Hippy Skillet Cheesy Potatoes

The seasoned cubed hash browns, melted cheddar, cottage cheese, and ranch seasoning, are cooked right on the stovetop until creamy and cheesy with perfectly browned, crispy edges throughout.

Sometimes you just need a side of warm, cheesy potatoes, and these Hippy Skillet Cheesy Potatoes make it ridiculously easy. No peeling, chopping, boiling, or baking required—we make it easy by starting with frozen cubed hash browns and making the whole thing right in one skillet.

The potatoes are seasoned with Hippy All-Purpose Seasoning and ranch seasoning, then cooked in a little butter until they’re tender with those delicious browned, crispy bits throughout. Cottage cheese, shredded cheddar, and a splash of half-and-half get stirred right into the skillet to make everything creamy, cheesy, and seriously comforting.

And don't worry if some of those potatoes get a little extra brown on the bottom. Those crispy bits are the good stuff! Scrape them up and mix them right back in.

And, as always, make them your own. Toss in some crispy bacon, chopped green onions, yellow onions, jalapeños, or even switch up the cheese. Pepper jack, Colby Jack, mozzarella, or a combination would all be delicious.

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Easy. Cheesy. One skillet. Very little prep. Exactly the kind of side dish I love.

INGREDIENTS

• 4 cups frozen hash brown potatoes, cubed (I like Mr. Dells)

• 1 tbsp Hippy All-Purpose Seasoning

• 1 tbsp Ranch seasoning

• ¼ cup 2% low-fat cottage cheese

• 4 tbsp butter

• 1-1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or shredded cheese of choice)

• 2 tbsp half-and-half or milk

• Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Add-Ins

• Cooked and crumbled bacon

• Chopped green onions

• Diced yellow onion

• Diced jalapeños

• Extra shredded cheese for serving

DIRECTIONS

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and lightly spray with EVOO or avocado oil spray.

2. Add the frozen hash brown potatoes directly to the hot skillet and spread them into as even a layer as possible. Sprinkle with the Hippy All-Purpose Seasoning and ranch seasoning.

3. Cut 2 tablespoons of butter into small pieces and scatter them over the potatoes. Let the potatoes cook undisturbed for about 5–7 minutes so the bottoms have a chance to get golden and crispy.

4. Flip and continue cooking. Gently toss or turn the potatoes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and continue cooking for another 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are mostly tender and browned in spots.

5. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the cottage cheese and half-and-half and gently stir until the cottage cheese begins to melt into the potatoes.

6. Add 1 cup of the shredded cheese and gently fold everything together until the potatoes are evenly coated. If the mixture seems too thick, add another splash of half-and-half or milk. Once mixed, sprinkle the remaining half-cup of cheese on top.

7. Cover the skillet and cook over medium-low heat for about 5–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are completely tender and the cheese is melted and creamy.

8. Don't fear the crispy bits! If you get some browned or crispy cheese and potatoes stuck to the bottom, scrape them up and mix them right back in. Those little crispy bits add some of the best flavor.

9. Season with salt and black pepper as needed and serve warm. Top with extra cheese, bacon, or green onions if desired.

Tips

• Don't thaw the potatoes first. Add them straight from the freezer so they hold their shape better while cooking.

• Give them time to brown. Resist the urge to constantly stir during the first few minutes. Leaving them alone helps create those crispy golden edges.

• Want them extra creamy? Add another splash of half-and-half or milk at the end.

• Switch up the cheese. Cheddar is my go-to, but Colby Jack, pepper jack, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a combination all work.

• Add cooked bacon, green onions, diced onions, jalapeños, or whatever sounds good.

• Adding fresh onion? Sauté it in the skillet for a few minutes before adding the frozen potatoes so it has time to soften.

• Use pepper jack cheese or add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes for some added spice.