Ranch Potatoes

Creamy Ranch Potatoes are the ultimate comfort-food side dish. Tender russet potatoes are baked until soft, then mixed with ranch dressing, crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, and Monterey Jack cheese before being topped with even more melted cheese. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, holidays, and backyard cookouts, this easy ranch potato casserole is always a crowd favorite.

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Keyword hidden valley ranch potatoes, potato casserole recipes, potato casserole side dishes

Prep Time 30

Cook Time 1

Total Time 1 10

Servings servings

Calories 562kcal

Author Kathleen

Ingredients

4 pounds russet potatoes, peel, then cut Into 1/2 inch cubes
2 teaspoons Hidden Valley ranch seasoning, (the powder from the jar, not the envelope)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
4 tablespoons butter, cut into cubes
1 cup sharp cheddar, shredded
1 cup Monterey jack cheese, shredded
1 cup ranch dressing
6 ounces bacon, cooked and crumbled

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C). Spray a 9X13 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
Evenly sprinkle peeled, cubed potatoes (4 pounds) with ranch seasoning (2 teaspoons) and pepper (1/4 teaspoon).
Place seasoned potatoes in the prepared baking dish and evenly dot the top with butter (4 tablespoons). Place baking dish on a rimmed baking sheet.
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in preheated oven until the potatoes are tender about 60 minutes.
Remove from oven and mix in the ranch dressing (1 cup), half the cheese, and cooked bacon (6 ounces). Top with the remaining cheese and return to the oven until heated through and the cheese is melted.

Notes

Cut the potatoes into evenly sized cubes. Uniform pieces cook at the same rate and ensure every bite is perfectly tender.
Use a rimmed baking sheet underneath the casserole dish. This catches any bubbling overflow and makes cleanup much easier.
Test for tenderness before adding the ranch dressing. A fork should slide easily into the potatoes before you stir in the cheese, bacon, and dressing.
Shred your own cheese when possible. Freshly shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack melt more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese and create a creamier casserole.
Cook the bacon until crisp. Crispy bacon provides the best texture and flavor contrast against the creamy potatoes.
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. This gives the cheese sauce time to settle and makes the casserole easier to scoop.
Customize the flavor. Stir in 1/2 cup chopped onion before baking or add 1/2 cup sour cream with the ranch dressing for an even creamier, richer casserole.

Nutrition