Why make this recipe

Crack Potatoes are a delicious and easy dish that everyone will love. They combine creamy flavors with the wonderful taste of potatoes. Plus, it’s a great side for family dinners or parties. With minimal effort, you can create a dish that is sure to impress.

How to make Crack Potatoes

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs baby potatoes (or russet potatoes cut into chunks)
• 1 packet ranch dressing mix (or homemade ranch seasoning)
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup cooked bacon bits (or 6-8 strips of bacon, crumbled)
• 2 tbsp melted butter
• 1/4 cup green onions, chopped (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Prepare the Potatoes: If using baby potatoes, cut them into halves or quarters. If using larger russet potatoes, cut them into bite-sized chunks. Place the potatoes in the slow cooker.

2. Mix the Sauce: In a bowl, combine the ranch dressing mix, cream cheese, shredded cheddar, sour cream, melted butter, and cooked bacon bits. Stir until smooth and well combined.

3. Season: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Pour the mixture over the potatoes in the slow cooker, stirring to coat the potatoes evenly.

4. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours, until the potatoes are tender.

5. Finish and Serve: Once cooked, stir the potatoes to mix everything together. Top with extra shredded cheese and green onions, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness!

How to serve Crack Potatoes

Serve Crack Potatoes hot as a side dish. They pair wonderfully with grilled meats, roasted chicken, or even on a buffet table. Add a sprinkle of extra cheese or a few chopped green onions on top for a lovely presentation.

How to store Crack Potatoes

To store leftover Crack Potatoes, let them cool completely and then place them in an airtight container. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave or in the oven until heated through.

Tips to make Crack Potatoes

• Use fresh baby potatoes for the best flavor and texture.
• If you like it spicy, add some diced jalapeños or hot sauce to the mix.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties, such as pepper jack or mozzarella, for a different twist.

Variation

For a lighter version, you can use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and replace cream cheese with a lower-fat alternative. You could also add steamed vegetables like broccoli or cauliflower for added nutrition.

FAQs

1. Can I make Crack Potatoes ahead of time?

   • Yes, you can prepare everything in the slow cooker and cook it just before serving. You can also assemble it the night before and refrigerate, then cook in the morning.

2. Can I use regular potatoes instead of baby potatoes?

   • Absolutely! Just cut them into smaller chunks to ensure they cook evenly.

3. What can I use instead of bacon?

   • You can skip the bacon entirely or use turkey bacon, or even add other toppings like sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor.