Looking for a side dish that will steal the spotlight at your next family dinner or gathering? These Cheesy Ranch Oven Roasted Potatoes are just what you need! Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and topped with gooey, melted cheddar cheese, they’re the perfect balance of savory, creamy, and cheesy goodness. Whether you’re pairing them with a main dish or serving them on their own, this easy-to-make recipe will quickly become your go-to favorite.
Ingredients for Cheesy Ranch Oven Roasted Potatoes
Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s gather all the ingredients you’ll need. This recipe is simple, but full of bold flavors that will leave your taste buds wanting more. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 lbs baby potatoes, halved
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (1 oz)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a side dish that’s not only delicious but also quick and easy to prepare. Plus, it’s a great way to elevate any meal!
Step-by-Step Directions for Cheesy Ranch Oven Roasted Potatoes
1. Preheat the Oven
To start, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high heat is key for ensuring your potatoes turn out crispy and golden brown. While your oven is heating, line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray. This will help prevent the potatoes from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
2. Prepare the Potatoes
Now, it’s time to prepare the potatoes. Begin by washing and halving the baby potatoes. Baby potatoes are the perfect choice for this dish because of their creamy texture and small size, which allows them to cook quickly and evenly. Once halved, place the potatoes in a large mixing bowl.
Next, add 3 tablespoons of olive oil to the potatoes. The olive oil helps the seasoning stick to the potatoes and ensures they roast to a beautiful golden color. Now, it’s time to season! Add the ranch seasoning mix (1 oz packet), garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt to the bowl. Toss the potatoes well to ensure they’re evenly coated with the seasoning mixture. The combination of ranch seasoning, garlic, and paprika will give these potatoes a delightful flavor that’s both savory and tangy.
3. Roast the Potatoes
Once your potatoes are seasoned, spread them out evenly on the prepared baking sheet with the cut sides facing down. The cut side will become beautifully crispy while the rounded side stays soft and tender. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect texture.
Now, place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast the potatoes for 25-30 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. You want the potatoes to be golden brown and fork-tender. Depending on the size of your potatoes and the efficiency of your oven, the roasting time may vary slightly, so keep an eye on them and check for doneness by piercing a potato with a fork. If it slides in easily, your potatoes are done.
4. Add the Cheese
Once the potatoes are roasted to perfection, it’s time for the magic touch: cheese! Remove the baking sheet from the oven and sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the hot potatoes. Be generous! The cheese will melt beautifully over the crispy potatoes, turning this dish into an irresistible treat.
Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on the potatoes as the cheese melts to prevent overcooking. The cheese should be gooey and slightly golden on top.
5. Garnish and Serve
Once the cheese is melted to perfection, remove the baking sheet from the oven and transfer the potatoes to a serving dish. For an extra pop of color and freshness, garnish with chopped fresh parsley. This step is optional, but it adds a lovely green contrast to the rich, golden potatoes.
Serve the Cheesy Ranch Oven Roasted Potatoes while they’re hot and enjoy this flavorful side dish that pairs wonderfully with any main course, from roasted meats to grilled chicken.
Nutritional Information for Cheesy Ranch Oven Roasted Potatoes
Let’s break down the nutritional content of this delicious side dish. Each serving of Cheesy Ranch Oven Roasted Potatoes (1/6 of the recipe) contains approximately:
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
These potatoes are a good source of fiber and provide a nice balance of carbs, fats, and protein. While they’re a bit indulgent due to the cheese, the flavors are well worth it for a special occasion or family meal.
Variations and Customizations
Spice It Up
If you enjoy a little heat, you can easily adjust the seasoning to your liking. Try adding some red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix for a spicy kick. This will balance nicely with the richness of the cheese and ranch seasoning.
Try Different Cheeses
While cheddar cheese is a classic choice for this dish, you can mix it up and experiment with different types of cheese. Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a spicy pepper jack cheese would work wonderfully. If you’re a cheese lover, you can even combine multiple cheeses for a more complex flavor profile.
Add Bacon for Extra Flavor
If you want to make these Cheesy Ranch Oven Roasted Potatoes even more decadent, try adding crispy bacon bits to the potatoes before roasting. The bacon will add a smoky crunch that pairs perfectly with the ranch and cheese.
Make It Vegetarian
This recipe is already vegetarian, but you can make it even more wholesome by adding vegetables to the mix. Try roasting some baby carrots, bell peppers, or onions along with the potatoes for a colorful, nutrient-packed side dish.
Tips for the Perfect Cheesy Ranch Oven Roasted Potatoes
Don’t Overcrowd the Baking Sheet
For the crispiest potatoes, make sure not to overcrowd the baking sheet. The potatoes need space to roast properly and get that perfect golden crust. If necessary, use two baking sheets to spread the potatoes out evenly.
Check for Tenderness
Ensure that the potatoes are fully cooked by checking for tenderness with a fork or knife. The potatoes should be soft on the inside while still having that crispy exterior. If they’re not quite tender, give them a few more minutes in the oven.
Use Fresh Herbs
While parsley is a great garnish for these potatoes, you can also experiment with other fresh herbs. Rosemary, thyme, or chives can all add an extra layer of flavor that complements the richness of the dish.
FAQs About Cheesy Ranch Oven Roasted Potatoes
Can I use regular potatoes instead of baby potatoes?
Yes, you can absolutely use regular potatoes instead of baby potatoes. Just make sure to cut them into evenly sized pieces to ensure they cook evenly.
Can I prepare these potatoes in advance?
For the best results, it’s recommended to prepare the potatoes right before roasting. However, you can prep the potatoes earlier in the day and store them in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to roast, toss them with the olive oil and seasoning and pop them in the oven.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, as long as the ranch seasoning mix you use does not contain gluten. Be sure to check the label on your seasoning packet to make sure it’s safe for gluten-free diets.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftover Cheesy Ranch Oven Roasted Potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through.
Conclusion
These Cheesy Ranch Oven Roasted Potatoes are a crowd-pleasing, flavorful side dish that pairs well with any main course. Whether you’re making them for a weeknight dinner or a holiday gathering, this simple yet delicious recipe will quickly become a family favorite. The crispy, seasoned potatoes combined with melted cheddar cheese create a perfect harmony of flavors that everyone will love.
For more tasty side dish ideas, be sure to check out these recipes:
- Hamburger Potato Casserole: Simple, Hearty, and Delicious
- Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage: Comforting and Creamy
- Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
Now, go ahead and try these Cheesy Ranch Oven Roasted Potatoes and elevate your next meal to a whole new level!
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Cheesy Ranch Oven Roasted Potatoes – A Perfect Side Dish
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cheesy Ranch Oven Roasted Potatoes are a flavorful and easy side dish that’s sure to be a hit at your next meal. With crispy edges and a cheesy, ranch seasoning kick, these potatoes are roasted to golden perfection and topped with melted cheddar cheese. Ideal for any family dinner or gathering!
Ingredients
- 2 lbs baby potatoes, halved
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (1 oz)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray. - Prepare the Potatoes:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the halved potatoes, olive oil, ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Toss until the potatoes are evenly coated with the seasoning mixture. - Roast the Potatoes:
Spread the seasoned potatoes evenly on the prepared baking sheet, cut side down. Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the potatoes are golden brown and tender. - Add the Cheese:
Remove the baking sheet from the oven and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the potatoes. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. - Garnish and Serve:
Transfer the cheesy ranch potatoes to a serving dish. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy this crowd-pleasing, flavorful side dish!
Notes
- Feel free to swap the cheddar cheese for any cheese you prefer, like Monterey Jack or mozzarella.
- You can prepare the potatoes a day ahead and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to roast them.
- If you want an extra crispy finish, broil the potatoes for 2-3 minutes after the cheese melts.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Cheesy Ranch Potatoes, Ranch Roasted Potatoes, Oven Roasted Potatoes, Cheddar Ranch Potatoes, Easy Side Dish Recipe, Potato Recipes