Description
Cheesy Bacon Ranch Potatoes
Ingredients:
2 lbs baby potatoes, diced
½ cup sour cream
½ cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup cooked bacon, crumbled
2 tbsp butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp ranch seasoning
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp salt
¼ cup chopped chives
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic for 1 minute. Add diced potatoes, salt, black pepper, and ranch seasoning, stirring to coat. Pour in heavy cream and simmer for 5 minutes. Transfer potatoes to a greased baking dish. Stir in sour cream and half of the cheddar cheese. Sprinkle the remaining cheese and crumbled bacon on top. Bake for 25 minutes until bubbly and golden. Garnish with chopped chives and serve warm. Enjoy!
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for perfect results every time:
- Prep & Preheat: Thoroughly wash and dice your baby potatoes. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Sauté the Base: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Cook the Potatoes: Add the diced potatoes, salt, black pepper, and ranch seasoning to the skillet. Stir well to ensure all potatoes are coated in the seasoned butter. Cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Simmer in Cream: Pour the heavy cream into the skillet, stir, and bring to a gentle simmer. Let the potatoes cook in the cream for 5 minutes, allowing them to begin softening and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Combine & Transfer: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the sour cream and half of the shredded cheddar cheese until well combined. Carefully transfer the entire mixture to your prepared baking dish.
- Top & Bake: Evenly sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and all of the crumbled bacon over the top. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbly around the edges.
- Garnish & Serve: Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish generously with fresh chopped chives before serving.
Serving Suggestions
These decadent potatoes are a versatile side dish. Serve them alongside grilled steak, roasted chicken, or baked fish for a comforting meal. They are also the ultimate potluck or barbecue contribution, guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. For a lighter pairing, balance the richness with a simple green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette.
How-to Summary
Sauté diced potatoes with garlic, ranch seasoning, and cream. Mix with sour cream and half the cheese, transfer to a dish, top with remaining cheese and bacon, and bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes until golden. Garnish with chives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these potatoes ahead of time? Yes. Assemble the dish completely, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
What can I use instead of heavy cream? For a slightly lighter version, half-and-half or whole milk can be substituted, though the sauce will be less rich and thick.
Can I use a different type of potato? Absolutely. Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced, are an excellent alternative. Avoid starchy potatoes like Russets, as they may become too mushy.
How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F or in the microwave until warmed through.
Is there a substitute for ranch seasoning? You can use ½ tsp each of dried dill, garlic powder, onion powder, and parsley, plus a pinch of salt, to approximate the flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Dicing Potatoes Too Large: Ensure pieces are uniform and about ½-inch in size for even cooking.
- Overcooking the Garlic: Sauté garlic just until fragrant (about 1 minute) to prevent a bitter taste.
- Skipping the Simmer Step: The 5-minute simmer in cream is crucial for par-cooking the potatoes and creating a cohesive sauce.
- Overbaking: Bake just until the top is golden and the sauce is bubbly. Overbaking can cause the cream to separate.
Conclusion
Cheesy Bacon Ranch Potatoes are the ultimate comfort food side dish, combining creamy, savory, and tangy flavors in one irresistible bake. This recipe is straightforward yet yields impressively delicious results perfect for both weeknight dinners and special gatherings. By following the detailed guide and tips provided, you can easily master this crowd-favorite dish. Give it a try and watch it become a regular star on your dinner table.