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Cheesy Crack Potatoes Recipe Easy and Perfect for Family Meals

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Tender potatoes smothered in a rich, cheesy sauce with crispy bacon and onion, perfect as a comforting side dish for family meals and potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 pounds small to medium Yukon Gold or red potatoes, washed and cut into bite-sized chunks
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 3 stalks green onions, thinly sliced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook the bacon in a cold skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Drain on paper towels and crumble once cool. Save a little bacon fat if desired.
  3. Wash and dry the potatoes, then cut into roughly 1-inch chunks. Leave skins on if preferred.
  4. In a large bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth. Add smoked paprika or cayenne if using.
  5. Add the potato chunks to the sauce mixture and fold gently to coat evenly.
  6. Transfer the coated potatoes into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle shredded cheddar evenly over the top, then add crumbled bacon.
  7. Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes until potatoes are tender and cheese is bubbly and golden. If top browns too fast, loosely cover with foil after 30 minutes.
  8. About 5 minutes before finishing, sprinkle sliced green onions on top.
  9. Let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes before serving to thicken the sauce.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the baking dish to ensure crispiness. Use room temperature sour cream and mayonnaise for smooth mixing. Rest casserole after baking to thicken sauce. For extra crispy edges, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end, watching carefully to prevent burning. Frozen potatoes can be used if thawed and patted dry. Vegetarian and dairy-free adaptations are possible.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheesy potatoes, cheesy crack potatoes, bacon potatoes, potato casserole, family meals, comfort food, easy side dish