Description
These Easy and Cheesy Ranch Baked Potatoes are a delicious and simple side dish featuring tender russet potatoes seasoned with ranch mix and topped with melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or party appetizer, they offer a flavorful twist on classic baked potatoes with minimal prep time.
Ingredients
Scale
Potatoes
- 3 large russet potatoes, chopped
Seasoning
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp ranch seasoning mix
- Garlic powder, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Salt, to taste
Topping
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or non-stick foil to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Prepare Potatoes: In a large bowl, toss the chopped russet potatoes with olive oil so they are evenly coated. Then add the ranch seasoning mix and stir well to distribute the flavors throughout the potatoes.
- Season Potatoes: Spread the seasoned potatoes evenly on the prepared baking sheet making sure they do not overlap. Sprinkle garlic powder, black pepper, and a pinch of salt over the potatoes to enhance the taste.
- Initial Bake: Cover the baking sheet with foil to retain moisture and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes to start cooking the potatoes through.
- Continue Baking: Remove the foil and bake the potatoes uncovered for an additional 20 minutes or until they are tender and have a light golden-brown color on the edges.
- Add Cheese: Take the baking sheet out of the oven and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the hot potatoes.
- Melt Cheese: Return the potatoes to the oven for 1-2 minutes to melt the cheese until bubbly and gooey. Remove from oven and serve warm.
Notes
- You can substitute the ranch seasoning mix with homemade ranch dip seasoning for fresher flavor.
- For crispier potatoes, spread them out in a single layer with space in between each piece.
- Add chopped green onions or crispy bacon bits on top after baking for extra flavor.
- Use a mix of cheeses like mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a different cheesy profile.
- This recipe works well as a side dish for grilled meats or as a hearty snack.
