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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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