Loaded Crack Potatoes

Here is the best loaded crack potatoes recipe that is the perfect side dish. It can feed a crowd and it’s sure to please everyone who tries it. Have you ever tried crack potatoes? This side dish is going to blow your mind with the flavor, the ease of making it, and just how satisfying these potatoes really are!

They are almost identical in flavor to your favorite loaded baked potatoes.

Filled with bacon, sour cream, green onions and cheese, this family friendly loaded crack potatoes recipe is always a hit in my home! Seriously, it is hard to imagine a side dish could even come close to the flavor packed in this dish. 

When you hear “loaded crack potatoes” when it comes to food, you know it is going to be the best dish you have ever tasted!

Yes, this dish is powerfully addictive, and you will learn that with the first bite.

Scroll to bottom for printable recipe card.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It’s budget-friendly and tastes wonderful! This recipe is capable of feeding a crowd.
• It is the perfect side dish for grilled meats and can also be served with a mixed greens dinner salad. Try air fryer green beans or honey butter skillet corn for additional sides that are nutritious with this quick loaded crack potatoes recipe.
• You can find most of these ingredients in your refrigerator or pantry at home.
• This recipe is so versatile you can make a healthy loaded crack potatoes version with additional veggies and healthy toppings.

Crack Potato Ingredients

• Package of frozen hashbrowns
• Sour cream
• Crumbled bacon pieces
• Ranch seasoning mix
• Cheddar cheese shredded
• Fresh chopped green onions

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

Frozen hashbrowns: You can peel and grate whole potatoes to use in place of the frozen hash browns. You will need to squeeze out the excess moisture before adding to the other ingredients. Prep time will increase slightly if you choose to go this route.

Sour cream: For another tangy substitute, you can try replacing the sour cream in this recipe with unflavored natural yogurt.

Bacon pieces: I highly recommend using real bacon bits or cooking your own bacon for this recipe.

Cheddar cheese: Cheddar cheese is the preferred cheese for this recipe. However, try alternatives such as Monterey jack or even Gruyere, depending on your preferences! I also highly recommend using fresh blocks of cheese whenever you’re melting cheese in a recipe for the best results.

Fresh chopped green onions: These add another layer of flavor and are ideal if you’re seeking healthier homemade loaded crack potatoes ideas for this recipe. You can omit them entirely and swap them for onion powder if you’re not a fan of the texture of green onions.

How to Make It

Step 1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. As you’re oven’s preheating, prepare the additional ingredients you plan to use in these loaded crack potatoes for the best results.

Step 2. Mix the frozen hashbrowns and sour cream together.

Then, add the crumbled bacon pieces.

Next, add 1 cup of cheddar cheese.

Then, add the green onions if you’re using them.

After adding the green onions, add the ranch seasoning mix.

Mix until well combined.

Step 3. Layer the ingredients into the bottom of a well-greased 9×13 baking dish.

Step 4. Cover the mixture with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.

Step 5. Remove the foil, add the additional cup of cheddar cheese, and bake for an additional 15 minutes before serving. Once it’s uncovered, you can also switch your oven to “broil” after the final 15 minutes of cooking. Keep an eye on your oven if you’re broiling these potatoes to a golden brown, rather than burning the cheese!

PIN FOR LATER 🙂

Tips for Success

Plan your ingredients ahead of time so you minimize prep time as you’re making these loaded crack potatoes. Choose a potato that is soft, such as Yukon gold potatoes, if you’re swapping the frozen hashbrowns for potatoes.

Storage & Reheating

Once cooled, this simple loaded crack potatoes meal can be stored in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. You can freeze the loaded crack potatoes in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. They should be thawed overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

These potatoes can be placed into a baking dish and covered with foil. Place them in a preheated 325-degree (Fahrenheit) oven for 10 to 15 minutes. You can also microwave them until the desired temperature is reached.

Serving Suggestions

These loaded crack potatoes are extremely hearty, filling, and satisfying on their own. Because of the richness of this dish, I highly recommend serving your crack potatoes alongside a salad or vegetable. Think “Italian green beans” or roasted green beans with olives, sundried tomatoes and goat cheese. Absolutely delicious! You can also pair these potatoes with a healthy green or Italian salad, depending on the ingredients you have on hand.

FAQs

Do I have to use frozen hashbrowns?

No you do not! You could use chopped or diced potatoes for this delicious side dish. You will need to adjust the cooking time since the potatoes will be thicker than hash browns. They should be cooked in one manner or the other, such as boiling or baked prior to mixing in with the other ingredients.

Do I need to thaw the hash browns before adding them to the rest of the ingredients?

No, frozen hash browns will cook nicely in the dish. There is no need to thaw the frozen store-bought hash browns prior to use.

Notes

You can prepare your hash browns from traditional potatoes but be sure to do so before you are preheating your oven to save on gas and energy.

More potato recipes to try:

Fried Potatoes with Onions – If you’re looking for a delicious and easy recipe, look no further than Fried Potatoes Onions and Smoked Polish Sausage.

Oven Seasoned Potatoes – Do you find yourself looking for new recipes the kids will like? Well, look no further than this easy and amazing side that everyone in the family will love.

Melting Potatoes – Simply amazing and delicious! We enjoy crispy potatoes very much!