Hashbrowns, Cheesy Goodness, Bacon, and Sour Cream all in a Casserole. What’s Not to Like?
Cracker Barrel restaurants—why are they so popular? These comfort-food hot spots are famous for meals that are not quite fit for a supermodel’s diet. Their breakfast extravaganzas make you want to take a nap after you dine. The cute, country-themed gift shops full of toys, holiday decorations, and home décor add charm. And it’s not just a Southern eatery—you can find them in New York and Las Vegas!
And like any popular restaurant chain, Cracker Barrel’s fans have their favorite entrées that are copied by other restaurants and in recipe books. Cracker Barrel’s Hash Brown Casserole is one of the stars on its menu. And this version—Crack Potatoes—is very similar, with hash browns, cheesy deliciousness, bacon, and sour cream.
Potato dishes have long been known as a favorite, savory comfort food. And this casserole is perfect for a chilly winter evening or a super decadent Sunday brunch.
Why This Casserole Never Ceases to Amaze
Described as so good that it’s addictive, this combo of potatoes drenched in ranch dressing with bacon on the top will surely please even the most decadent food lover in your family. Crispy and creamy at the same time, this dish is also super easy to make—no tedious potato peeling involved!
Does this dish get you super psyched for spuds? Then you might want to try this New Potato recipe. Dill, chives, and parsley make this one a winner. More of a baked potato fan? Check out this Baked Potatoes with Garlic Herb Sour Cream recipe. The topping will make your guests beg for more.
What Kind of Bacon Works Best?
That’s really up to you. Hickory smoked will, of course, taste different than Canadian bacon. And, of course, there is Irish bacon—also thick like Canadian—and Pancetta, sometimes known as Italian bacon (although it’s technically not bacon), is a suitable substitute, too. It’s cured longer than bacon and adds a lot of spice to your Crack Potatoes. Looking to get a little more health-conscious with this dish? You can try turkey or duck bacon. You can also use bacon alternatives, such as tempeh or eggplant.
Can I Save It for Later?
Yep! Stir your ingredients together, put your mix in an airtight container, and stick it in the fridge—it will keep for up to two days. Then, when you’re ready to bake, let your mix get to room temperature for 30 minutes first. If you want to save this for even later, cover the mix with tinfoil and stick it in the freezer. It will stay tasty for up to two months. Then, thaw in the fridge overnight, and bake as per the instructions.
Want to Up the Flavor?
Hand-shred fresh cheddar cheese instead of using the packaged kind. Pre-grated, store-bought cheese uses preservatives such as potato starch to prevent the shreds from making a big lump in the package, which prevents them from having a top-notch melt when cooking. If you freshly grate your own cheese, the lack of additives will give you a less clumpy and more smooth mix.
What Will Pair Well with My Crack Potatoes?
Hmmm. Well, everything is good with this delish dish. But try a meat entrée for a decadent, satisfying dinner. Want to make your rich-food-loving romantic partner swoon? How about some Easy Oven Baked Beef Ribs? Yummy fall-off-the-bone ribs with this decadent Cracked Potatoes Dish will leave any foodie in shock—in a good way. If you prefer your ribs the pork way, try these Juicy Boneless Pork Ribs. The caramelized barbecue sauce adds extra zing.
You could also give a cluck by making a chicken entrée to go with your tasty casserole, like these Baked Chicken Thighs. Even though chicken breasts seem to rule as the favored chicken part, thighs have more flavor as they contain more fat—and as everyone knows, fat translates to flavor. Dijon mustard and seasonings add to this dish’s tastiness factor.
Whatever you choose to serve them with or without—Crack Potatoes make a fine breakfast dish all by themselves—you and your guests will savor the flavor!
Crack Potatoes
Ingredients Â
- 1 32-ounce package frozen shredded hash brown potatoes, thawed
- 2 cups sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cooked bacon crumbled
- 1 1-ounce package ranch dressing mix
InstructionsÂ
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, mix together the sour cream, cheddar cheese, cooked bacon, and ranch dressing mix until well combined.
- Fold in the thawed hash brown potatoes until they are completely coated with the sour cream mixture.
- Transfer the potato mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the potatoes are heated through.
- Serve hot as a delectable side dish to your favorite main course.
Leave a Comment