Get ready to transform your ordinary side dish into a mouthwatering sensation that will have everyone at the dinner table begging for seconds! These Ranch Cheese Potatoes are not just a recipe – they're a culinary experience that combines the creamy tang of ranch, the rich melted cheddar, and perfectly roasted potato cubes that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Whether you're looking for a crowd-pleasing side dish or a comfort food that screams home-cooked deliciousness, this recipe is about to become your new absolute favorite.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 4 large potatoes
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Thoroughly wash the potatoes and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.
- Cut the potatoes into 1-inch cubes, ensuring they are roughly uniform in size to promote even cooking. Leave the potato skins on for added texture and nutrition.
- Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Place the potato cubes in the prepared baking dish, spreading them out in a single layer to allow even heat distribution.
- Pour the ranch dressing over the potatoes, using a spatula or spoon to coat each potato cube completely and evenly.
- Sprinkle salt and freshly ground black pepper over the potatoes to enhance their flavor profile.
- Top the dressed potatoes with shredded cheddar cheese, ensuring an even coverage across the entire dish.
- Sprinkle the chopped green onions over the cheese layer for added color and fresh flavor.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to help the potatoes steam and cook evenly.
- Place the covered dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until the potatoes are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the potatoes to set.
- Serve hot as a delicious side dish, garnishing with additional green onions if desired.
Tips
- Potato Selection Matters: Choose starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for the best texture and flavor absorption.
- Even Cutting is Key: Ensure your potato cubes are roughly the same size to guarantee uniform cooking and a consistent texture.
- Don't Skimp on Seasoning: Be generous with salt and pepper, and taste as you go to achieve the perfect flavor balance.
- Cheese Melting Trick: For extra crispy cheese edges, broil the dish for 2-3 minutes at the end of cooking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare this dish up to a day in advance and refrigerate, just add an extra 10 minutes to the cooking time if bringing from cold.
- Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to add crispy bacon bits, additional herbs, or experiment with different cheese blends to make the recipe your own.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve immediately after cooking for the most crispy, gooey, and delicious results.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 35mg
