Transform your mealtime with a side dish everyone will adore! These Cheesy Ranch Potatoes are incredibly simple to make, yet packed with flavors that guarantee an empty plate. With just a handful of basic ingredients, you’ll create a rave-worthy potato bake featuring the irresistible combination of ranch, bacon, and melted cheese.

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Searching for more delicious and easy potato side dishes? Be sure to also try these Creamy Funeral Potatoes, classic Scalloped Potatoes, or these comforting Slow Cooker Cheesy Potatoes for more family favorites.

Irresistible Cheesy Ranch Potatoes: Your New Favorite Side Dish

Finding a side dish that pleases everyone at the dinner table can often feel like an impossible task. It’s a common struggle for home cooks everywhere – not just deciding what to make, but ensuring it’s something the whole family will genuinely enjoy.

That’s where these phenomenal Cheesy Ranch Potatoes come to the rescue. In my household, they don’t just get eaten; they get absolutely devoured! There’s an undeniable magic in the combination of tender, fluffy potatoes, savory bacon, a delightful tang of ranch dressing, and the comforting embrace of melted cheese.

This recipe isn’t just about incredible flavor; it’s also incredibly time-efficient. With minimal hands-on preparation, you can dedicate more attention to your main course, knowing that your side dish is effortlessly baking to perfection. It’s the ideal solution for busy weeknights or when you need a reliable crowd-pleaser for gatherings and holidays.

Why These Cheesy Ranch Potatoes Will Be Your New Go-To

• Kid-Approved & Parent-Praised: The flavors are universally loved, making them a hit with even the pickiest eaters.
• Effortlessly Simple: Requiring just a few basic ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for cooks of all skill levels.
• Flavor Explosion: The blend of savory bacon, creamy ranch, and cheesy goodness elevates humble potatoes into something truly special.
• Minimal Hands-On Time: Most of the cooking happens in the oven, freeing you up to prepare the rest of your meal.
• Versatile Side: These potatoes pair wonderfully with almost any main dish, from roasted chicken to grilled steak or a simple weeknight burger.

Key Ingredients for Perfect Ranch Potatoes

You’ll be amazed at how a few simple ingredients can come together to create such a spectacular dish. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:

• Potatoes: For this recipe, I typically opt for russet potatoes due to their fluffy texture when baked. However, you can also achieve excellent results with red potatoes or Yukon Golds. If using russets, I recommend peeling them for a smoother consistency. For red or Yukon Golds, their skins are thinner and more palatable, so you can leave them on for added texture and nutrients. The key is to cube them into uniform 1/2-inch pieces to ensure even cooking.
• Chili Powder, Salt, and Pepper: These foundational seasonings build the delicious flavor base for your potatoes. Don’t worry, the chili powder won’t make your potatoes spicy; instead, it lends a wonderful, subtle warmth and earthy depth that complements the other ingredients beautifully, creating a more complex taste profile.
• Butter: Butter is essential for achieving tender potatoes with a rich flavor. Make sure to cube the butter into small pieces, about 1/2-inch, so you can distribute it evenly over the potatoes. As the butter melts, it bastes the potato cubes, keeping them moist and enhancing their taste.
• Bacon: Let’s be honest, everything tastes better with bacon! Its salty, smoky, and crispy notes are a perfect match for creamy ranch and tender potatoes. While I highly recommend including it for that ultimate flavor boost, if you prefer, you can certainly omit it.
• Ranch Dressing: This is the star of the show, infusing the potatoes with its signature creamy, herby, and tangy flavor. Feel free to use your favorite store-bought ranch dressing for convenience, or elevate the dish even further by using a homemade ranch dressing recipe.
• Cheese: Colby-jack cheese offers a fantastic melt and a mild, slightly sweet flavor that perfectly balances the ranch and bacon. It’s a superb choice, but this recipe is quite flexible! You could easily substitute it with sharp cheddar for a more robust flavor, Monterey Jack for extra creaminess, mozzarella for a classic stretch, or any other good melting cheese you prefer.

Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Cheesy Ranch Potatoes

Making these delicious ranch potatoes is incredibly straightforward. Follow these simple steps for a perfect outcome every time:

1. Prepare the Potatoes: Begin by washing your potatoes thoroughly. If using russets, peel them. Then, cube your potatoes into approximately 1/2-inch pieces. Uniformly sized cubes are crucial here, as they ensure that all the potatoes cook evenly, resulting in a consistent, tender texture.
2. Season and Bake the Potatoes: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier. Place the cubed potatoes directly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle them generously with chili powder, salt, and pepper. Give them a light toss within the dish itself – no need to dirty an extra mixing bowl! This saves on dishes and streamlines your prep. Finally, scatter the small cubes of butter evenly over the top of the seasoned potatoes.
3. First Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This traps steam, allowing the potatoes to cook through and become wonderfully tender without drying out. Bake in a preheated oven until the potatoes are fork-tender, which usually takes about 45 minutes. You should be able to easily pierce a potato cube with a fork.
4. Cook the Bacon: While your potatoes are undergoing their initial bake, it’s the perfect time to prepare your bacon. I find that dicing the bacon first and then cooking it in a skillet over medium-high heat results in perfectly crispy, uniformly sized pieces. However, you can also cook whole slices and then crumble them once cooled if you prefer. Once cooked to your desired crispness, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess grease.
5. Assemble and Finish Baking: Once the potatoes are fork-tender, carefully remove the baking dish from the oven and remove the foil. Sprinkle the crispy bacon pieces evenly over the hot potatoes. Next, generously pour the ranch dressing over the entire dish, ensuring it covers all the potatoes and bacon. Finally, top everything with your shredded cheese. Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and continue to bake for approximately 10 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
6. Serve Hot: Once the cheese is perfectly melted, remove the dish from the oven. Allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving. These Cheesy Ranch Potatoes are best enjoyed warm!

Pro Tips for the Best Cheesy Ranch Potatoes

Elevate your Cheesy Ranch Potatoes with these helpful tips and tricks:

• Boost the Flavor with Garlic: For an even deeper, more aromatic flavor profile, consider adding a teaspoon of garlic powder or 2-3 cloves of minced fresh garlic along with the chili powder, salt, and pepper during the initial seasoning step. Garlic and ranch are a match made in heaven!
• Freezing is Not Recommended: Potatoes, particularly after being cooked, tend to develop a mealy or watery texture once frozen and thawed. For this reason, I do not recommend freezing this recipe. It’s best enjoyed fresh.
• Make Ahead for Convenience: If you’re planning a meal and want to save time, you can prepare the potatoes in advance. Bake the potatoes as directed until fork-tender, then let them cool completely. Once cooled, you can top them with the bacon, ranch, and cheese. Cover the dish tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, simply bake at 400ºF for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the potatoes are heated through.
• Storage and Reheating Leftovers: Any leftover Cheesy Ranch Potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can use the microwave for individual servings, but for best results, reheat in the oven at 350ºF until warmed through and the cheese is slightly re-crisped. This helps prevent them from becoming soggy.

Variations & Customizations

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable! Feel free to get creative and tailor it to your family’s preferences:

• Spicy Kick: If you love a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the ranch dressing before pouring it over the potatoes. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes with the cheese would also work.
• Vegetarian Option: Easily make this dish vegetarian by omitting the bacon. For added texture and flavor, you could instead sprinkle with vegetarian bacon bits or a mix of sautéed mushrooms and onions.
• Herbaceous Boost: Fresh herbs always add a wonderful touch. Sprinkle chopped fresh chives, parsley, or green onions (as pictured) over the top just before serving for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
• Different Cheese Blend: Experiment with other cheese combinations! A sharp white cheddar, smoked gouda, or even a spicy pepper jack would be delicious additions.
• Loaded Potato Style: Transform these into fully loaded ranch potatoes by adding cooked, drained ground beef, crumbled sausage, or even thinly sliced jalapeños before the final bake.

Serving Suggestions

Cheesy Ranch Potatoes are a versatile side dish that complements a wide array of main courses. Here are a few ideas:

• Classic Comfort: Serve alongside Roasted Chicken, Meatloaf, or any grilled steak.
• BBQ Perfect: They are an ideal companion for BBQ ribs, pulled pork sandwiches, or grilled burgers at your next cookout.
• Holiday Feast: While simple, their rich flavor makes them a welcome addition to holiday spreads, offering a comforting alternative to traditional potato dishes.
• Brunch Favorite: Surprisingly, these potatoes also make a fantastic addition to a hearty brunch, especially alongside eggs and sausages.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ranch Potatoes

Can I use frozen potatoes for this recipe?

While it’s possible, fresh potatoes are highly recommended for the best texture. Frozen potatoes can become watery and mushy when baked, especially when combined with a creamy sauce. If you must use frozen, ensure they are thoroughly thawed and patted dry before seasoning.

What kind of ranch dressing should I use?

Any creamy ranch dressing you enjoy will work! Store-bought varieties are convenient, but if you have a favorite homemade ranch dressing recipe, it will add an extra layer of freshness and flavor.

How do I get the bacon extra crispy?

For super crispy bacon, cook it in a skillet over medium heat, allowing the fat to render slowly. Don’t overcrowd the pan. Once cooked, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate immediately to absorb excess grease. You can also bake bacon in the oven on a wire rack for uniform crispiness.

Can I prepare the potatoes without the peel?

Absolutely! As mentioned in the ingredients, I often peel russet potatoes for a smoother texture. For red or Yukon Gold potatoes, leaving the skin on adds a nice rustic touch and nutritional value.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, provided your ranch dressing and any other added ingredients (like bacon) are also certified gluten-free. Always check labels to be sure.

More Kid-Approved Side Dishes to Love

If your family loves these Cheesy Ranch Potatoes, you’re sure to find new favorites among these other kid-friendly side dish recipes:

• Sweet & Savory Glazed Carrots
• Creamy Hawaiian Macaroni Salad
• Perfectly Crispy Baked French Fries
• Refreshing Crown Ruby Fruit Salad
• Homemade Tater Tots
• Easy Baked Beans with Bacon

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Ranch Potatoes

5 from 3 votes

Author:
Deborah Harroun

Prep Time:
15 minutes

Cook Time:
55 minutes

Total Time:
1 hour 10 minutes

Servings:
12 servings

Course:
Side Dish

Cuisine:
American

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A super simple side dish, these Ranch potatoes are kid and parent approved! All you need are a few simple ingredients and you’ll be on your way to a ranch, bacon, and cheese potato side dish to rave over!

Ingredients

• 4 lbs potatoes cut into 1/2-inch cubes
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper
• 2 tablespoons butter cut into small cubes
• 1/2 lb bacon cut into small pieces
• 8 oz Ranch dressing homemade or store bought
• 8 oz Colby-Jack cheese shredded

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400ºF. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Put the potatoes in the baking dish. Sprinkle the chili powder, salt, and pepper over the top. Mix lightly. Top with the small cubes of butter.
   4 lbs potatoes,
   2 teaspoons chili powder,
   1 teaspoon salt,
   1/2 teaspoon ground pepper,
   2 tablespoons butter
3. Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork tender.
4. While the potatoes are baking, heat a skillet over medium high heat and add the bacon. Cook until crisp, then remove to a paper towel lined plate.
   1/2 lb bacon
5. Remove the potatoes from the oven and sprinkle the bacon over the top. Cover evenly with the ranch dressing, then top with the shredded cheese. Return to the oven and continue to bake until the cheese is melted, about 10 minutes.
   8 oz Ranch dressing,
   8 oz Colby-Jack cheese

Recipe Notes:

adapted from Allrecipes

Nutrition information provided as an estimate only. Various brands and products can change the counts. Any nutritional information should be used as a general guide.

Nutrition Information

Serving:
1/12 of recipe
,

Calories:
313kcal (16%)
,

Carbohydrates:
21g (7%)
,

Protein:
11g (22%)
,

Fat:
21g (32%)
,

Saturated Fat:
8g (50%)
,

Polyunsaturated Fat:
3g
,

Trans Fat:
0g
,

Cholesterol:
39mg (13%)
,

Sodium:
672mg (29%)
,

Fiber:
4g (17%)
,

Sugar:
1g (1%)

Keywords:
cheesy ranch potatoes, potato bake, ranch potatoes