Cracked Out Mashed Potato Casserole - mashed potatoes loaded with cheddar, bacon, and ranch. SO easy and tastes AMAZING!!! Instant mashed potatoes, hash browns, cream cheese, butter, cheddar cheese, ranch dressing mix, bacon, sour cream, and crushed Ritz crackers. Can make in advance and refrigerate or freeze for later. Great for a crowd! #casserole #makeahead #freezermeal #potatoes #mashedpotatoes #bacon #hashbrowns
Preheat oven to 350ºF. Lightly spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
Prepare instant mashed potatoes according to package directions.
In a large bowl, combine cooked mashed potatoes, butter, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, sour cream, ranch mix, and bacon. Stir in shredded hash browns. Spread in prepared pan.
Combine 1/4 cup melted butter with Ritz crackers. Sprinkle on top of casserole.
Bake, uncovered, for 45 to 60 minutes.
Notes:
Can prepare through step 4 and refrigerate or freeze for later.To bake after freezing, thaw completely and bake as directed in step 5.Omit Ritz crackers for a gluten-free casserole.Can substitue a small can of french fried onions for Ritz crackers and butterDo not make the ranch dressing. Only use the dry packet mix.Increase or reduce the amount of ranch dressing mix to your personal preference.