Cheesy Crack Potatoes Recipe Everyone Loves

Crispy, golden-brown crack potatoes burst with flavor that’ll make your taste buds dance with excitement.

These irresistible potato bites pack a serious punch of deliciousness that keeps everyone coming back for more.

Every single piece is perfectly seasoned and baked to crunchy perfection.

The secret ingredient adds an unexpected twist that elevates this simple side dish into something extraordinary.

Weeknight dinners and weekend gatherings will never be the same once you master this addictive potato recipe.

Serve these alongside your favorite main course and watch as everyone devours them in minutes.

Prepare to be the culinary hero at your next meal.

How To Serve Crack Potatoes Comfortably

• Party Platter Perfection: Create a stunning appetizer spread by arranging these crack potatoes on a large wooden board with small dipping sauces like ranch or sriracha mayo.
• Brunch Buddy: Serve alongside scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, and fresh fruit for a hearty weekend morning meal that will wow your guests with minimal effort.
• Potluck Powerhouse: Transport this dish in a warm casserole carrier and watch it become the star of any gathering, with friends begging for the recipe after the first bite.
• Game Day Goodness: Pair with cold beer, chicken wings, and other finger foods for the ultimate sports viewing experience that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.

How To Store Crack Potatoes Easily

Keep leftovers in airtight containers, refrigerated for 3-4 days. Ensure the container seals tightly to maintain freshness and prevent moisture.

• Quick Reheating Trick: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. For crispy texture, use the oven at 350F, spreading potatoes in a single layer and heating for 10-15 minutes.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Wrap portions in freezer-safe plastic wrap or containers. Can be frozen up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating. Label with date for easy tracking.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare the entire dish ahead of time and refrigerate uncooked. When ready to serve, bake directly from the refrigerator, adding 10-15 extra minutes to cooking time. Perfect for busy weeknights or planned gatherings.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 367 kcal

Servings: 7

Ingredients Needed For Crack Potatoes

• Sour Cream: Adds rich, tangy creaminess and helps bind ingredients together.
• Cream Cheese: Provides smooth texture and deepens the luxurious flavor profile.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: Creates a velvety sauce and enhances overall savory notes.

• Garlic Powder: Delivers quick, concentrated aromatic punch without chopping.
• Onion Powder: Offers subtle sweetness and depth without raw onion texture.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to elevate and balance all other ingredients.

• Hash Browns: Brings hearty potato base with crispy potential and comforting starchiness.
• Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully, adding sharp, golden color and robust cheese flavor.
• Bacon: Introduces smoky, crispy element with irresistible salty crunch.
• Green Onions: Provides fresh, sharp garnish with bright color and mild onion zest.
• Parsley: Offers light, fresh herb accent and vibrant green visual appeal.

Gear For Crack Potatoes

• Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining all ingredients smoothly and thoroughly.
• 9×13-inch Baking Dish: Perfect for spreading the potato mixture evenly and creating a golden-brown top.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring ingredients and folding in bacon and potatoes.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Cheese Grater: Useful if you're grating your own cheddar cheese.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for chopping green onions or parsley for garnish.

Steps To Make Crack Potatoes

• Oven Warmup

Crank up the oven to a toasty temperature that’ll make your kitchen feel cozy. Grab a baking dish and give it a quick spray or butter rub to prevent any sticky situations.

• Creamy Potato Magic

Dive into mixing magic by combining all those delicious dairy friends – sour cream, cream cheese, and melted cheddar. Sprinkle in some flavor boosters like garlic and onion powder to wake up those taste buds.

• Potato Party

Toss those beautiful shredded potatoes into the creamy mixture, making sure every single potato piece gets a luxurious coating. Crumble some crispy bacon throughout for that irresistible smoky crunch.

• Baking Brilliance

Spread your potato masterpiece evenly in the prepared dish. Send it into the hot oven and let the transformation begin. Watch as it turns golden and bubbles with excitement.

• Final Flourish

Pull out your gorgeous creation and shower it with remaining bacon bits and a sprinkle of fresh green onions. Serve immediately and watch everyone’s eyes light up with pure deliciousness.

Helpful Tips For Crack Potatoes

• Pro Freezer Prep: Assemble the entire casserole in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with aluminum foil, and freeze uncooked for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Replace bacon with crispy vegetarian bacon bits or smoky roasted mushrooms for a meat-free version that maintains the rich, savory flavor profile.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the potato mixture up to 24 hours in advance and store covered in the refrigerator. This allows flavors to meld and makes dinner prep a breeze.
• Low-Carb Twist: Swap traditional hash browns with cauliflower rice or riced turnips to create a lower-carbohydrate alternative that's equally delicious and satisfying.
• Spice It Up: Add diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a dash of smoked paprika to introduce a warming heat that complements the creamy potato base.

Loaded Crack Potatoes Recipe

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4.9 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Creamy crack potatoes showcase a crowd-pleasing side dish that combines crispy bacon, melted cheese, and ranch seasoning. Potato lovers will adore this simple yet irresistible comfort food you cannot stop eating.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 lbs (907 g) frozen hash browns (thawed) or 5 cups peeled and shredded potatoes
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup cooked and crumbled bacon
• 16 oz (454 g) sour cream
• 8 oz (227 g) cream cheese, softened
• 10.5 oz (298 g) cream of chicken soup
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsps chopped green onions or parsley (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prep Station: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and facilitate easy serving.
2. Flavor Foundation: In a large mixing bowl, whisk sour cream, cream of chicken soup, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until achieving a silky, well-integrated sauce.
3. Potato Integration: Gently fold hash browns into the creamy mixture, ensuring each potato strand is completely enveloped by the seasoned sauce, then incorporate most of the crumbled bacon, reserving a small portion for garnishing.
4. Baking Process: Spread the potato mixture evenly in the prepared dish, creating a uniform layer that promises consistent cooking, then bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes until the top turns golden-brown and edges become bubbly.
5. Finishing Touch: Remove from oven and immediately scatter reserved bacon crumbles and freshly chopped green onions or parsley across the surface, enhancing both flavor and visual presentation, then serve piping hot for maximum enjoyment.

Notes

• Potato Selection: Choose fresh, high-quality hash browns or shredded potatoes for the best texture and flavor, ensuring a creamy and consistent result.
• Bacon Crispiness: Cook bacon until extra crispy before crumbling to add a satisfying crunch and enhance the overall depth of flavor in the dish.
• Cheese Melting Tip: Allow cream cheese to soften completely at room temperature to prevent lumps and create a smoother, more integrated sauce.
• Dietary Modification: For a lighter version, substitute low-fat sour cream, reduced-fat cheese, and turkey bacon to decrease calories while maintaining delicious taste.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 367
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 726 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 11 g
• Cholesterol: 56 mg