Loaded Crack Potatoes

         Yes, this is the original recipe. I thought that I would bring it to you again since it is such a heavily requested recipe. This is super easy to make ahead or even freeze for a later time. When you want a dish that is packed full of flavor, has an easy to follow recipe and is super easy to make, look no further than you are right now!

            This is a dish I turn to when I want something quick for a side dish. It could certainly be changed a little to make it a full meal. My crew loves it as a side, so I keep it as such.

            This even makes a great breakfast meal for the Holidays or even the weekends. Think about it, there really is not a time of day that ranch and bacon should not be eaten. Mix it with hash browns and it is perfect all the way around.

            For those who want to make this a one pan meal, you could add in some shredded rotisserie chicken, or some cooked ground beef. I have used ring sausage and guys! You would not believe how wonderful that tastes in this dish. That surprised even me! Since you already have the crumbled bacon, you could dice up two cups of ham and mix that in. I would imagine that any meat that you add to a dish this wonderful on it’s own would taste amazing together!

Frequently Asked Questions:

            Why is it called Crack?

The reason behind a food being called Crack is that the food is super addictive. It started as a play on words, but has apparently become a thing now.

            Should I thaw the hash browns?

Like all frozen foods, hash browns will leak water as they thaw. So I definitely thaw mine in advance.

            Can I use fresh potatoes?

Normally I say fresh is always best. However, since it is potatoes, there really is not much difference. If you have some potatoes sitting in your pantry that need to be eaten, go ahead and chop them or dice them up.

            What can I serve with Crack Potatoes?

I generally serve this with sausage rolls. You could pair this dish with grilled chicken, or grilled pork.

What do you need to make Loaded Crack Potatoes

            ⅓ cup of freshly chopped green onions

            2 pounds of frozen hash browns

            1 cup cooked and crumbled bacon

            16 ounces of sour cream

            1 packet of Ranch seasoning mix

            2 cups shredded Cheddar Cheese

How to make Loaded Crack Potatoes

FIRST STEP:

Preheat the oven to 350*

Lightly spray a 9 x 13 baking dish with a good non stick spray

SECOND STEP:

In a large bowl mix together the frozen hash browns, crumbled bacon, sour cream, green onions, 1 cup of cheese and the ranch seasoning mix

Stir to combine well

THIRD STEP:

Put the mixture in the bottom of the prepared baking dish

Cover with aluminum foil

FOURTH STEP:

Bake covered for 45 minutes

Remove the aluminum foil cover, sprinkle on the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese and bake for another 15 minutes.

a)

b)

Enjoy!

YUM!