Description
Warm, creamy, and loaded with bacon and cheddar, Crack Potatoes are the ultimate crowd-pleasing side dish with a decadent ranch-cream base.
Ingredients
Scale
- 5 lbs Russet Potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 (8 ounce) package Cream Cheese, softened
- 1 cup Sour Cream
- 1/2 cup Butter, melted
- 1 (1 ounce) package Ranch Dressing Mix
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1 lb Bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese, divided
- 1/4 cup Chopped Green Onions, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Peel and cube the potatoes into roughly 1-inch pieces. Place them in a large pot, cover with cold water, and add about a teaspoon of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until fork-tender.
- Prepare an ice bath. Drain the potatoes and transfer them to the ice bath for about 5 minutes to cool completely. Drain and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and melted butter. Add the ranch dressing mix, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Beat with an electric mixer until smooth and well combined.
- Add the cooled potatoes to the bowl with the creamy mixture. Gently mash the potatoes into the mixture, being careful not to overmix.
- Add about 3/4 of the cooked and crumbled bacon and 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese to the potato mixture. Gently fold in until evenly distributed.
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Pour the potato mixture into the dish and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon over the top.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven, let cool for a few minutes, and garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Notes
For a dairy-free version, substitute dairy-free cream cheese and sour cream alternatives. Great for making ahead and refrigerating before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: Crack Potatoes, Loaded Potatoes, Creamy Potatoes, Side Dish, Comfort Food