Cheesy Bacon Ranch Mashed Potato Bake
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Cheesy Bacon Ranch Mashed Potato Bake. Creamy, mashed potatoes meet the rich flavors of crispy bacon and tangy ranch dressing, all topped with a generous layer of sharp cheddar cheese. Perfect for family gatherings or potluck dinners, this dish brings together classic flavors that everyone loves. Easy to prepare and ready in just over 30 minutes, it's sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection.
N/A
Servings
358
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
baking potatoes
3 large (baked, peeled, and coarsely mashed)
butter (or margarine)
1/4 cup (melted)
green onion tops
1/4 cup (chopped)
dried chives (or fresh chives)
1 tablespoon (dried or chopped if fresh)
bacon
1/2 lb (cooked crisp, drained, and crumbled)
Hidden Valley® Original Ranch® Dressing
1/2 cup (ready to use)
sour cream
1/2 cup (plain)
sharp cheddar cheese
2 cups (grated)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
pepper
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Grease a shallow casserole dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the coarsely mashed potatoes, butter, chopped green onion tops, chives, crumbled bacon, ranch dressing, sour cream, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
4
Transfer the potato mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
5
Sprinkle the grated sharp cheddar cheese generously over the top of the casserole.
6
Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
7
Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
23g
Fat
27g
Carbs
12g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main dish described in this recipe?
The recipe is for a Cheesy Bacon Ranch Mashed Potato Bake, described as a creamy comfort food dish topped with sharp cheddar cheese.
How many baking potatoes are needed?
You will need 3 large baking potatoes that have been baked, peeled, and coarsely mashed.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, you can use either 1/4 cup of melted butter or margarine for this recipe.
How much bacon is required and how should it be prepared?
The recipe calls for 1/2 lb of bacon that has been cooked crisp, drained, and crumbled.
What type of cheese is recommended for the topping?
The recipe recommends using 2 cups of grated sharp cheddar cheese.
What specific ranch dressing is used in this recipe?
The recipe specifies 1/2 cup of Hidden Valley Original Ranch Dressing.
How much sour cream should I add?
You should include 1/2 cup of plain sour cream in the potato mixture.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How long does the potato bake need to stay in the oven?
Bake the dish uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Should I use fresh or dried chives?
You can use either 1 tablespoon of dried chives or fresh chopped chives.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are approximately 358 calories per serving of this potato bake.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 23 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
There are 27 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein does this recipe provide?
This recipe provides 12 grams of protein per serving.
Do I need to grease the casserole dish?
Yes, grease a shallow casserole dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent the potatoes from sticking.
What are the onion requirements for this recipe?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of chopped green onion tops.
How much salt and pepper should be added?
Add 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper, or adjust both to your personal taste.
What should I do after removing the bake from the oven?
Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving to ensure the best texture.
How many ingredients are in this recipe in total?
There are a total of 10 ingredients required for this potato bake.
Can this be served as a side dish?
Yes, it is categorized as a side dish and a vegetable casserole.
How do I ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed?
Mix the mashed potatoes, butter, onions, chives, bacon, ranch, and sour cream in a large bowl before transferring to the baking dish.
Is the bake covered or uncovered while in the oven?
The instructions specify to bake the casserole uncovered.
How do I know the dish is finished cooking?
The dish is ready when the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include casserole, comfort food, potato bake, bacon, ranch dressing, cheesy, side dish, and vegetable.
How should the potatoes be mashed?
The potatoes should be coarsely mashed, rather than completely smooth, after they have been baked and peeled.
Is there fiber or sugar information available?
No, the fiber and sugar content for this recipe are not provided.
How do I spread the mixture into the dish?
Transfer the potato mixture into the prepared dish and spread it out evenly before adding the cheese.
How long does the entire preparation and cooking take?
The dish is ready in just over 30 minutes once the potatoes have been pre-baked and mashed.
Can this recipe be used for large gatherings?
Yes, it is described as being perfect for family gatherings or potluck dinners.
What is the primary texture of the dish?
The dish has a creamy texture from the mashed potatoes and sour cream, with crispy elements from the bacon and melted cheese.