Description
Comfort emerges through this cheesy ranch potato bake, blending creamy textures with zesty ranch seasoning. Potatoes layered with cheese and herbs create a satisfying side dish that pairs perfectly with grilled meats when you want something deliciously indulgent.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups (960 ml) potatoes, diced (any type)
- 2 cups (480 ml) shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or Colby Jack)
- ½ cup (120 ml) ranch dressing
- 4 tbsps (¼ cup or 60 ml) butter
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preparation: Ignite the oven to 400°F (204°C) and coat a large baking dish with non-stick spray, creating a pristine cooking surface.
- Potato Transformation: Slice potatoes into precise 1-inch cubes, distributing them uniformly across the prepared dish to guarantee consistent heat penetration.
- Flavor Infusion: Massage softened butter across potato surfaces, then sprinkle kosher salt, black pepper, and herb blend to elevate the taste profile.
- Moisture Seal: Encase the baking dish with aluminum foil, creating a hermetic environment that locks in moisture and promotes tender potato development.
- Roasting Ritual: Nestle the potatoes in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, performing a tenderness check with a fork at the 45-minute milestone.
- Creamy Enhancement: Unveil the dish and cascade ranch dressing across the roasted potatoes, ensuring complete coverage.
- Cheese Crescendo: Lavish the surface with a blanket of shredded cheddar and mozzarella, transforming the dish into a molten, golden masterpiece.
- Final Flourish: Return to the oven for 3-5 minutes until cheese reaches a bubbling, golden perfection, then allow a brief 2-3 minute rest to stabilize the molten topping before serving.
Notes
- Ensure Uniform Cuts: Precisely cube potatoes to 1-inch size for consistent cooking and even flavor distribution.
- Butter Matters: Use softened butter generously to enhance potato richness and prevent sticking to the baking dish.
- Moisture Trap Technique: Cover with foil during initial roasting to lock in steam and create tender, perfectly cooked potatoes.
- Cheese Melting Timing: Watch carefully during final 3-5 minutes to achieve golden, bubbly cheese without burning.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 820 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg