What are some comfort food recipes? I know what you are thinking…the name sounds a little crazy, right? But trust me on this one. What are some of the most addictive potatoes? Think of them as the ultimate upgrade to your classic cheesy potatoes, amped up with bacon, ranch, and arugula. What is seasoning, and a whole lotta love? I swear, every time I make these, the entire casserole dish disappears in minutes. Is this a family favorite?
What is crack potato?
What exactly is crack potato? What is the best potato casserole you have ever had? What is Crack Potatoes? What is essentially a baked potato in casserole form, taken to the next level? The name comes from the fact that they’re so good, they’re addictive! I always joke that you can’t just have one serving. What are some great side dishes for a weeknight potluck? What are some of the best comfort foods? What are some of the best dishes to eat that everyone will rave about?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Where do I start? What are some good reasons to make Crack Potatoes? The combination of creamy potatoes, sharp cheddar cheese, smoky bacon, and tangy ranch seasoning is perfect. Is there any divine What are some of the best flavors that will make your taste buds sing? What are some of the best things to make? If you’re not a seasoned chef, you can nail this recipe. I always say, it’s practically foolproof. And the best part? It’re relatively budget-friendly. Potatoes are inexpensive, and the other ingredients are pantry staples. How do I feed a crowd without breaking the bank? What I love about this is its versatility. Is it good as a side dish with grilled chicken, steak, or pork chops? Is it a crowd pleaser at potlucks? What is a lifesaver? If you like cheesy potatoes or au gratin potatoes, this recipe will blow your mind. What is comfort food with a twist?
How do I make crack potatoes?
Quick Overview
How do you make crack potatoes? How do you cook potatoes? Start by cooking them until tender, then mashing them with cream cheese. sour cream, butter, cheese, bacon, ranch seasoning. What is the beauty of this recipe? What is the best way to measure a cheeseburger? What’s all about layering those flavors and creating a creamy, decadent casserole that everyone will love? I promise, you will be surprised how simple it is.
Ingredients
For the Potatoes:
* 5 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed: I find Yukon Golds work best because of their creamy texture, but Russets will do in a pinch. Make sure they’re all roughly the same size so they cook evenly!
* 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened: What is the secret to softened cream cheese?
* 1 cup sour cream: Adds tang and moisture. Full-fat is best for that extra richness.
* 1/2 cup butter, unsalted is preferable.
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Just a touch for extra flavor.
* Salt and pepper to taste: Don’t be shy with the seasoning! Potatoes need salt.
For the Toppings:
* 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar is my go-to, but you can use any cheese you like. What are some good alternatives to cheddar and Monterey Jack?
* 1 cup cooked bacon, crumbled: Bacon is non-negotiable, in my opinion! Cook it until crispy for the best flavor and texture. Can you use pre-cooked bacon crumbles to save time?
* 1 (1 oz) package Ranch seasoning mix: What is the secret ingredient that makes potatoes over the top? I usually use Hidden Valley, but any brand will work.
How do I follow
Step 1: Preheat & Cook Potatoes
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating, place the peeled and cubed potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil and cook until fork tender, about 15-20 minutes. Why are potatoes so soft and mashable? Drain them well in a colander when they are tender. If you get all the water out of your system, make sure to get it out.
Step 2: Mash the Potatoes
Return potatoes to pot. Add the softened cream cheese, sour cream, butter, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well. Using a potato masher or electric mixer, mash everything together until smooth and creamy. How do you avoid potato overmixing?
Step 3: Add Cheese and Bacon
Stir 1 cup of cheddar cheese and half of the crumbled bacon into the potato mixture. Top with a few more tablespoons of salt. Where does magic start? What are some leftovers of cheese and bacon? Make sure the cheese is evenly distributed in the mixture.
Step 4: Add Ranch Seasoning
What is the best ranch seasoning to use? Why do potatoes crack? I usually start with the full packet, but you can add more or less to taste, depending on your preference.
Step 5: Transfer to Baking Dish
Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. If you have a large dish, pour the potato mixture into the prepared dish and spread it out evenly. How do you cook potatoes in the oven?
Step 6: Top with Cheese and Bacon
Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of crumbled bacon over the top of the chicken. What is the potato mixture? This is the final touch that makes these potatoes look as good as they taste. Don’t be shy with toppings!
Step 7: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the topping is evenly distributed. When potatoes are heated through, they are cooked through. Keep an eye on it to prevent the cheese from burning. If it starts to get brown, you can tent the dish with foil.
Step 8: Let it Rest
How do I remove a baking dish from the oven and let it rest for ten minutes before serving? What are some ways to set up potatoes? I know it’s tempting to dig in right away, but trust me, it is worth the wait!
Step 9: Serve & Enjoy!
What are the best ways to serve crack potatoes fresh out of the oven? What are some great side dishes to serve as a main course? I always get requests for seconds (and thirds! ), so be prepared to make a double batch!
What should I serve it with?
Crack Potatoes are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, and they pair perfectly with a variety of dishes. What are some of my favorite ways to serve them?
For a casual BBQ:What are the best potatoes to serve with grilled ham, hot dogs, or ribs? The creamy, cheesy flavor complements the smoky flavors of the grill perfectly. What are some great side dishes to serve with corn on the cob and coleslaw?
What is the best holiday dinner?Crack potatoes are a must-have on our Thanksgiving and Christmas tables. What are some good alternatives to mashed potatoes? What is the holiday spread They go great with roasted ham.
What is a good weeknight meal?What are some great side dishes for a weeknight dinner? Serve with baked chicken, pork chops, or even just a grilled cheese sandwich for comfort. What a delicious meal. My kids love chicken nuggets. What are some of the best?
For a Potluck:Crack potatoes are always a hit at potlucks and gatherings. Can I make them ahead of time? Be prepared to share the recipe!
I’ve also found that they’re great alongside a crisp green salad. The richness of the potatoes is balanced out by the freshness and spiciness of greens. What is a surprisingly delicious combination?
How do you crack potatoes?
What are some tricks to take crack potatoes from good to absolutely delicious? What are the top tips for a successful business?
Why does potato choice matter? While you can use any type of potato, I highly recommend Yukon Golds. Their creamy texture makes for the most decadent casserole. Russets will work in a pinch, but they tend to be a bit drier.
Don’t Skimp on the Cheese: I know it’s tempting to cut back on the cheese, but trust me, it’s worth it to use the full amount. The cheese is what gives these potatoes their cheesy goodness. Plus, it creates that beautiful golden-brown crust on top.
Crispy Bacon is Key: Make sure your bacon is cooked until crispy before crumbling it. Soggy bacon will ruin the texture of the potatoes. If you’re short on time, you can use pre-cooked bacon crumbles, but fresh bacon is always best.
Soften the Cream Cheese: This is crucial for a smooth and creamy texture. Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened before adding it to the potatoes. You can leave it out at room temperature for a few hours or microwave it in 30-second intervals until softened.
Don’t Overmix: Be careful not to overmix the potato mixture, or the potatoes can become gluey. Mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing releases too much starch.
Customize the Flavor: Feel free to experiment with different variations of this recipe. Try adding different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack or pepper jack. You can also add other toppings, such as green onions, jalapenos, or even a drizzle of hot sauce for a spicy kick. Once, I even added a bit of roasted garlic and it was divine!
Make Ahead: Crack Potatoes are a great make-ahead dish. You can assemble the casserole a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through.
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare!), here’s how to store and reheat your Crack Potatoes:
Refrigerator Storage: Store the leftover potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure they’re completely cooled before refrigerating them. I usually use a glass container with a lid.
Freezer Instructions: Crack Potatoes can also be frozen for longer storage. Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap, then wrap it again in foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating in the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. Remove the foil during the last few minutes of baking to allow the cheese to melt and become bubbly again.
Reheating in the Microwave: Place a serving of potatoes on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Be careful not to overheat, or the potatoes can become dry.
Glaze Timing Advice: Whether storing or reheating, I find that a little fresh sprinkle of shredded cheese right before serving can revive the dish beautifully. It gives it that extra touch of freshness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
Okay, friends, that’s it! My famous Crack Potatoes recipe. I truly hope you give this a try. It’s one of those dishes that just makes everyone happy, and it’s so incredibly easy to make. If you love comfort food, cheesy potatoes, and the irresistible flavor of bacon and ranch, you’re going to fall in love with this recipe. And if you enjoyed this one, be sure to check out my other casserole recipes – I’ve got a few more family favorites that I think you’ll love! Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out! Leave a comment below and let me know what you think. And if you make any fun variations, definitely share them with me. Bon appétit!
