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- 4 medium-sized russet potatoes - 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and black pepper to taste - 1 cup sharp shredded cheddar cheese - 1/2 cup creamy ranch dressing - 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped - 1/4 cup cooked and crumbled turkey bacon (optional) For this Cheesy Ranch Potato Skillet, you will need fresh ingredients. Start with russet potatoes. These give the best texture. Dice them into 1-inch cubes for even cooking. The olive oil adds a nice flavor and helps the potatoes crisp up. Seasoning is key. Garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika create a warm flavor. Don’t forget salt and black pepper. They enhance all the tastes. Cheddar cheese is the star of the show. It melts beautifully and binds everything together. Ranch dressing adds creaminess. You can adjust the amount for your taste. Green onions bring freshness and color. If you like, you can add turkey bacon for extra crunch. It helps balance the creaminess of the dish. Gather these ingredients, and you are ready to create a tasty meal. Each bite will be cheesy and flavorful! {{ingredient_image_2}} First, take four medium-sized russet potatoes. Wash them well to remove dirt. Next, dice the potatoes into 1-inch cubes. This size helps them cook evenly. Once diced, season the potatoes. Use 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika. Add salt and black pepper to taste. Toss the potatoes well to coat them in the spices. Now, heat 1 tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet. Set the heat to medium. When the oil shimmers, add the seasoned potatoes. Cover the skillet with a lid. Cook the potatoes for about 15 to 20 minutes. Stir them occasionally to ensure they cook well. They should become fork-tender and develop a golden-brown crust. Once the potatoes are ready, lower the heat. Drizzle 1/2 cup of creamy ranch dressing over the potatoes. Stir gently to mix the ranch in. Next, sprinkle 1 cup of sharp shredded cheddar cheese on top. Cover the skillet again. Let it cook for about 5 minutes until the cheese melts and bubbles. Remove the skillet from heat. For a pop of color, add 1/4 cup of finely chopped green onions. If you like, sprinkle crumbled turkey bacon on top too. Serve this dish hot. To get the best results, stir the potatoes often while cooking. This helps them cook evenly. After about 15-20 minutes, check for a golden-brown crust. If they aren’t brown yet, keep cooking and stirring. The right amount of heat and stirring makes all the difference. Using different cheeses can change the taste of your dish. If you want a milder flavor, try mozzarella or Monterey Jack. For a sharper taste, use pepper jack or gouda. Each cheese gives a unique twist, so feel free to experiment! Make your dish look great by adding some extra green onions on top. It adds a nice pop of color. For a complete meal, serve it with a fresh side salad. The crisp salad pairs well with the creamy potatoes and adds balance to the meal. Pro Tips Choose the Right Potatoes: Russet potatoes are ideal for this recipe due to their high starch content, which helps achieve a fluffy interior while getting crispy on the outside. Don’t Rush the Cooking: Allow the potatoes to cook thoroughly under the lid. This steaming process is critical for achieving the perfect fork-tender texture. Customize Your Cheese: Experiment with different cheese varieties like Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a unique flavor twist that complements the ranch dressing. Garnish for Extra Flavor: Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro can elevate the dish further. Add them as a garnish right before serving for a pop of color and flavor. {{image_4}} You can swap regular potatoes for sweet potatoes. Sweet potatoes give a nice twist. Cauliflower is another great choice. It lowers carbs and adds a unique taste. For a vegetarian option, skip the turkey bacon. You can still enjoy all the cheesy goodness without meat. Want to spice things up? Add cayenne pepper for heat. Just a pinch can make a big difference. You can also mix in fresh herbs. Try parsley or dill for a fresh flavor. These herbs pair well with ranch and cheese. If you want to bake instead of skillet cook, go for it. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Spread the potatoes on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil. Bake for about 25-30 minutes. For quicker cooking, use an Instant Pot. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes, then release the steam. An air fryer is another great choice. Cook at 375°F for about 15-20 minutes for crispy results. To keep your cheesy ranch potato skillet fresh, store it in an airtight container. Let the dish cool to room temperature first. Then, place it in the fridge. It will stay good for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to save it for longer, freezing is a great option. Portion the leftovers into freezer-safe bags. Squeeze out the air and seal them tightly. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just remember to label the bags with the date. When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, the skillet is the best method. Heat a little olive oil in the pan over low heat. Add the potatoes and cover them. Stir often until they are warm. This way, they stay crispy. If you use the microwave, place the potatoes in a safe dish. Cover it with a damp paper towel to keep moisture in. Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds. Stir and check until it’s hot. This helps keep the texture nice and chewy. Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the Cheesy Ranch Potato Skillet ahead. Cook the potatoes, then let them cool. Store them in the fridge for up to two days. When ready, heat them in a skillet. Add the ranch dressing and cheese, then warm until everything is hot. How do I make it gluten-free? To make this dish gluten-free, ensure the ranch dressing is gluten-free. Most brands offer gluten-free versions. Double-check the label before buying. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. What can I serve with Cheesy Ranch Potato Skillet? This dish pairs well with many sides. A fresh salad adds crunch and color. You could also serve it with grilled chicken or veggies for a balanced meal. For a cozy touch, enjoy it with a warm slice of bread. Can I substitute ranch dressing with anything else? Yes, you can try different dressings. A creamy garlic dressing works well. You might also use sour cream mixed with herbs for a tasty twist. Just keep the flavors in mind to ensure they match the dish. What are alternatives for cheddar cheese? You can use other cheeses like Monterey Jack or Colby. For a sharper taste, try aged cheddar. If you want it to be milder, go for mozzarella. Adjust the shredded amount to your liking, but keep it cheesy! Tips for making a vegan version To make a vegan Cheesy Ranch Potato Skillet, swap the cheese for a vegan cheese alternative. Use a plant-based ranch dressing too. You can add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. Lastly, skip the turkey bacon or use a vegan version for added taste. Healthier options for the bacon component For a healthier option, consider turkey bacon. It has less fat than regular bacon. You can also use crispy cooked mushrooms for a savory bite. They add a nice texture and flavor without extra calories. This blog post explored making a Cheesy Ranch Potato Skillet. We covered the key ingredients, including potatoes, seasonings, and cheese. I shared step-by-step cooking instructions and helpful tips for the best results. You learned about delicious variations and how to store leftovers properly. In closing, this dish is easy and fun to make. With a few simple swaps, you can customize it to fit your taste. Enjoy trying different flavors and methods for a tasty meal every time.

Cheesy Ranch Potato Skillet

A delicious and creamy potato dish with ranch dressing and cheese, perfect for a comforting meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 medium-sized russet potatoes, diced into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • to taste Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 cup sharp shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 half cup creamy ranch dressing
  • 1 quarter cup green onions, finely chopped
  • 1 quarter cup cooked and crumbled turkey bacon (optional)

Instructions
 

  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat until shimmering.
  • Add the diced russet potatoes to the skillet. Season them generously with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss the potatoes in the oil and spices until they are well coated.
  • Cover the skillet with a lid and allow the potatoes to cook for about 15-20 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. The potatoes should become fork-tender and develop a lovely golden-brown crust.
  • Once the potatoes are cooked through, reduce the heat to low. Drizzle the ranch dressing over the potatoes and stir gently to ensure everything is evenly mixed.
  • Evenly sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the ranch-coated potatoes. Cover the skillet once more and let it cook for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling, creating a delightful creamy layer.
  • Remove the skillet from the heat. Top the dish with chopped green onions and crumbled turkey bacon if you choose to use it, adding a burst of color and flavor.
  • Serve the cheesy ranch potato skillet hot, either directly in the skillet for a rustic touch or plated individually for elegance.

Notes

For an appealing serving, consider adding a sprinkle of extra chopped green onions on top before serving. Pair with a side salad for a complete meal!
Keyword cheese, potatoes, ranch, skillet