
- Pour the potato mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
Step 3: Bake the Potatoes
- Bake:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 60 minutes. After 60 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
- Garnish:
- Once the potatoes are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Garnish with additional chopped chives if desired.
- Serve:
- Serve the Mississippi Mud Potatoes hot as a delicious side dish to your favorite main course.
Tips for Perfect Mississippi Mud Potatoes
- Potato Size: Make sure to cut the potatoes into uniform 1/2-inch cubes to ensure even cooking.
- Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a spicy pepper jack for a different flavor profile.
- Bacon Alternative: If you prefer, you can use turkey bacon or pancetta in place of regular bacon.
- Make-Ahead: You can assemble the dish a day ahead, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven.
Conclusion
Mississippi Mud Potatoes are a flavorful and satisfying side dish that combines creamy, cheesy goodness with the smoky flavor of bacon. This dish is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any gathering where comfort food is a must. With its easy preparation and irresistible taste, it’s sure to be a hit at your table. Enjoy making and devouring this delectable recipe!