Ranch Potatoes (A Flavor Bomb)

Potatoes and ranch are two of my favorite things in life. That’s why I feel so strongly about ranch potatoes. (You will soon too!)

If you’re looking for a delicious and easy side dish to eat with your favorite meal, these ranch potatoes are perfect. Yes, literally perfect. I don’t say that about much in life, but I’m saying it here and now.

Bursting with flavor and super easy to make, this recipe will have you ask: “Where have you been all my life, little ranch potatoes?”

Let’s get cooking. Because the sooner you cook, the sooner you eat!

What You’ll Need

The secret to this recipe obviously lies in the ranch seasoning. But you’ll need a few more ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need.

Red or Yukon Gold potatoes. These types of potatoes have a creamy texture and hold their shape well during the cooking process, making them perfect for roasting. That said, if all you have hanging out in your kitchen is a bag of Russet potatoes, that’s cool too.

Olive or vegetable oil. This helps to crisp up the potatoes and adds a rich flavor to the dish. I typically use olive oil, but that’s just a preference.

Ranch seasoning mix. A blend of dried herbs and spices, including garlic powder, onion powder, dill, and chives, gives these potatoes their distinctive and delicious ranch taste.

Cheese. Cheddar cheese adds a layer of savory, gooey goodness to the dish.

Bacon. Crispy, cooked bacon adds a smoky, rich flavor and texture contrast to the tender potatoes.

Salt and pepper. These basic seasonings enhance the flavors of the other ingredients and bring out the best in the dish.

Ranch Potato Recipe 

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 45 minutes

Total time: 1 hour

Ingredients

• 2 pounds red or Yukon Gold potatoes, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1/4 cup olive or vegetable oil
• 1 (1 ounce) packet ranch seasoning mix (or 2-3 tablespoons homemade ranch seasoning mix)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
• Optional: chopped fresh chives for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a large baking sheet or pan.
2. In a large bowl, toss the potatoes with oil until evenly coated.
3. Sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix over the potatoes, and toss again until the potatoes are evenly coated in the seasoning. Season with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add a dash of ground garlic as well.
4. Spread the seasoned potatoes out in a single layer on the baking sheet or pan.
5. Bake potatoes for 30-35 minutes, or until they are golden brown and tender when you poke them with a fork. Stirring occasionally.
6. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and sprinkle the cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon over the potatoes.
7. Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Remove the potatoes from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh green onions for added color and flavor!

Pro Recipe Tip

For the ultimate ranch potatoes, bake them in a cast iron skillet. Nothing gets food browner or crispier than a good ol’ fashioned skillet.

Best Potatoes for Roasting

According to Bon Appetit, the best potatoes for roasting are Yukon Gold. But why? The reason is sort of interesting, that is if you’re a food science nerd like me. Potatoes that are starchier, the better they are for frying. And the waxier the potato, the better it is for boiling and mashing. 

With that said, Yukon Gold potatoes fall somewhere in the middle of starchy and waxy, therefore making them perfect for roasting. The more you know, right?

Variations on Ranch POTATOES

Swap out the cheese. Cheddar cheese is amazing. But there are a ton of cheeses out there that melt up perfectly. According to Taste of Home, the best cheeses for melting include Mozzarella, Fontina, Gouda, and more!

Swap out half the potatoes. Looking for a little veggie variety? Try swapping out half of your potatoes for another vegetable, such as carrots, parsnips, or even sunchokes. Just remember that whatever you swap out should have a similar cooking time to potatoes. Otherwise, one veggie might be raw when the other is done.

Swap out the seasoning. Ok, yes, these are ranch potatoes. But if you’re looking to get creative, there are a ton of other pre-made seasonings out there to try. Try a BBQ seasoning of Mexican or Indian inspired flavor profile. Just be mindful that not all seasonings will go well with cheddar cheese. So adjust your cheese choice if necessary.

Swap out the bacon. I do recognize that not everyone loves bacon. No judgment, or maybe a little… Try swapping out the bacon for pancetta, turkey bacon, or even crispy tobacco onions!

Ranch Potato FAQs

Can I use russet potatoes instead of red or Yukon Gold potatoes?

Yes, you can use russet potatoes in this recipe, but keep in mind that they may have a slightly different texture due to their higher starch content.

Can I make these ranch potatoes ahead of time and reheat them?

Absolutely! You can prepare these potatoes ahead of time and store them in the fridge in a covered container. When you’re ready to serve them, reheat the potatoes in the oven 

Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze leftover ranch potatoes. Store them in a freezer-safe container, and when you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply thaw in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven as mentioned above.

Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to get creative and add your favorite vegetables to this dish. Some tasty options include bell peppers, onions, carrots, or even broccoli.

Can I make my own ranch seasoning mix?

Yes, you can easily make a homemade ranch seasoning mix by combining garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill, dried chives, and a bit of salt and pepper. You can adjust the quantities to suit your taste preferences.

More Ranch-Related Recipes

Instant Pot Mississippi Chicken

Wingstop Ranch Dressing

Outback Steakhouse Ranch Dressing

More Delicious Side Dishes

Knorr Spinach Dip Recipe

Busy Day Soup

Redneck Caviar Recipe

Red Lobster Stuffed Mushrooms

Have questions or suggestions about this ranch potato recipe? Leave them in the comments below. And if you like this recipe? Try our cheesy ground beef and potato recipe!