Cheesy Ranch Oven Roasted Potatoes
Intro:
These Cheesy Ranch Oven Roasted Potatoes are the ultimate comfort food side dish—crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with the bold flavors of ranch seasoning and melted cheese. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or even a game-day snack, this easy recipe is sure to become a household favorite!
Total Time:
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
Total: ~50 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds baby red or Yukon gold potatoes, quartered
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 (1 oz) packet ranch seasoning mix (or 3 tablespoons homemade ranch seasoning)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish)
- Sour cream (optional for serving)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. - Prepare the potatoes:
Wash and quarter the potatoes. Place them in a large mixing bowl. - Season:
Drizzle the olive oil over the potatoes. Add the ranch seasoning, garlic powder, and black pepper. Toss until all the potatoes are evenly coated. - Roast:
Spread the potatoes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Roast in the oven for 30–35 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and fork-tender. - Add cheese:
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the hot potatoes. Return to the oven for 3–5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. - Garnish and serve:
Remove from the oven, sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm. Add a dollop of sour cream on the side for extra flavor!
Here are tips and variations to help you perfect and customize your Cheesy Ranch Oven Roasted Potatoes:
Tips:
- Cut Evenly:
Make sure the potato pieces are cut to similar sizes so they cook evenly. - Crispier Potatoes:
For extra crispy edges, soak the cut potatoes in cold water for 20–30 minutes before roasting. Then drain, pat dry, and proceed with seasoning. - Don’t Crowd the Pan:
Spread the potatoes out in a single layer with space between them—this allows them to roast, not steam. - Use Parchment or Foil:
Lining the baking sheet makes cleanup easier and prevents sticking. - Preheat the Baking Sheet:
For a crispier bottom, you can preheat the baking sheet in the oven before adding the potatoes.
Variations:
- Spicy Kick:
Add ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika or chili powder, or toss in some crushed red pepper flakes. - Different Cheeses:
Swap cheddar for Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, mozzarella, or even Parmesan for a sharper flavor. - Add Bacon:
Sprinkle cooked, crumbled bacon on top before serving for an extra savory boost. - Loaded Potato Style:
Top with sour cream, green onions, and crumbled bacon for a “loaded baked potato” vibe. - Herb Twist:
Mix in fresh rosemary or thyme with the seasoning before roasting for a more aromatic dish. - Ranch Dressing Drizzle:
Drizzle with ranch dressing instead of using the dry mix for a creamier finish (just reduce the olive oil slightly). - Make It a Meal:
Add diced cooked chicken or sausage before the final cheese topping to turn it into a one-pan dinner.
Here’s the final section of your Cheesy Ranch Oven Roasted Potatoes recipe, complete with a Q&A, nutrition info, and a conclusion:
Q&A:
Q: Can I use other types of potatoes?
A: Yes! Yukon Gold, russet, or even sweet potatoes work well. Just be sure to adjust the roasting time slightly based on size and variety.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: You can prep the potatoes and seasoning in advance and store them in the fridge. For best texture, roast them just before serving.
Q: Can I use homemade ranch seasoning?
A: Absolutely. Mix 1 tbsp each dried parsley and dill, 1 tsp garlic powder, onion powder, and salt, plus ½ tsp black pepper for a homemade version.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.
Nutrition (Per Serving – serves 6):
- Calories: ~220
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 400mg
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 6g
Note: Nutrition may vary based on ingredients and serving sizes.
Conclusion:
Cheesy Ranch Oven Roasted Potatoes are an easy, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing side dish that pairs perfectly with almost any main course. With their crispy texture, cheesy topping, and bold ranch flavor, they’re sure to become a go-to favorite. Whether you’re feeding a family or hosting friends, this dish delivers comfort and deliciousness in every bite.