Recipe: Cheesy Bacon Ranch Potatoes

Cheesy Bacon Ranch Potatoes... what's not to love?  Now add... really easy to make.. and you have yourself a terrific side dish. 

This recipe is a slightly adapted recipe from the folks at Kraft.

TIPS

I used a low fat buttermilk ranch dressing... you can use whatever brand or variety ranch dressing you prefer.  This recipe uses bottled dressing not the dry packet kind.

If you want to add a bit of kick to the dish.. you can use a spicy ranch dressing... or even add a pinch of cayenne to the dressing before adding it to the potatoes.

I used potatoes I had on hand... Russet potatoes.. I have also used Yukon Gold potatoes... the original recipe used red potatoes... all work fine.. use what you have.. just note.. that Russet Potatoes take a bit longer to cook.. add about 5 minutes to the baking time... you can test doneness by poking them with a fork to check for softness.

This recipe is easily adapted to however much you need to make.. the ingredients can easily be increased or decreased without ruining the dish..  in fact.. the ingredient quantities are really approximate.... so if you like a strong bacon flavor.. add more bacon... the same goes for the cheese.

I used shredded cheddar cheese.. the original recipe used an Italian cheese blend... Monterey Jack and cheddar combined would also work well.  I also used far more cheese .. we like it cheesy!

The quantity necessary of the dressing used in the recipe is deceiving.. when mixing it before baking I thought the dressing would never be a enough... but it was.. so if you increase or decrease the number of servings try and keep the ratio of dressing to potatoes about the same.

I used a smoked applewood bacon for extra flavor... cook the bacon until most of the fat has been rendered and it is cooked but still pliable, not crispy.  You can make it in the oven while you prepare the other ingredients... for directions on How to Make Bacon in the Oven.. click here.

Make sure you use both the green and white parts of the green onion.. both are delicious!

The original recipe says it serves 8... I think 6 is a closer guesstimate... it really all depends on what else you are serving.

This was a perfect side dish for BBQ Chicken Sandwiches... both have little or no prep.. and practically cook themselves.. great for watching the big game!

Recipe:  Cheesy Bacon Ranch Potatoes

All you need:

4 large Russet potatoes, peeled and diced

1/2 cup ranch dressing

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

3 thick sliced smoked bacon, cooked and chopped

2 green onions, chopped

Cooking oil spray

All you need to do:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Lightly spray a 9 x 13 baking dish with cooking oil spray.

In a large bowl, toss the potatoes with the chopped bacon and 3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese.

Add the ranch dressing and mix well.  Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and cover with foil.

Bake for 40 minutes and then check the potatoes for doneness... uncover them  and continue baking for an  additional 10 minutes.

Remove from the oven and sprinkle the reserved cheese.  Turn the oven to broil and cook until cheese is melted and slightly brown.  **Do not leave unattended... the cheese will melt and brown quickly.

Sprinkle with the chopped green onion.