Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

1. Peel and Dice the Potatoes:
   • Peel 6 cups of potatoes and dice them into uniform 1-inch cubes. Uniform pieces ensure even cooking.
   • If you’re not baking the dish immediately, soak the diced potatoes in cold water to prevent browning, then drain and pat them dry before use.
2. Cook and Crumble the Bacon:
   • Cook 8 strips of bacon in a skillet or in the oven until crispy.
   • Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces. Set aside 1 cup of crumbled bacon for the recipe.
3. Shred the Cheese:
   • Shred 1 cup of cheddar cheese. Freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese, which may have anti-caking agents.
4. Chop the Onion:
   • Finely chop 1/2 cup of onion. Smaller pieces will blend into the dish better and enhance the overall flavor.
5. Mince the Garlic:
   • Mince 3 teaspoons of fresh garlic. Fresh garlic adds a fragrant and robust flavor to the dish.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

• Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
• A lower oven temperature allows for slow baking, ensuring the potatoes become tender while allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 3: Combine the Ingredients

1. Mix the Potatoes and Add-Ins:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced potatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, minced garlic, and chopped onion.
   • Toss the ingredients together to ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the dish.
2. Add the Mayonnaise:
   • Add 3/4 cup of mayonnaise to the potato mixture.
   • Stir everything together until the potatoes are well-coated. The mayonnaise acts as a creamy binder, helping the cheese and bacon adhere to the potatoes during baking.

Step 4: Prepare the Baking Pan

1. Grease the Pan:
   • Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or non-stick cooking spray. This step ensures the potatoes won’t stick to the pan, making cleanup easier.
2. Transfer the Potato Mixture:
   • Pour the potato mixture into the prepared baking pan.
   • Spread it out evenly so the potatoes are in a single layer, which helps ensure even cooking.

Step 5: Bake the Potatoes

1. Bake the Dish:
   • Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 1 1/2 hours.
   • The slow baking process allows the potatoes to cook fully and absorb all the flavors from the cheese, bacon, garlic, and mayonnaise.
2. Monitor for Browning:
   • After about an hour, check the potatoes to ensure the top isn’t browning too quickly. If necessary, cover the dish loosely with foil to prevent the top from over-browning while the potatoes finish cooking.

Step 6: Achieve Golden Perfection

1. Check for Doneness:
   • After 1 1/2 hours, the potatoes should be tender and the top golden brown. Test the potatoes by piercing them with a fork; they should be soft and easily pierced.
2. Fix Common Issues:
   • If the top isn’t browning enough, uncover the dish for the last 10-15 minutes of baking to allow the top to crisp up. If the top is browning too quickly, keep the foil on longer during baking.

Step 7: Serve the Dish

1. Cool Slightly:
   • Remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool for 5-10 minutes. This cooling period helps the dish set, making it easier to cut and serve without falling apart.
2. Serve Hot:
   • Serve the Mississippi Mud Potatoes hot. It pairs well with grilled meats, barbecues, or as a comforting side for family dinners.
   • Optionally, garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a pop of color and extra flavor. A dollop of sour cream on top can also provide a tangy contrast to the rich, creamy dish.