Sizzling Golden Crispy Crack Potatoes Recipe for Potato Lovers

Potatoes take center stage in this irresistible crack potatoes recipe that delivers pure comfort on a plate.

Golden-brown edges and a satisfying crunch define every delectable bite.

Herbs and seasonings blend seamlessly, creating a mouthwatering side dish that steals the show at any gathering.

The simple ingredients transform ordinary spuds into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Cheese melts into crispy layers, adding depth and richness to each forkful.

Serve these addictive potatoes alongside your favorite main course and watch them disappear in minutes.

You’ll want to make a double batch to keep everyone happy.

Add Flavor with a Few Simple Upgrades

• Prep the potato mixture the night before and refrigerate, then bake right before serving for an easy crowd-pleasing dish.
• Assemble the casserole, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
• Skip the bacon and add diced bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture. Swap cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom for a meat-free version.
• Replace hash browns with cauliflower rice or riced turnips to reduce carbohydrate content. Use full-fat Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for added protein.
• Add a dash of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. Experiment with different cheese blends like pepper jack or smoked gouda to elevate the flavor profile.

Serving Crack Potatoes That Everyone Loves

• Party Platter Perfection: Slice into bite-sized squares and arrange on a large wooden board with extra crispy bacon bits and fresh herbs for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
• Brunch Companion: Pair with scrambled eggs, crispy toast, and fresh fruit salad for a hearty weekend morning meal that will delight family and friends.
• Game Day Touchdown: Serve in small individual ramekins as a delicious side dish during sports watching parties, allowing guests to scoop and enjoy easily with minimal mess.
• Potluck Star: Transport in a covered casserole dish and watch it become the most requested item at community gatherings, church potlucks, or family reunions.

Keep Potatoes Warm and Delicious Later

• Divide the casserole into individual serving sizes before refrigerating, making grab-and-go meals effortless throughout the week.
• Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, ensuring maximum flavor and food safety.
• Wrap portions tightly in freezer-safe wrap or containers, storing for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Warm individual servings in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or restore crispy texture by baking at 350F for 10-15 minutes, adding a sprinkle of extra cheese for renewed deliciousness.

FAQs

• Are hash browns the only potato option for this recipe?

No, you can use shredded potatoes or even diced frozen hash browns. Just ensure they’re thawed and well-drained before mixing.

• Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply omit the bacon or replace it with vegetarian bacon bits or smoked paprika for a similar smoky flavor.

• Is it necessary to use cream of chicken soup, or can I substitute?

You can replace cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup. Each will provide a slightly different flavor profile.

• How can I make this recipe less caloric?

Opt for low-fat sour cream, reduced-fat cream cheese, and less cheese. You can also use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon to cut down on calories.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 334 kcal

Servings: 8

Crack Potato Ingredient Guide

• Sour Cream: Adds tangy richness and helps bind ingredients together, choose full-fat version for best texture.
• Cream Cheese: Provides luxurious smoothness, allow to soften at room temperature for easy mixing.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: Creates velvety background flavor, opt for low-sodium version to control salt levels.

• Garlic Powder: Delivers subtle aromatic kick, fresher alternative to raw garlic.
• Onion Powder: Adds savory depth without chopping fresh onions.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasoning agents, use freshly ground black pepper for more intense flavor.

• Bacon: Brings smoky crunch and salty notes, crisp thoroughly before crumbling.
• Hash Browns: Provides hearty potato base, use frozen shredded variety for convenience.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully and adds sharp cheesy flavor, select medium or sharp cheddar.
• Green Onions or Parsley: Fresh garnish that adds brightness and visual appeal, chop finely for even distribution.

Tools for Crispy Cheesy Crack Potatoes

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining all ingredients smoothly and thoroughly.
• 9×13-inch baking dish: Perfect for spreading and baking the potato mixture evenly.
• Cheese grater: Useful for shredding fresh cheddar cheese if not using pre-shredded.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Precise measurements ensure the right flavor balance.
• Spatula or wooden spoon: Helps mix ingredients and fold in bacon and potatoes.
• Oven mitts: Protect hands when handling hot baking dish.

Bake Cheesy Potatoes Without Fuss

• Fire Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 375°F and grab a baking dish, giving it a quick spray of cooking oil to prevent sticking.

• Whip Together the Creamy Base

In a big mixing bowl, blend sour cream, cream of chicken soup, softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, and a sprinkle of garlic and onion powders until silky smooth.

• Fold in the Potato

Toss your hash browns into the creamy mixture, making sure every potato strand gets coated. Crumble in some crispy bacon, saving a few pieces for a killer topping.

• Bake to Golden Perfection

Spread the potato goodness evenly in your prepared dish. Pop it in the oven and let it sizzle for 40-45 minutes until the top turns a gorgeous golden brown and the edges start bubbling.

• Finish with Flavor Fireworks

Pull out your masterpiece and shower it with reserved bacon bits and a handful of fresh green onions. Serve immediately and watch everyone’s eyes light up!

Crispy Crack Potatoes Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 9 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Irresistible crack potatoes blend crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, and ranch seasoning into a legendary side dish. Ranch-seasoned potato bites deliver addictive flavors that will keep you reaching for more.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Ignite the oven to 375F (190C) and generously coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray.
2. Create Flavor Base: Whisk sour cream, cream of chicken soup, cream cheese, cheddar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper into a silky, uniform mixture.
3. Combine Ingredients: Fold thawed hash browns into the creamy sauce, ensuring each potato strand is thoroughly coated, then integrate crumbled bacon throughout the mixture.
4. Bake Potatoes: Transfer the potato mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly, and bake for 40-45 minutes until a golden-brown crust forms and edges bubble with delectable intensity.
5. Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, adorn with reserved bacon bits and freshly chopped green onions or parsley, then serve immediately while radiating irresistible warmth and flavor.

Notes

• Potato Precision: Use thawed hash browns at room temperature to ensure even mixing and consistent sauce coating.
• Bacon Brilliance: Crisp bacon thoroughly before crumbling to enhance texture and prevent sogginess in the final dish.
• Temperature Tip: Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to set and make serving easier without falling apart.
• Dietary Adaptation: Swap cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom for vegetarian option, or use low-fat dairy alternatives to reduce calorie content.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 321
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 553 mg
• Fat: 21 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 9 g
• Cholesterol: 38 mg