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Crack Potatoes Recipe

The Ultimate Addictive Cheesy Crack Potatoes

This Crack Potatoes Recipe combines creamy textures, bold flavors, and a crunchy topping to create an irresistibly addictive side dish. Perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or comfort food cravings, it delivers crowd-pleasing results with simple preparation.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Calories: 285

Ingredients
  

Base Ingredients
  • 2 pounds frozen hash brown potatoes or fresh, finely diced russet potatoes
  • 1 can condensed cream of chicken soup 10.5 oz
  • 16 oz sour cream full-fat recommended
  • 8 oz cream cheese softened to room temperature
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese freshly shredded
  • 1 packet ranch dressing mix
  • 1/2 cup butter melted
  • 1/2 cup green onions finely chopped
Topping Excellence
  • 2 cups cornflakes cereal lightly crushed
  • 1/4 cup butter melted
  • 1/2 cup cheddar cheese additional, shredded

Equipment

  • 9x13 Baking Dish
  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Whisk
  • Spatula
  • Measuring Cups

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together cream of chicken soup, sour cream, softened cream cheese, and ranch dressing mix until smooth.
  2. Fold in 2 cups of freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese and chopped green onions.
  3. Gently fold in the hash brown potatoes, ensuring every piece is coated with the creamy mixture. Pat fresh potatoes dry if using to prevent excess moisture.
  4. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly. Drizzle 1/2 cup melted butter over the top.
  5. In a separate bowl, combine crushed cornflakes with 1/4 cup melted butter and 1/2 cup additional cheddar cheese to create the topping.
  6. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil, add the cornflake topping, and bake an additional 15-20 minutes until golden brown and bubbling, with an internal temperature of 165°F.

Notes

Use freshly shredded cheese for optimal melting. Thaw frozen hash browns for 30 minutes to prevent a watery casserole. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze unbaked casserole for up to 3 months, adding 10 minutes to baking time if cooking from frozen. Reheat in a 325°F oven for 20 minutes for best texture.
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