Description

These Baked Cheesy Ranch Potatoes are a comforting and delicious side dish featuring tender baby red potatoes coated in creamy ranch dressing and topped with a melty Mexican cheese blend. Perfectly seasoned with garlic salt and optionally garnished with fresh chives or green onions, this recipe is simple to prepare and ideal for family dinners or gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Potatoes

3 lbs baby red potatoes (unpeeled)

Dressing and Seasoning

1/2 cup buttermilk ranch or yogurt ranch dressing
Garlic salt (to taste)

Cheese and Garnish

1 to 1 1/2 cups finely shredded Mexican cheese blend
2 Tbsp chives or green onions (optional garnish)

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Instructions

Prep the Potatoes: Cut potatoes into 1 to 1 1/2-inch pieces. Fill a 5-quart pot half full with salted warm water (about 7 cups water and 1 teaspoon salt). Add potatoes and bring to a boil. Cook at a low boil for 8 to 12 minutes, depending on the size, until the potatoes are nearly done and can be easily pierced with a fork. Drain thoroughly.
Coat with Ranch Dressing: Drizzle the 1/2 cup ranch dressing directly into the pot with the drained potatoes. Gently toss the potatoes to coat evenly but without breaking them apart.
First Bake: Transfer the coated potatoes into a greased casserole dish. Sprinkle garlic salt over the potatoes to taste. Bake uncovered at 400°F (204°C) for 20 to 25 minutes until the potatoes are golden and heated through.
Broil with Cheese: Remove the casserole from the oven and set the oven to broil. Evenly sprinkle 1 cup of the Mexican cheese blend over the top. Return the casserole to the oven and broil for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and just begins to brown.
Final Seasoning and Garnish: Taste and add more garlic salt if needed. Garnish with chopped chives or green onions if desired before serving.

Notes

Choose firm baby red potatoes to ensure they hold their shape during boiling and baking.
Use buttermilk ranch or yogurt ranch dressing for a creamy coating with tangy flavor.
The Mexican cheese blend typically includes cheddar, Monterey Jack, and queso quesadilla for rich taste and good melting quality.
Broiling should be watched carefully to prevent burning the cheese.
This dish pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or as a hearty vegetarian side.