Loaded Baked Ranch Potatoes Recipe
Introduction
Loaded Baked Ranch Potatoes are a comforting and flavorful twist on the classic baked potato. Topped with cheddar, crispy bacon, and zesty ranch dressing, they make a perfect side dish or a hearty snack. Easy to prepare and sure to please any crowd!
Ingredients
- 4 large russet potatoes (scrubbed and pierced with a fork)
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing (or ranch seasoning mix)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon (crumbled)
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup green onions (sliced)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Olive oil (for drizzling)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Rub the washed potatoes with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Place them directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet and bake for 45-60 minutes, until tender when pierced with a fork.
- Step 2: While the potatoes bake, cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove and crumble into pieces. In a small bowl, mix the ranch dressing with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Step 3: Remove the baked potatoes and let them cool slightly. Cut each potato lengthwise down the center without cutting all the way through. Gently squeeze the ends to open them up. Drizzle ranch dressing inside each potato, then top with shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon.
- Step 4: Return the potatoes to the oven for 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese melts and bubbles. Remove and garnish with sour cream and sliced green onions before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For extra creaminess, mix a little butter into the potato flesh before adding toppings.
- Substitute ranch dressing with blue cheese or a ranch seasoning mix mixed with mayonnaise for a different flavor.
- Try adding diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Use turkey bacon or vegetarian bacon alternatives for a lighter or meat-free version.
Storage
Store leftover loaded ranch potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to maintain crispness and melt the cheese again. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of potato?
Russet potatoes work best for baking due to their size and fluffy texture, but you can use Yukon gold or other baking potatoes if preferred. The texture might be slightly different.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the potatoes and cook the bacon ahead. Assemble with toppings just before reheating and serving to keep the cheese fresh and melted perfectly.
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Loaded Baked Ranch Potatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
These Loaded Baked Ranch Potatoes are a delicious and comforting side dish featuring perfectly baked russet potatoes topped with creamy ranch dressing, crispy bacon, melted cheddar cheese, sour cream, and fresh green onions. This recipe is easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion when you’re craving a hearty, flavorful potato dish.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 4 large russet potatoes (scrubbed and pierced with a fork)
- Olive oil (for drizzling)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Toppings
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing (or ranch seasoning mix)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon (crumbled)
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup green onions (sliced)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Rub the scrubbed potatoes with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Place them on the oven rack or a baking sheet for baking.
- Bake the Potatoes: Bake the potatoes for 45-60 minutes or until they are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Cook Bacon and Prepare Ranch Dressing: While the potatoes bake, cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove and crumble the bacon. In a small bowl, mix ranch dressing with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble Loaded Potatoes: Remove potatoes from the oven and let cool slightly. Cut each potato lengthwise down the center without cutting all the way through, then gently squeeze open. Drizzle ranch dressing inside each potato and generously top with shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon.
- Melt Cheese: Return the loaded potatoes to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, top with sour cream and sliced green onions, serve warm, and enjoy your flavorful loaded baked ranch potatoes.
Notes
- For a vegetarian option, omit bacon and consider adding sautéed mushrooms or extra cheese.
- Use ranch seasoning mix instead of dressing for a thicker consistency if preferred.
- Baking time may vary depending on the size of the potatoes; check tenderness with a fork.
- Leftover loaded potatoes can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven for best results.
- For extra crispy skin, bake potatoes directly on the oven rack rather than on a baking sheet.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: loaded baked potatoes, ranch potatoes, baked potatoes recipe, stuffed potatoes, cheesy bacon potatoes, comfort food, side dish
