Crack Potatoes
Submitted by Keith DeBraal
Crack potatoes, a loaded hash brown casserole baked with sour cream, sharp cheddar, real bacon, and ranch seasoning until bubbly and golden. The cheesy, addictive potluck side everyone fights over.
YIELD
6 servingsPREP
20 minCOOK
45READY
60 minCall them dangerous for good reason. This loaded hash brown casserole hits every craving at once: tangy sour cream, sharp cheddar, smoky bacon, and a double dose of ranch seasoning, all baked into frozen hash browns until bubbly and golden.
There’s almost no technique to it. Stir the creamy, cheesy, savory ingredients together, fold in the hash browns, spread it in a pan, and bake. The ranch mix is the secret, packing in garlic, herbs, and savory punch without measuring a single spice.
The long bake is worth it: it sets the casserole and crisps the edges where the cheese caramelizes against the pan. A smart move from the original cook, it freezes beautifully, so divide it into smaller pans and stash some for later. Bring it to a potluck and watch the dish scrape clean.
Kitchen Tips
- Thaw the hash browns and pat them dry first. Excess ice and water make the casserole watery instead of creamy.
- Bake until the edges are deep golden and bubbling. That’s where the cheese crisps into the best bites.
- To freeze, assemble it unbaked, wrap in plastic then foil, and bake from thawed for the best texture.
Variations
- Add diced jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Swap the cheddar for a Mexican blend or pepper jack.
- Top with crushed cornflakes or french fried onions in the last 15 minutes for a crunchy crust.
Ingredients
Directions
Combine first 4 ingredients, mix in hash browns.
Spread into a 9×13 pan. Bake at 400 for 45 to 60 minutes.
I divided the potatoes into 3 small 7×7 disposable foil pans and froze them.
I wrapped them with plastic wrap and then foil.
Comments
I'm trying this. I'm add a pack of diced ham with the bacon bits we will see how it is good goooood. Thanks!
How did it turn out with the diced ham
I added green chili’s. We will see how it turns out tomorrow
Can you put this recipe in the crockpot and if so how long do you cook it?
Can you put this recipe in the crockpot and if so how long do you cook it?
I wouldn't add to a crackpot because you want the potatoes a bit crunchy and I'm not the frozen bag would work well. Try it and post if it's good I'll give it a shot.
What size bag of hash brown potatoes in ounces.
I used the Obrien potatoes instead, added green onions, sprinkled Italian style breadcrumbs on top then drizzled melted butter over it. Omgsh it was a big hit.
I added chopped onions and a couple dashes of cayenne pepper for some taste.