Baked Cheddar Ranch Potatoes are a tasty treat! They are soft on the inside, crispy on the outside, and bursting with cheesy goodness. Plus, ranch seasoning adds a yummy twist!
Honestly, who can resist cheesy ranch potatoes? I love serving these as a side dish. They’re perfect for family dinners or parties. Just don’t blame me if everyone asks for seconds! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Potatoes: Yukon Golds are my favorite for their buttery flavor and creamy texture. If you can’t find them, baby red potatoes work great too! Just make sure they are small enough to smash easily.
Olive Oil: This adds richness and helps crisp the potatoes. If you want to switch things up, avocado oil or melted butter can give a delicious flavor too.
Ranch Seasoning Mix: The seasoning is what gives these potatoes their standout flavor. You can make your own blend with dried herbs like dill, parsley, and onion powder if you have dietary restrictions.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives a nice bite, but you could use mild cheddar or even a cheese blend for a different taste. If you like a bit of spice, pepper jack is a fun option!
Bacon: Crispy bacon adds crunch. If you’re vegetarian, try using smoked paprika to mimic that savory flavor or crispy tofu for a protein boost.
Chives: Fresh chives add a pop of color and mild onion taste. Green onions are a great substitute, or even parsley for a herbier note.
How Do I Get the Perfectly Crispy Potatoes?
Getting those potatoes to be crispy is all about the right preparation. Start by boiling them just until tender but not fully cooked. This helps them smash easily without falling apart, which is their secret to crispiness.
- After boiling, let the potatoes cool a bit so they’re easier to handle.
- Gently smash them! This increases the surface area for crisping.
- Make sure to coat them evenly with olive oil and ranch seasoning.
- Baking at a high temperature (400°F/200°C) will ensure they get nice and golden.
Don’t skip the last step with adding cheese and bacon—this builds layers of flavor and texture that make these potatoes irresistible! Enjoy!
How to Make Baked Cheddar Ranch Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Potatoes:
- 2 lbs small Yukon Gold or baby potatoes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Toppings:
- 1 packet (about 1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 4 slices cooked bacon, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh chives, chopped (or green onions)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10-15 minutes for prep and around 30 minutes for baking, making the total time approximately 40-45 minutes. It’s a quick and delightful side dish that’s packed with flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by heating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature will help the potatoes get nice and crispy!
2. Prepare the Potatoes:
Wash the baby potatoes well to remove any dirt. Then, put them in a pot, cover them with water, and bring it to a boil. Cook the potatoes for about 10-12 minutes, or until they’re just tender when pierced with a fork (but not falling apart). Drain them and let them cool for a few minutes.
3. Smash the Potatoes:
Once the potatoes are cool enough to handle, take a glass or a potato masher and gently smash each potato. You want them to flatten a bit but not break apart completely. This will help them crisp up in the oven!
4. Arrange on a Baking Sheet:
Lay your smashed potatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased to prevent sticking.
5. Season the Potatoes:
Drizzle the olive oil over the potatoes evenly. Then, sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix all over them and add salt and pepper to taste.
6. Bake the Potatoes:
Pop the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes. You want the potatoes to become crispy and golden around the edges.
7. Add Cheese and Bacon:
Once the potatoes are out of the oven, immediately pour the shredded cheddar cheese and chopped bacon over the hot potatoes. This way, the cheese will melt nicely!
8. Melt the Cheese:
Put the baking sheet back into the oven for an additional 3-5 minutes, just until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
9. Garnish and Serve:
Before serving, sprinkle fresh chives or chopped green onions on top for a burst of color and flavor. Serve these delicious potatoes hot as a side dish or appetizer.
Enjoy your crispy, cheesy, flavorful baked cheddar ranch potatoes!
Can I Use Different Potatoes?
Absolutely! While Yukon Gold or baby potatoes are recommended for their creaminess, you can also use baby red potatoes or even russet potatoes for a different texture. Just keep in mind that larger potatoes may need additional cooking time.
What If I Don’t Have Ranch Seasoning?
No problem! You can create a homemade ranch flavor by mixing dried herbs like dill, parsley, garlic powder, and onion powder. Use about 1-2 tablespoons of your mix to season the potatoes to your taste.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prep the potatoes ahead! Boil and smash them, then store them in the fridge for up to a day before baking. Just follow the recipe’s steps to bake them when you’re ready to serve.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results, or use the microwave for a quicker option, although it may not retain the crispy texture as well.
