Description
This Crack Potatoes recipe is a cheesy, creamy, and flavorful side dish that combines tender boiled potatoes with a ranch dressing and sour cream mixture, baked to perfection with melted cheddar cheese and crispy bacon on top. Finished with fresh green onions, this crowd-pleaser is perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients
Scale
Potatoes
- 2 pounds potatoes (peeled and cubed)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Dressing Mixture
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
Toppings
- 2 cups grated cheddar cheese (divided)
- 6 slices bacon (cooked and crumbled)
- 1 green onion (chopped)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) to get it ready for baking the potatoes later.
- Boil Potatoes: Place the peeled and cubed potatoes into a large pot filled with water. Bring to a boil over high heat and cook until the potatoes are fork tender, usually about 10-15 minutes. Drain well and transfer the potatoes to a 2-quart baking dish. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Prepare Dressing Mixture: In a medium bowl, mix together the ranch dressing, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and 1 cup of the grated cheddar cheese until well combined.
- Coat Potatoes: Pour the dressing mixture evenly over the potatoes in the baking dish. Toss the potatoes gently to coat them completely in the mixture.
- Bake Partially: Place the baking dish uncovered into the preheated oven and bake at 400°F for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the potatoes to absorb the creamy mixture.
- Add Toppings and Finish Baking: Remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese evenly on top, followed by the crumbled bacon. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle the chopped green onion over the top for a fresh and colorful finish. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- You can use red potatoes or Yukon gold for better texture if desired.
- For a spicier flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dressing mixture.
- Cook bacon in advance to save time, or substitute with cooked sausage crumbles for variation.
- If you prefer a lighter version, reduce the amount of cheese or use a reduced-fat sour cream and ranch dressing.
- Make sure not to overboil the potatoes to prevent them from becoming mushy.
