Must-Make Crack Potatoes | The Recipe Critic

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Just like the name says, these crack potatoes are so good you’ll be addicted! It’s an easy, cheesy side dish that the whole family will love. Shredded potatoes covered in a cheesy ranch sauce topped with bacon. What could be better?

I’m a little potato obsessed. They’re so hearty and filling, and you can serve them up in a million different ways! A few of my favorite recipes that you need to try: parmesan garlic roasted potatoes, garlic butter hasselback potatoes, and of course- air fryer French fries for a quick and easy treat!

Crack Potatoes Recipe

Crack chicken is one of my all-time favorite comfort foods, so I decided to try it out in potato form! This is a tasty and effortless side dish that’s perfect for any occasion. (There’s never a wrong time for cheesy goodness!) This recipe is super simple to follow, requiring only a handful of ingredients and a few minutes of prep. Which is lucky because if your kids are anything like mine, they’re going to be asking for this all the time! It’s too cheesy and delicious to resist.

The potatoes come out crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. They’re packed with flavor from a blend of seasonings and cheese, making them the perfect side dish for any hearty meal! Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just your family, crack potatoes are sure to be a hit and will quickly become a staple in your recipe collection. Need more cheesy potatoes in your life? Try these baked parmesan garlic potato wedges next!

Ingredients for Crack Potatoes

With just a few simple ingredients, you can create this delicious, cheesy side dish! Crack potatoes are absolutely delicious and your family will devour them. They’re so irresistible! All measurements can be found in the recipe card below.

• Cream Cheese: Makes the sauce soft and creamy.
• Sour Cream: Adds moisture and tangy flavor!
• Dry Ranch Dressing Mix: Ranch dip mix makes each bite of the potato casserole extra flavorful. You can buy packaged ranch dressing powder or make your own!
• Onion Powder: For a pop of savory flavor.
• Salt and Pepper: Season to taste!
• Cooked Bacon: I always like to use precooked bacon or real bacon bits. It makes prep so easy!
• Cheddar Cheese: For the best flavor, try grating your own cheddar!
• Shredded Hash Brown Potatoes: I used shredded hash browns, but feel free to swap these out for cubed potatoes. It’s fun to switch up the texture!

How to Make Crack Potatoes

It’s so easy! All you have to do is add all of your ingredients to a casserole dish and pop it in the oven. Crack potatoes is a simple side dish and comfort food at its finest.

1. Preheat Oven, Prep Pan: Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Then lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Chop Bacon: Chop the cooked bacon and save ¼ cup for the top of the potatoes.
3. Cheese Mixture: In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, 2 cups shredded cheese, cooked chopped bacon, ranch seasoning, onion powder, and salt and pepper. Then mix together until combined. 
4. Add Potatoes: Stir in the frozen shredded hash brown potatoes and then mix well. Then spoon into the prepared pan. 
5. Add Cheese and Bake: Sprinkle the shredded cheese on top of the potatoes. Then cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Remove the foil then bake for an additional 5 minutes so the cheese is melted and bubbly. 
6. Add Garnish: Garnish with the ¼ cup reserved chopped bacon, chopped green onions, or chopped parsley if you desire.
7. Enjoy: Serve warm and enjoy!