Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

1. Dice the Potatoes:

Start by scrubbing the potatoes to remove any dirt, and then dice them into small, bite-sized cubes. You want the pieces to be uniform in size so they cook evenly.

2. Parboil the Potatoes:

Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a boil. Add the diced potatoes and cook them for about 10 minutes, just until they start to become tender. You don’t want them fully cooked, as they will continue to cook in the oven. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Bacon and Cheese Mixture

1. Cook the Bacon:

While the potatoes are boiling, cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Once done, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain and cool. Once cool, crumble the bacon into small pieces.

2. Shred the Cheese:

Shred your cheddar cheese (or your preferred cheese) and set aside. Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded, but you can use whichever you have on hand.

Step 3: Mix the Creamy Sauce

1. Combine the Wet Ingredients:

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sour cream, melted butter, and milk. This mixture will help to create that rich, creamy sauce that will coat the potatoes.

2. Season the Sauce:

Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper if you like a bit of heat in your dish.

Step 4: Assemble the Mississippi Mud Potatoes

1. Layer the Potatoes and Sauce:

In a large greased baking dish (9×13 works well), spread half of the parboiled potatoes. Pour half of the creamy sauce mixture over the potatoes, making sure they are well-coated.

2. Add the Cheese and Bacon:

Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese and half of the crumbled bacon over the saucy potatoes. This ensures that every layer is packed with flavor.

3. Repeat the Layers:

Add the remaining potatoes on top, followed by the rest of the sauce, cheese, and bacon. Make sure the top layer is evenly coated with the cheese and bacon so it gets nice and crispy during baking.

Step 5: Bake the Potatoes

1. Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Bake the Casserole:

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 40 minutes. After 40 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown, and the potatoes are tender.

3. Garnish and Serve:

Once the Mississippi Mud Potatoes are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for about 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions, parsley, or extra sour cream, and serve warm.