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Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the Potatoes:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the diced potatoes and cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until they are just tender but still hold their shape. Drain the potatoes well.
3. Prepare the Creamy Mixture:
- In a large bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until well blended.
4. Assemble the Dish:
- Add the cooked potatoes to the bowl with the creamy mixture and gently toss to coat. Stir in the crumbled bacon (reserve a small amount for topping) and 1 cup of the shredded cheese.
5. Transfer to Baking Dish:
- Spread the potato mixture evenly in the greased baking dish. Drizzle the melted butter over the top and sprinkle with the crushed Ritz crackers or potato chips.
6. Add the Final Toppings:
- Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and reserved bacon over the top.
7. Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
8. Garnish and Serve:
- Remove from the oven and allow the dish to cool for a few minutes. Sprinkle with chopped green onions for a fresh touch before serving.
Tips for Success
- Parboil the Potatoes: Make sure not to overcook the potatoes when boiling, as they’ll continue to cook in the oven.
- Customize the Toppings: Feel free to mix in or substitute ingredients like pepper jack cheese, smoked paprika, or even diced jalapeños for an extra kick.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the dish ahead of time, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.
Variations
- Loaded Style: Add more toppings like cooked sausage, sautéed mushrooms, or extra cheese for a “loaded baked potato” style dish.
- Spicy Kick: Incorporate some hot sauce or chopped pickled jalapeños into the creamy mixture for a spicier version.
- Vegetarian Option: Omit the bacon and add more vegetables, such as bell peppers or broccoli, for a meatless but still delicious dish.
Final Thoughts
Mississippi Mud Potatoes offer everything you could want in a comfort food dish: they’re creamy, cheesy, bacon-filled, and full of flavor. With its rich blend of ingredients, this dish is perfect for holidays, potlucks, or anytime you crave something hearty and satisfying. Whether you’re sharing it with a crowd or making it for a cozy night at home, these potatoes will leave everyone asking for seconds. Try them out, and enjoy a taste of Southern-style comfort!