Description
Deliciously creamy and cheesy ranch roasted baby red potatoes, perfectly tender with a golden melted cheese topping and fresh green onion garnish. This comforting side dish combines buttermilk ranch dressing with a Mexican cheese blend for a flavorful, crowd-pleasing recipe that’s easy to prepare and bake.
Ingredients
Scale
Potatoes
- 3 lbs baby red potatoes, unpeeled
Dressing
- 1/2 cup buttermilk ranch or yogurt ranch dressing
Seasoning
- Garlic salt, to taste
Cheese
- 1 to 1 1/2 cups finely shredded Mexican cheese blend (such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, queso quesadilla)
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chives or green onions, optional garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the potatoes: Cut the unpeeled baby red potatoes into 1 to 1.5-inch pieces. In a large 5-quart pot, fill halfway with salted warm water (approximately 7 cups water and 1 teaspoon salt). Add the potatoes and bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a low boil and cook for 8-12 minutes, or until the potatoes are easily pierced with a fork. Drain well.
- Coat with ranch dressing: Drizzle 1/2 cup of ranch dressing directly into the pot with the drained potatoes. Gently toss the potatoes to coat them evenly with the dressing, ensuring every piece is flavorful.
- Bake the potatoes: Transfer the ranch-coated potatoes into a greased casserole dish. Sprinkle garlic salt over the potatoes to taste. Bake uncovered at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, allowing the potatoes to roast and develop a crispy edge.
- Add the cheese topping: Remove the casserole dish from the oven and set your oven to broil. Sprinkle the top of the potatoes with 1 cup or more of finely shredded Mexican cheese blend. Return the dish to the oven and broil for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
- Garnish and serve: If desired, sprinkle chopped chives or green onions over the cheesy potatoes for a fresh flavor and color contrast. Taste the dish and adjust seasoning with additional garlic salt if needed. Serve warm.
Notes
- Use warm salted water to help the potatoes cook evenly and enhance flavor.
- You can substitute ranch dressing with a yogurt-based ranch for a tangier, lighter option.
- The Mexican cheese blend adds great flavor, but feel free to use cheddar or Monterey Jack alone if preferred.
- Broiling keeps the cheese topping crisp and melty, but watch closely to avoid burning.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, roasted chicken, or as a satisfying vegetarian main with a side salad.
