Description
This Easy and Cheesy Ranch Baked Potatoes recipe offers a deliciously simple way to prepare flavorful, tender potatoes coated in ranch seasoning and topped with melted cheddar cheese. Perfect as a side dish or a comforting snack, these baked potatoes are crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and loaded with cheesy goodness.
Ingredients
Scale
Potatoes
- 3 large russet potatoes, chopped
Seasoning and Toppings
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp ranch seasoning mix
- Garlic powder, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Salt, to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the 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 make cleanup easier.
- Toss potatoes with oil and seasoning: In a large bowl, toss the chopped potatoes with olive oil until evenly coated, then mix in the ranch seasoning to distribute flavor across the pieces.
- Arrange potatoes on baking sheet: Spread the potatoes evenly on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are not overlapping to allow for proper baking and crisping. Sprinkle with garlic powder, black pepper, and a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor.
- Bake covered for initial cooking: Cover the baking sheet with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes to begin cooking the potatoes thoroughly while retaining moisture.
- Uncover and continue baking: Remove the foil and bake for another 20 minutes uncovered, allowing the potatoes to become tender on the inside and lightly browned and crispy on the outside.
- Add cheese topping: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and evenly sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the hot potatoes.
- Melt the cheese: Return the potatoes to the oven for 1-2 minutes until the cheese melts perfectly, creating a creamy, savory finish. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Russet potatoes work best due to their starchy texture, which crisps well when baked.
- Adjust ranch seasoning amount to taste if you prefer milder or stronger flavor.
- For extra crispiness, you can broil the potatoes for 1-2 minutes after melting the cheese, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Use gluten-free ranch seasoning to make this recipe gluten free.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven for best texture.
