Crack Potatoes are the ultimate comfort food: creamy, cheesy, and loaded with smoky bacon and ranch flavors. This dish is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion where you need something indulgent yet easy to make.
The rich, savory combination of potatoes, cream cheese, cheddar, and sour cream creates a velvety texture that pairs perfectly with the crispy bacon and fresh green onions. Plus, it’s cooked low and slow in the crockpot, making it a hassle-free addition to your weeknight meal rotation.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs baby potatoes, halved
- 1 packet ranch dressing mix
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Place potatoes in the slow cooker.
- In a medium bowl, mix ranch dressing mix, cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, and bacon crumbles.
- Pour the mixture over the potatoes and stir gently to coat.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Before serving, top with green onions and additional bacon if desired.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 4-5 hours | Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Crack Potatoes: The Creamiest, Cheesiest Side Dish You’ll Ever Try
When it comes to comfort food, few dishes are as satisfying as a cheesy, creamy potato dish. If you’re looking for a side dish that combines all the flavors you crave in one easy recipe, Crack Potatoes are the answer! This recipe is a crowd-pleaser and an absolute favorite for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or potlucks.
What Are Crack Potatoes?
Crack Potatoes are a slow cooker recipe made with tender baby potatoes, a creamy mixture of cream cheese, sour cream, and ranch seasoning, then topped with cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and green onions. It’s basically a mashed potato lover’s dream come true—creamy, cheesy, and utterly delicious. What makes these potatoes even better is that they cook effortlessly in your crockpot, freeing up your time to focus on other dishes or relax.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, this recipe comes together quickly. Just toss everything into the slow cooker and let it work its magic!
- Flavor-packed: The creamy ranch flavor combined with the sharp cheddar and smoky bacon gives these potatoes an irresistible taste. The potatoes soak up all the flavors as they cook, creating a rich and comforting dish.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re making it for a weeknight meal or serving it at a party, Crack Potatoes will be the first dish to disappear. They’re perfect for family meals, barbecues, potlucks, and holiday dinners.
- Versatile: You can easily adjust the recipe to suit your tastes. Add more cheese, toss in extra bacon, or even throw in some veggies for a customized take on this classic side dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Baby potatoes: Small, tender potatoes that cook quickly and absorb all the creamy goodness.
- Cream cheese: This adds the smooth, velvety base to the dish.
- Cheddar cheese: Shredded sharp cheddar cheese provides a bold, savory flavor.
- Sour cream: Adds creaminess and tang to the potatoes.
- Bacon: Crispy bacon bits give a smoky crunch that enhances the dish.
- Ranch seasoning mix: This brings everything together with a zesty ranch flavor.
- Green onions: These are optional but provide a fresh, slightly sharp contrast to the richness of the potatoes.
How to Make Crack Potatoes in the Slow Cooker:
- Prepare the Potatoes: Start by halving your baby potatoes and placing them in the bottom of your slow cooker. No need to peel them—the skins add texture and flavor.
- Mix the Creamy Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, ranch seasoning, and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until smooth and creamy.
- Layer the Ingredients: Pour the creamy mixture over the potatoes and stir to coat the potatoes evenly. Add in half of the cooked bacon crumbles for extra flavor.
- Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and set it to low for 4-5 hours. During this time, the potatoes will become perfectly tender, and the flavors will meld together beautifully.
- Finish and Serve: Once the potatoes are done, give them a gentle stir, and top with the remaining bacon crumbles and freshly chopped green onions. For an extra cheesy touch, you can sprinkle more cheddar cheese on top and let it melt before serving.
Serving Suggestions
These Crack Potatoes are rich and flavorful enough to stand on their own as a side dish, but they also pair wonderfully with grilled meats, roasted chicken, or a fresh salad. They’re perfect for barbecues, family gatherings, or even as a comforting side dish to your weeknight meals.
Tips and Variations
- Add More Flavor: For a spicier version, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the ranch mixture. You could also stir in some garlic powder for added depth.
- Make It Extra Cheesy: If you’re a cheese lover, feel free to add more shredded cheddar or experiment with other types of cheese like mozzarella or Monterey Jack.
- Top with Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley or chives can add a bright, herbal note to balance the richness of the dish.
- Use Larger Potatoes: If you don’t have baby potatoes on hand, you can substitute with regular potatoes, just make sure to cut them into smaller pieces so they cook evenly.
Why You’ll Make This Recipe Again and Again
Once you try Crack Potatoes, you’ll find yourself reaching for the recipe time and time again. Not only is it incredibly easy to make, but the combination of creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors will have you coming back for more. It’s the perfect comfort food that’s sure to be a hit at any gathering.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a delicious side to accompany your main dish, Crack Potatoes will be your new go-to recipe.
Why Are They Called Crack Potatoes?
The name “Crack Potatoes” might sound playful, but it’s no joke when you taste them! The combination of creamy, cheesy ingredients, smoky bacon, and the richness of sour cream and ranch seasoning is so addictive that you won’t be able to stop eating them. They’re the perfect balance of comforting and indulgent, making them a crowd favorite.
Perfect for Any Occasion
One of the best things about Crack Potatoes is their versatility. This dish is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family dinner, a backyard barbecue, or a potluck. Because it’s made in the slow cooker, it’s also incredibly easy to make, which means you can spend less time cooking and more time enjoying the company of your loved ones. And the best part? It’s an easy, hands-off recipe, so you don’t have to stand over the stove for hours.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
The ingredients for Crack Potatoes are simple but packed with flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Baby potatoes: These small, tender potatoes are perfect for this dish as they cook quickly and soak up all the creamy goodness.
- Cream cheese: This forms the base of the creamy sauce and provides a rich, velvety texture that perfectly complements the potatoes.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Cheddar adds a sharp, savory flavor that brings the dish to life.
- Sour cream: Adds a tangy creaminess that balances out the richness of the cream cheese.
- Bacon: The crispy bacon crumbles add a savory, smoky crunch that’s hard to resist.
- Ranch seasoning: The ranch mix brings that signature zesty flavor that makes this dish so irresistible.
- Green onions: These provide a burst of freshness and a little crunch, making them the perfect garnish for this dish.
How to Make Crack Potatoes:
Making Crack Potatoes in your slow cooker is as easy as it gets. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
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Prepare the Potatoes: Start by halving the baby potatoes and placing them into the slow cooker. There’s no need to peel them – the skin adds texture and flavor.
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Mix the Creamy Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, ranch seasoning, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This is the base of the flavor-packed sauce.
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Coat the Potatoes: Pour the creamy sauce over the halved potatoes in the slow cooker. Toss gently to coat the potatoes evenly with the sauce mixture. Add half of the crumbled bacon at this stage for extra flavor.
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Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook the potatoes on low for 4-5 hours, or until they are fork-tender. The slow cooker does all the work for you, allowing the flavors to meld and the potatoes to soak up the creamy sauce.
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Garnish and Serve: Once the potatoes are done, give them a gentle stir and sprinkle the remaining bacon crumbles on top. Add the remaining shredded cheddar cheese and allow it to melt. Garnish with freshly chopped green onions for a fresh, flavorful finish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple and Effortless: Crack Potatoes are incredibly easy to prepare. With minimal prep time, you just toss everything into the slow cooker and let it do the work. It’s a perfect set-it-and-forget-it dish that requires very little attention.
- Cheesy and Creamy Goodness: The creamy mixture of cream cheese, sour cream, and ranch seasoning creates a rich and velvety coating for the potatoes. The shredded cheddar cheese and bacon add a burst of flavor that will leave you wanting more.
- Ideal for Feeding a Crowd: Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or attending a potluck, Crack Potatoes are the perfect side dish to feed a crowd. This recipe makes enough to serve several people, so everyone can indulge in this creamy, cheesy goodness.
Customization Ideas:
- Make It Spicy: If you like a little heat, add some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the mixture for a spicy kick.
- Add More Veggies: Feel free to toss in some chopped bell peppers, onions, or spinach to add extra flavor and color to the dish.
- Vary the Cheeses: While cheddar is the classic choice, you can mix in other cheeses like Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even a little Parmesan for added flavor complexity.
Serving Suggestions:
Crack Potatoes pair wonderfully with grilled meats like chicken, steak, or pork. They also make a great side for roasted vegetables or a fresh salad. Whether you’re serving them at a barbecue, a family dinner, or a holiday feast, these potatoes will steal the spotlight every time.
Conclusion
Crack Potatoes are the epitome of comfort food: creamy, cheesy, and irresistibly delicious. With the convenience of the slow cooker, you can prepare this dish with minimal effort and maximum flavor. It’s an easy, no-fuss side that everyone will love and keep coming back for. Give it a try for your next gathering or as a side to your weekly meals – your taste buds will thank you!