Cheesy Bacon Ranch Roasted Potatoes

Cheesy Bacon Ranch Roasted Potatoes Recipe: A Delicious Twist on Classic Spuds. Potatoes are a versatile and beloved staple in many cuisines, and one way to elevate their flavor is by roasting them to perfection. In this recipe, we'll take those humble red skin potatoes and turn them into a mouthwatering dish of cheesy bacon ranch roasted potatoes. With the combination of savory bacon, creamy ranch dressing, and melted cheddar cheese, this dish is sure to be a hit at any gathering or as a comforting weeknight meal.

The combination of bacon, cheese, and ranch dressing in this recipe creates a flavor profile reminiscent of the popular appetizer, loaded potato skins. By incorporating these classic ingredients into roasted potatoes, you get all the deliciousness in one dish.

Roasting the potatoes at a higher temperature (400 degrees Fahrenheit or 200 degrees Celsius) helps achieve a crispy exterior while keeping the insides tender and fluffy. This higher heat allows the potatoes to cook more quickly, resulting in a golden brown finish with a delightful texture.

FAQs

Q: Can I use a different type of potato instead of red skin potatoes?

A: Yes, you can use other varieties of potatoes such as Yukon gold or russet potatoes. However, the texture and taste may vary slightly.

Q: Can I use fresh onions instead of dried onion flakes?

A: Yes, you can substitute dried onion flakes with finely chopped fresh onions. The flavor will be slightly different, but it will still add a delicious taste to the dish.

Q: Can I use fresh parsley instead of dried parsley?

A: Yes, you can use fresh parsley instead of dried parsley. Keep in mind that the flavor intensity may differ, so you may need to adjust the quantity to your liking.

Q: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

A: Yes, you can use salted butter if that's what you have on hand. Just be mindful of the additional salt content in the recipe and adjust the seasoning accordingly.

Q: Can I substitute the ranch dressing with another type of dressing?

A: While ranch dressing adds a distinct flavor to the dish, you can experiment with other dressings such as blue cheese or Caesar dressing if you prefer different flavors.

Q: Can I add other ingredients to this recipe?

A: Absolutely! This recipe serves as a base, and you can add your favorite ingredients to customize it to your liking. For example, you can incorporate diced bell peppers, minced garlic, or even chopped herbs like rosemary or thyme.

Q: Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?

A: To make this recipe vegetarian, you can omit the bacon. For a vegan version, you can substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use vegan cheese and ranch dressing.

Q: How should I store leftovers?

A: If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can be reheated in the oven or microwave for a quick and delicious meal the next day.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

A: While the potatoes are best when served fresh, you can prepare the spice blend, slice the green onions, and cook the bacon in advance. When you're ready to serve, roast the potatoes, add the toppings, and finish them off in the oven for a few minutes.

Q: Can I adjust the cooking time and temperature for smaller or larger potatoes?

A: Yes, the cooking time may vary depending on the size of the potato pieces. Smaller pieces may cook faster, while larger pieces may require additional time. Adjust the cooking time accordingly and check for fork tenderness to ensure they are fully cooked.

Make it

Cheesy Bacon Ranch Roasted Potatoes Recipe

Ingredients:

3 pans of red skin potatoes

Cold water (for rinsing potatoes)

1 1/2 teaspoons of dried onion flakes

2 teaspoons of dry parsley

1 1/2 teaspoons of kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

4 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter

3 green onions or scallions, sliced

5 to 7 pieces of bacon, cut into bite-sized pieces

1/2 cup of ranch dressing

8 ounces of sharp shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions:

Preparing the Potatoes:

Rinse the red skin potatoes under cold water to remove any dirt.

Cut each potato into quarters, creating four equal pieces.

Transfer the clean and cut potatoes into a large mixing bowl.

Creating the Spice Blend:

In a small mixing bowl, combine the dried onion flakes, dry parsley, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper.

Mix the ingredients well to combine.

Pour the melted unsalted butter over the potatoes.

Sprinkle the spice blend over the potatoes and toss them gently until all the potatoes are evenly coated.

Roasting the Potatoes:

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).

Transfer the seasoned potatoes to a large baking dish, spreading them out in a single layer for even cooking.

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and roast the potatoes for approximately 1 hour or until they are fork-tender.

Preparing the Bacon and Green Onions:

While the potatoes are roasting, cook the bacon in a frying pan over medium heat until it becomes crispy and golden.

Once cooked, remove the bacon from the pan and set it aside.

Slice the green onions or scallions and set them aside for garnishing.

Final Touches:

After the potatoes have roasted for one hour, check if they are fork-tender. If not, continue roasting for a few more minutes.

Drizzle half a cup of ranch dressing over the roasted potatoes.

Spread the crispy cooked bacon evenly over the potatoes.

Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top.

Return the baking dish to the oven for about 5 minutes or until the cheese has melted.

Garnish and Serve:

Once the cheese has melted and turned golden brown, remove the dish from the oven.

Garnish the cheesy bacon ranch roasted potatoes with the sliced green onions or scallions.

Serve the dish while it's still hot and enjoy the flavorful combination of creamy ranch dressing, crispy bacon, and melted cheese.

Conclusion:

These cheesy bacon ranch roasted potatoes are a delightful twist on classic roasted spuds. The combination of flavors and textures from the creamy ranch dressing, crispy bacon, and melted cheddar cheese creates a dish that is sure to satisfy your taste buds. Whether you serve it as a side dish or enjoy it as a main course, these potatoes are guaranteed to become a new favorite in your recipe collection. So gather your ingredients,