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#### Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
1. **Boil the Potatoes**: Start by peeling and dicing the russet potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Place them in a large pot of salted water and bring to a boil. Cook the potatoes for about 10-12 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork.
2. **Drain and Season**: Drain the cooked potatoes and return them to the pot. Drizzle with olive oil, then season with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss gently to coat the potatoes evenly with the seasonings.
#### Step 2: Make the Sauce
1. **Mix the Sauce Ingredients**: In a medium bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, heavy cream (or milk), Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, and ground cumin (if using). Stir until the sauce is smooth and well combined.
2. **Taste and Adjust**: Give the sauce a quick taste and adjust the seasoning if needed—add more salt, pepper, or a bit of extra mustard for tanginess.
#### Step 4: Add the Toppings
1. **Top with Cheese**: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese) generously over the top of the potato mixture.
2. **Add Bacon and Green Onions**: If you’re using bacon, sprinkle the crispy bacon bits over the cheese. Then, scatter the chopped green onions over the top for a burst of color and flavor.
#### Step 5: Bake the Mississippi Mud Potatoes
1. **Preheat the Oven**: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. **Bake**: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are golden brown.
3. **Optional Broil**: If you prefer a crispier top, you can broil the dish for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end of baking. Just be sure to watch it closely so it doesn’t burn.
### Tips for Perfect Mississippi Mud Potatoes:
– **Cheese Options**: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even a sharp blue cheese can all add different layers of flavor.
– **Add Veggies**: For a more balanced dish, you can toss in some cooked vegetables like broccoli or corn to complement the potatoes.
– **Make Ahead**: You can prepare the dish up to the point of baking, then cover and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven straight from the fridge, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.
– **Customize the Toppings**: You can get creative with toppings by adding jalapeños for some heat, or adding a drizzle of ranch dressing for an extra creamy touch.