Crack Potatoes Recipe

Introduction

Crack Potatoes are a rich and comforting side dish that’s bursting with flavor. With tender baked potatoes mixed with a creamy ranch sour cream blend, crispy bacon, and melted cheddar cheese, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs Russet Potatoes (washed)
• 8 slices Bacon (cooked and chopped)
• 3 Tbsp Butter (melted)
• 1 packet Ranch Seasoning Mix (1 oz packet)
• 1 cup Sour Cream
• 2 cups Cheddar Cheese (shredded)
• 1/2 tsp Salt
• 1/2 tsp Pepper
• 1 green Onion (diced)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
2. Step 2: Peel and dice the potatoes into approximately 1 inch pieces. Place the potatoes in a large mixing bowl and toss them with the melted butter, salt, and pepper.
3. Step 3: Transfer the potatoes into an 8×8 baking pan. Cover the pan with foil and bake for 40-50 minutes until the potatoes are tender.
4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, stir together the sour cream, ranch seasoning mix, half of the chopped bacon, and half of the cheddar cheese. Pour this mixture on top of the cooked potatoes. Gently stir to coat the potatoes evenly.
5. Step 5: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and chopped bacon over the top.
6. Step 6: Bake uncovered for 5-7 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Step 7: Remove from the oven, top with the diced green onions, and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crispiness, use smoked bacon and crisp it well before adding.
• Swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese to add a bit of heat.
• Add cooked and crumbled sausage for a heartier dish.
• Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a tangier, lighter option.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through. To maintain the best texture, cover with foil when reheating in the oven to prevent drying out.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of potato?

Russet potatoes are ideal for their fluffy texture when baked, but Yukon gold potatoes work well too for a creamier texture.

Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the potatoes and sour cream mixture ahead, then assemble and bake just before serving for best results.

Crack Potatoes Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 63 reviews

Crack Potatoes are a creamy, cheesy, and savory side dish featuring tender oven-baked russet potatoes mixed with a delicious blend of ranch seasoning, sour cream, bacon, and cheddar cheese. This crowd-pleasing recipe is perfect for family dinners or potlucks, delivering rich flavors and satisfying textures with minimal effort.

• Author: Windy
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50-57 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 12 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Potatoes

• 2 lbs Russet Potatoes (washed)
• 3 Tbsp Butter (melted)
• 1/2 tsp Salt
• 1/2 tsp Pepper

Bacon and Cheese Mix

• 8 slices Bacon (cooked and chopped)
• 1 cup Sour Cream
• 1 packet Ranch Seasoning Mix (1 oz packet)
• 2 cups Cheddar Cheese (shredded)

Garnish

• 1 green Onion (diced)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking the potatoes evenly.
2. Prepare Potatoes: Peel and dice the washed russet potatoes into approximately 1-inch pieces. Place them in a large mixing bowl, then toss the potatoes with melted butter, salt, and pepper to coat evenly.
3. Bake Potatoes: Transfer the coated potatoes into an 8×8 inch baking pan. Cover the pan with foil and place it in the oven to bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
4. Mix Sour Cream and Cheese: In a separate bowl, combine the sour cream, ranch seasoning mix, half of the chopped bacon, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix well to combine all ingredients smoothly.
5. Combine Mixture with Potatoes: Remove the baked potatoes from the oven and pour the sour cream mixture over them. Gently stir the potatoes to thoroughly coat them in the creamy ranch mixture.
6. Add Toppings: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and chopped bacon evenly over the top of the coated potatoes.
7. Melt Cheese: Return the pan to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese has fully melted and is bubbly.
8. Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with diced green onions. Serve the Crack Potatoes warm for the best flavor experience.

Notes

• Russet potatoes work best for baking as they become tender and fluffy inside.
• Baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so check potatoes with a fork for tenderness.
• You can substitute the ranch seasoning mix with your favorite dry ranch powder or homemade blend.
• For extra crisp bacon, cook it in a skillet beforehand or bake it separately in the oven.
• This dish pairs well with grilled meats or as a hearty side for any meal.

Keywords: crack potatoes, cheesy potatoes, ranch potatoes, baked potatoes, cheesy bacon potatoes, easy potato side dish