Mississippi Mud Potatoes

If you’re craving something creamy, cheesy, and comforting — without the bacon — this Cheesy Garlic Potato Bake will be your new favorite side dish! It’s a golden, bubbling casserole of tender potatoes, melty cheese, and the irresistible aroma of roasted garlic and onions.

Instead of bacon, we’ll use smoked turkey or ham — a classic, crowd-pleasing substitute that gives the same savory satisfaction but with a lighter touch. This version is a hit at family dinners, potlucks, and holidays. Everyone loves it because it’s hearty, simple, and loaded with flavor.

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Ingredients 🥔🧅🧀

• 6 cups potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• ¾ cup mayonnaise
• 1 cup smoked turkey or ham, cooked and diced (as a substitute for bacon)
• 3 teaspoons garlic, minced
• ½ cup onion, chopped

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Directions 👩‍🍳

1️⃣ Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or cooking spray. This ensures the potatoes won’t stick and gives the dish a beautiful golden edge.

2️⃣ Prepare the Ingredients:
In the baking pan, combine the diced potatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, smoked turkey or ham, minced garlic, and chopped onion. Gently toss everything together so the ingredients are evenly distributed.

3️⃣ Add the Mayonnaise:
Spoon the mayonnaise over the potato mixture. Using a large spoon or spatula, stir gently until all the potatoes are well coated in that creamy, cheesy goodness. The mayonnaise helps bind everything together while keeping the inside rich and moist.

4️⃣ Bake Until Golden:
Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for 1½ hours, or until the potatoes are tender and the top turns beautifully golden brown. If you like a crispier top, switch to broil for 2–3 minutes at the end (just keep a close eye to avoid burning!).

5️⃣ Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the casserole hot — straight from the oven. The cheese will be melty, the edges crispy, and the garlic aroma absolutely mouthwatering.

This dish is perfect as a side for roasted chicken, grilled steak, or baked fish, but honestly, it’s satisfying enough to stand on its own!

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Why This Recipe Works ❤️

This dish is a true example of comfort food done right. Each bite brings the perfect blend of creamy, cheesy, and garlicky goodness with a smoky undertone from the turkey or ham.

• 🧀 Cheddar Cheese gives it richness and that signature gooey texture.
• 🥔 Potatoes form the hearty base that soaks up all the flavors.
• 🧄 Garlic and onion bring warmth and depth.
• 🍗 Smoked Turkey or Ham adds that savory, smoky taste bacon would, but it’s lighter and loved by all ages.
• 🥄 Mayonnaise creates a creamy sauce that keeps the bake moist without needing cream or butter.

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Helpful Tips for Perfect Results 🌟

• Use Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes — they hold up well when baked and soak up flavor perfectly.
• For extra cheesiness, sprinkle a bit more cheddar on top during the last 10 minutes of baking.
• Want it even creamier? Add ½ cup sour cream or a splash of heavy cream before baking.
• You can make this dish ahead of time! Prepare it up to the baking step, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake it fresh for that perfect texture.

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Serving Ideas 🍽️

This Cheesy Garlic Potato Bake pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes:

• Roasted chicken with herbs 🌿
• Grilled salmon or baked tilapia 🐟
• BBQ ribs or smoked brisket 🍖
• A simple green salad 🥗 to balance the richness

And of course, don’t forget a warm slice of crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce!

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Why Everyone Loves It 💛

This recipe has been a staple at potlucks, family dinners, and holiday feasts for years. The smoky turkey makes it feel special, while the simplicity keeps it comforting and familiar. It’s a dish that brings people together — whether you’re celebrating, feeding a crowd, or just craving something cozy.

Families love it because it’s:

• Easy to make
• Budget-friendly
• Kid-approved
• Totally customizable

You can also play around with add-ins like green onions, bell peppers, or even broccoli for a veggie boost.

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Storing & Reheating 🧊🔥

If you somehow end up with leftovers (which is rare!), here’s how to keep them delicious:

• Store: Cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.
• Reheat: Warm individual portions in the microwave or the full pan in the oven at 325°F until hot.
• Freeze: For long-term storage, portion into airtight containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen for a quick side dish.

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Final Thoughts 🌻

This Cheesy Garlic Potato Bake without bacon proves that comfort food doesn’t need to be complicated — or loaded with heavy ingredients — to taste amazing. It’s creamy, savory, perfectly golden, and sure to please everyone at your table.

Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s a favorite at family gatherings everywhere. Whether served alongside a main course or as the star of your meal, this dish guarantees one thing — there won’t be any leftovers!

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