These Baked Cheddar Ranch Potatoes are the perfect side dish! Crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, they are loaded with yummy cheddar cheese and zesty ranch flavor.
As you pop them in the oven, you’ll be dreaming of all the cheese goodness! I love serving these with burgers or grilled chicken—trust me, they disappear fast!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Baby Potatoes: These small potatoes are perfect for this recipe because they cook evenly and have a nice creamy texture. If you can’t find baby potatoes, small Yukon gold or red potatoes work well too. Just make sure to cut them into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
Ranch Seasoning: A store-bought ranch seasoning mix saves time, but you can easily make your own using dried herbs and spices like parsley, dill, and buttermilk powder. This lets you customize the flavor. I enjoy a blend with a bit of extra garlic for more zesty kick!
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar brings a rich flavor that’s hard to beat. If you’re looking for a milder cheese, try using medium cheddar or even a mix of cheeses like Monterey Jack. If you’re dairy-free, use plant-based cheese options.
Bacon: For a vegetarian option, you can skip the bacon or use bacon bits made from mushrooms. They provide a similar savory crunch without the meat. If you love the taste but want less grease, turkey bacon could be a nice alternative!
How Do I Achieve Crispy Potatoes?
Getting that perfect crispy edge on baked potatoes is all about the right preparation and cooking method. Here’s how to do it:
- Start by cutting your potatoes into even-sized pieces to ensure consistent cooking.
- Make sure they are well-coated in olive oil. This is crucial for achieving a crispy texture.
- Spread them out on your baking sheet in a single layer. Crowding them can lead to steaming instead of roasting.
- Flip the potatoes halfway through the baking time. This promotes even browning and crispiness on all sides.
Following these steps will give you that golden, crispy finish that makes these potatoes truly irresistible!
Baked Cheddar Ranch Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Potatoes:
- 3 pounds baby potatoes or small Yukon gold potatoes, halved or quartered
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning mix (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Topping:
- 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped
- Optional: sour cream for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish will take about 10 minutes to prep and around 40-45 minutes total, including baking time! Just pop it in the oven, and while it cooks, you can relax or prepare any sides you like.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is perfect for getting your potatoes crispy. While the oven is heating up, line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a large baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Potatoes:
In a large bowl, toss the halved or quartered potatoes with olive oil. Add the ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until the potatoes are evenly coated with the seasonings—this is where all the flavor comes in!
3. Spread the Potatoes for Baking:
Arrange the seasoned potatoes in a single layer on your baking sheet or in the prepared baking dish. This helps them cook evenly and get that lovely crispy texture.
4. Bake Until Tender and Crispy:
Bake your potatoes in the oven for about 30-35 minutes. They should be tender on the inside and crispy on the edges. To achieve this, flip the potatoes halfway through the baking time, so they brown evenly on all sides.
5. Add the Cheddar Cheese:
Once the potatoes are done baking, take them out of the oven and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. This will make them extra cheesy and delicious!
6. Melt the Cheese:
Return the potatoes to the oven for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and is bubbly. The aroma will be irresistible!
7. Garnish and Serve:
After removing the potatoes, sprinkle crumbled cooked bacon and chopped chives over them for an added crunch and flavor. If you like, serve them warm with a dollop of sour cream on the side—yum!
Enjoy these cheesy, flavorful baked potatoes with a creamy ranch twist!
Can I Use Other Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! While baby potatoes or small Yukon golds work best, you can also use red potatoes or even regular russet potatoes. Just make sure to cut them into similar sizes for even cooking.
What If I Don’t Have Ranch Seasoning?
No problem! You can easily make your own ranch seasoning by combining dried herbs like dill, parsley, garlic powder, and onion powder. Adjust the amounts to your taste, and use about 1 tablespoon for this recipe.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftover baked cheddar ranch potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes or until warmed through, or use a microwave for a quicker option.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Yes! To make it vegan, simply substitute the cheese with a plant-based cheese alternative, skip the bacon, or use coconut bacon for a smoky flavor. You’ll still have a delicious potato dish everyone can enjoy!
