A side dish is an important part of every angler and hunters’ meals. Some folks settle for beans or some canned concoction. As a camp cook, I am always looking for something unique that the campers will enjoy and brag about.
At one elk camp, I had several leftover cans of Mountain Dew soda. No one was drinking them so I thought I would incorporate them into the dinner. I already wrote about using Mountain Dew in fresh fish fries. Here is the side dish to go with that special meal.
Hillbilly SPUDS was born! I have also seen this recipe on Cowboy Camp Cook Kent Rollins recipe website.
- 6 Russet potatoes sliced into ¼ inch slices with the skin left on. I have also used golden Tates for this tasty recipe.
- 1 pound of bacon sliced into 1-inch pieces
- 2 diced yellow onions. If you can find Vidalia onions use them. They are sweeter and delicious. I get sets from Georgia each year for my garden.
- 2 jalapenos diced.
- 4 minced garlic cloves.
- 4-6 cups of Mt Dew soda. Get a liter bottle.
Season to taste using whatever flavors you enjoy. I have used Montreal Steak Seasoning and Old Bay in the past.
Shredded Parmesan cheese for sprinkling on top.
You will be baking in a preheated Dutch Oven or home oven at 400 degrees. Place the potatoes in cold water as you slice them. This will remove excess starch and keep them clean. Cook the bacon in a skillet for about 3-4 minutes. You want them to be halfway done.
Add the onions and cook for 3 more minutes until the onions become tender.
Spread the bacon mixture into the Ditch Oven or baking dish. Drain the Tates and add them to the mix. Layer the Tates and bacon mix. Stir in the garlic and add the Mountain dew until it reaches halfway up the Dutch Oven or baking dish.
Now add your seasonings. Kent Rollins markets his own Original Seasoning that is tasty.
Cover it and place it in the oven. Cook for 35-40 minutes, until the Tates are tender. Stir twice while cooking. Be careful not to overcook. Add more Mountain Dew if more liquid is needed. You want the Tates to be moist, not dry. When done, top with cheese and serve.
This Mountain Dew Tates recipe goes great with the Mountain Dew batter fried fish recipe. You will not be disappointed!
Enjoy that Good Old Mountain Dew!
Montana Grant
