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Crack Potatoes 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.

Ingredients

Scale

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