Loaded Baked Ranch Potatoes Recipe
Loaded Baked Ranch Potatoes are a comforting and flavorful side dish featuring crispy baked russet potatoes topped with creamy ranch dressing, melted cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, tangy sour cream, and fresh green onions. Perfect for a hearty family meal or a tasty party appetizer.
- Author: Elias
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Potatoes
- 4 large russet potatoes (scrubbed and pierced with a fork)
- Olive oil (for drizzling)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Toppings
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing (or ranch seasoning mix)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon (crumbled)
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup green onions (sliced)
- Bake the Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Rub the scrubbed potatoes with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Place them directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet, and bake for 45-60 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a fork.
- Prepare the Toppings: While the potatoes are baking, cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove and crumble into pieces. In a small bowl, mix the ranch dressing with a pinch of salt and pepper and set aside.
- Assemble the Loaded Potatoes: When the potatoes are done, remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Slice each potato lengthwise down the center without cutting all the way through. Gently squeeze the ends to open them. Drizzle ranch dressing inside each potato, then top with shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon. Return to the oven for 5-10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish each potato with sour cream and sliced green onions. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Use a fork to pierce the potatoes before baking to allow steam to escape and prevent bursting.
- For crispier skin, place potatoes directly on the oven rack instead of on a baking sheet.
- Substitute ranch seasoning mix in place of ranch dressing for a thicker topping if desired.
- Adjust bacon quantity to taste or use vegetarian bacon alternatives for a meat-free version.
- Leftover baked potatoes can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.
Keywords: loaded baked potatoes, ranch potatoes, baked ranch potatoes, cheesy bacon potatoes, side dish, comfort food