Place the shredded hash browns directly into the crockpot, even if they are frozen.

Add the entire container of French onion dip, followed by the shredded cheddar cheese.

Pour in the 1.5 cups of heavy cream (or your preferred substitute like half and half, or a can of cream of chicken/cream of mushroom soup).

Mix and stir all the ingredients thoroughly in the crockpot.

Cook on low for approximately 4 hours, ensuring the potatoes are fully cooked, and the cheese is melted to perfection.

In a separate dish, melt the 1/4 cup of butter and combine it with the crushed Ritz crackers, creating a Ritz cracker crust.

Spread the Ritz cracker crust over the cooked potatoes in the crockpot.

Continue cooking for an additional 30 minutes, allowing the crust to set.

Optionally, for a crispier top, you can transfer the crockpot mixture to the oven for a brief period.

Serve these Crockpot Party Potatoes as a delightful and flavorful side dish, or consider them as a main dish for a satisfying meal.