I absolutely love Cheesy Ranch Potatoes! They are the perfect combination of creamy, cheesy goodness with a hint of tangy ranch flavor. The tender potatoes are coated in a blend of melted cheese and zesty ranch seasoning, creating a mouthwatering dish that is sure to please everyone at the table.

Each bite is like a comforting hug, making it a must-have side dish for any meal. Whether served at a family gathering or enjoyed as a weekday treat, Cheesy Ranch Potatoes never disappoint.

Ingredients Needed for This Recipe

• 3 Large Potatoes, Cubed into 1/2 inch pieces
• 1 Cup Ranch Dressing
• 1/4 Cup Sour Cream
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt
• 1/4 teaspoon Pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Onion Powder
• 1/4 teaspoon Paprika
• 1 Cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
• 6 Slices Bacon

Instructions for Making Cheesy Ranch Potatoes

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
2. Place the diced potatoes into a large pot and cover them with cold water. Heat over high heat and bring the potatoes to a boil.
3. Lower the heat to medium-high and let it boil for 8-10 minutes until it is soft.
4. At the same time, in a medium-sized bowl, mix together the ranch dressing, sour cream, spices, and half of the cheese until fully blended.
5. Remove the water from the potatoes and transfer them into a spacious cast iron skillet or a 9×9 inch baking dish.
6. Pour the dressing blend over the potatoes and mix well to ensure they are thoroughly coated.
7. Cook in a preheated oven for 15 minutes, until the dish is heated through and bubbling.
8. While the potatoes are in the oven, fry the bacon in a large skillet on medium-high heat until it is crispy. Once cooked, transfer the bacon onto a paper towel-lined plate to drain the excess oil and then crumble it when it has cooled down.
9. Take out the pan from the oven and add the bacon and the rest of the cheese on top. Bake for an additional 3 minutes until the cheese is melted.

Tips for Perfecting the Recipe

Choose the Right Potatoes: The choice of potato can significantly affect the texture and flavor of your dish. Russet potatoes are great for their fluffy texture, while Yukon golds offer a buttery flavor and creamy texture. Red potatoes hold their shape well and can add a pop of color.

Cutting Potatoes Evenly: Ensuring your potatoes are cubed into even pieces is crucial for uniform cooking. Uneven pieces mean some potatoes may be overcooked and mushy, while others are undercooked.

Pre-Boiling Potatoes: Boiling the potatoes before baking them ensures they are fully cooked and tender inside. It also shortens the baking time, allowing the outside to get crispy while the inside remains soft.

Seasoning Well: Don’t be shy with the seasoning. Potatoes need a good amount of salt to bring out their flavor. The garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika not only add depth to the dish but also enhance the ranch and cheese flavors.

Mixing the Dressing: Thoroughly mix the ranch dressing, sour cream, and seasonings before adding them to the potatoes. This ensures every bite is flavorful.

Cheese Matters: Use a good quality cheddar cheese for the best melt and flavor. You can also experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella for stretchiness or a smoked gouda for a unique taste.

Bacon: For the best texture and flavor, cook the bacon until it’s crispy. This adds a delightful crunch and a smoky flavor that complements the creamy, cheesy potatoes perfectly.

Final Bake: Keep an eye on the dish during the final minutes of baking after adding the remaining cheese and bacon. You want the cheese to be perfectly melted and bubbly without overcooking the potatoes.

Serving Suggestions

Main Course Pairing: These cheesy ranch potatoes are versatile and can complement a wide range of main courses. They pair beautifully with grilled meats, such as steak, chicken, or pork chops. For a vegetarian option, serve alongside a hearty salad or grilled vegetables.

Breakfast or Brunch: Elevate your breakfast or brunch by serving these potatoes with eggs, whether it’s scrambled, fried, or in an omelet. They also make a great side for pancakes or waffles, adding a savory balance to a sweet breakfast.

With Dips: Serve these potatoes with additional ranch dressing, sour cream, or even a spicy aioli for dipping. This can turn them into a fun appetizer or snack during gatherings.

Garnishes: Add fresh garnishes to bring a pop of color and freshness to the dish. Chopped green onions, chives, or parsley not only add color but also enhance the flavors.

Storage Tips

Cooling Down: Allow the potatoes to cool to room temperature before storing them to prevent condensation inside the container, which could make the potatoes soggy.

Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The airtight container prevents the potatoes from absorbing odors from the fridge and also keeps them moist.

Freezing: Although you can freeze these potatoes, be mindful that the texture might change slightly upon reheating. Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container to prevent them from sticking together.

Reheating: To maintain the best texture, reheat the potatoes in the oven or on the stovetop. Microwaving can make them a bit soggy. If reheating from frozen, no need to thaw; just add a few extra minutes to the reheating time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these potatoes ahead of time? Yes, you can boil the potatoes and prepare the ranch mixture ahead of time. Assemble and bake just before serving for the best results.

Can I use bottled ranch dressing? Absolutely. Bottled ranch dressing works well in this recipe, offering convenience and consistent flavor.

Is it necessary to peel the potatoes? Peeling is optional. Leaving the skin on can add texture and nutrients. However, if you prefer a smoother texture, you can peel them.

Can I add other vegetables? Yes, you can add vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or broccoli to the dish. Just make sure to cut them into small pieces and adjust the cooking time accordingly.

What if I don’t have a cast iron skillet? No problem. Any oven-safe dish, like a 9×9 inch baking dish, will work. Just ensure it’s large enough to hold the potatoes without overcrowding.

Can I make this recipe lighter? For a lighter version, you can use low-fat ranch dressing and sour cream. You can also reduce the amount of cheese or use a low-fat cheese option.

How do I know when the potatoes are perfectly cooked? The potatoes are done when they are tender inside and golden and crispy on the outside. The cheese should be melted and bubbly.

Cheesy Ranch Potatoes

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INGREDIENTS

• 3 Large Potatoes Cubed into 1/2 inch pieces
• 1 Cup Ranch Dressing
• 1/4 Cup Sour Cream
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt
• 1/4 teaspoon Pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Onion Powder
• 1/4 teaspoon Paprika
• 1 Cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
• 6 Slices Bacon

INSTRUCTIONS

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
• Place the diced potatoes into a large pot and cover them with cold water. Heat over high heat and bring the potatoes to a boil.
• Lower the heat to medium-high and let it boil for 8-10 minutes until it is soft.
• At the same time, in a medium-sized bowl, mix together the ranch dressing, sour cream, spices, and half of the cheese until fully blended.
• Remove the water from the potatoes and transfer them into a spacious cast iron skillet or a 9×9 inch baking dish.
• Pour the dressing blend over the potatoes and mix well to ensure they are thoroughly coated.
• Cook in a preheated oven for 15 minutes, until the dish is heated through and bubbling.
• While the potatoes are in the oven, fry the bacon in a large skillet on medium-high heat until it is crispy. Once cooked, transfer the bacon onto a paper towel-lined plate to drain the excess oil and then crumble it when it has cooled down.
• Take out the pan from the oven and add the bacon and the rest of the cheese on top. Bake for an additional 3 minutes until the cheese is melted.