These Easy Cheesy Ranch Potatoes are a delicious side dish that everyone loves! Made with tender potatoes, yummy cheese, and a sprinkle of ranch seasoning, they bring big flavor to any meal.
You can’t go wrong when cheese is involved, right? I often make extra just in case—let’s be honest, leftovers are a real treat! 🤤
Making these is a breeze! Just mix, bake, and enjoy. I love serving them with grilled chicken or burgers for a perfect, cheesy pair!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Russet Potatoes: These are great for baking since they become fluffy inside while getting crispy outside. If you want to switch it up, try Yukon Gold potatoes for a creamier texture or even sweet potatoes for a different flavor.
Olive Oil: I love using olive oil for its flavor. You can substitute it with canola oil, vegetable oil, or melted butter if you prefer a richer taste.
Ranch Seasoning Mix: This mix is key to adding flavor! If you don’t have any, try making a quick version at home with dried herbs like dill, parsley, and garlic powder. You could also use Italian seasoning for a different take.
Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar is classic here. Feel free to experiment with cheeses like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a kick. Vegan cheese is also an option if you’re avoiding dairy.
Chopped Green Onions: These add a fresh touch. If you don’t have green onions, diced chives or even a sprinkle of fresh parsley can brighten things up!
How Do You Get Your Potatoes Extra Crispy?
Getting that crispy texture is all about the cooking method! Here are a few tips to ensure your potatoes come out perfectly crispy:
- Make sure to coat the potatoes evenly with olive oil. Too little oil means they won’t crisp up.
- Spread the potatoes in a single layer on the baking sheet. Crowding them will lead to steaming, instead of crisping.
- Stirring halfway through cooking helps all sides get nice and golden. Don’t skip this step!
- If you want them even crispier, try broiling them for a minute or two after adding the cheese. Just keep an eye on them so they don’t burn!
How to Make Easy Cheesy Ranch Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 medium-sized russet potatoes, diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (about 1 oz)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: chopped green onions for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 35-40 minutes to cook. You will be tossing, baking, and enjoying these delicious potatoes in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your potatoes will cook evenly and get a nice crispy texture.
2. Prepare the Potatoes:
In a large mixing bowl, toss the diced potatoes with the olive oil, ranch seasoning mix, salt, and pepper. Make sure all the potato pieces are coated well for the best flavor.
3. Arrange on Baking Sheet:
Spread the seasoned potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. The foil will help with easy cleanup later on. Try to keep the potatoes from overlapping as much as possible.
4. Bake the Potatoes:
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure that all sides get nice and crispy. You want them to be golden brown!
5. Add the Cheese:
Once the potatoes are crispy, take them out of the oven and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. This is the cheesy part we all love!
6. Melt the Cheese:
Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes. Keep an eye on it while the cheese melts and becomes bubbly and delicious.
7. Garnish and Serve:
If you’d like, sprinkle some chopped green onions on top after removing the potatoes from the oven. This adds a nice fresh touch! Serve your Easy Cheesy Ranch Potatoes warm and enjoy!
Can I Use Other Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! While russet potatoes work great for this recipe, you can also use Yukon Gold or red potatoes. Keep in mind that the cooking times may vary slightly depending on the type of potato you choose.
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Ranch Seasoning?
No problem! You can substitute ranch seasoning with a mix of dried herbs like dill, garlic powder, and onion powder. A pinch of salt and pepper will help mimic the ranch flavor. About 2 teaspoons of this combination should suffice, but feel free to adjust to your taste!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover Easy Cheesy Ranch Potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days. To reheat, spread them on a baking sheet and warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through, which helps keep them crispy.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the potatoes and toss them with olive oil and seasonings in advance! Store them uncooked in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to cook, simply spread them on a baking sheet and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
