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Ingredients for Mississippi Mud Potatoes
To make these indulgent potatoes, you’ll need:
- 4 large russet potatoes, diced
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for extra flavor)
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Skillet for cooking bacon
- Knife and cutting board
- Foil to cover the dish while baking
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Prepare the Potatoes
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Wash and peel the russet potatoes, then dice them into bite-sized cubes. Place them in a large pot of salted water and bring to a boil. Cook the potatoes for about 10 minutes, until they are fork-tender. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Bacon
While the potatoes are boiling, cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and crumble it into small pieces. Set aside, leaving a little bacon grease in the skillet for flavor.
3. Prepare the Cheese Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, shredded cheddar, and mozzarella. Stir in the minced garlic, crumbled bacon (save some for topping), and smoked paprika (if using). Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Assemble the Dish
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter. Add the cooked potatoes to the dish and gently toss them with the cheese and bacon mixture until evenly coated. Smooth the top, and sprinkle the reserved bacon and extra cheese over the potatoes.
5. Bake
Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top.
6. Serve
Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving. These potatoes pair wonderfully with grilled meats, BBQ ribs, or roasted chicken.
Recipe Tips and Variations
1. Add Vegetables: If you want to add a bit of color and nutrition, consider stirring in some sautéed bell peppers, onions, or even mushrooms to the potato mixture.
2. Spice It Up: For a little heat, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese mixture. You can also use pepper jack cheese for an extra kick.
3. Try Different Cheeses: While cheddar and mozzarella are classic choices, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Gouda, Colby Jack, or even sharp blue cheese for a stronger flavor.
4. Make it Lighter: For a lighter version, swap out the sour cream and mayonnaise for Greek yogurt. You can also use turkey bacon instead of traditional pork bacon to cut down on fat.
Storing Leftovers
Mississippi Mud Potatoes store well, making them perfect for leftovers:
- In the fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or in the microwave for a quicker option.
- In the freezer: To freeze, allow the dish to cool completely and store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw the dish in the fridge overnight and bake at 375°F until hot and bubbly.
Food and Drink Pairings
Mississippi Mud Potatoes are rich and filling, so they pair best with simple, flavorful mains like grilled steak, BBQ chicken, or even a fresh green salad. For drinks, a cold beer or a glass of crisp, dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc can help cut through the richness of the dish.
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