Cheesy Ranch Loaded Baked Potatoes
Indulge in these Cheesy Ranch Loaded Baked Potatoes, a delightful twist on a classic favorite! This recipe, inspired by my daily inspiration from 'Peak of the Market', features tender baked potatoes filled with a luscious mixture of creamy ranch dressing, rich sour cream, and crispy bacon bits. Topped generously with melted cheese, these potatoes make the perfect side dish or a hearty main for any meal. The combination of flavors creates an irresistible and satisfying experience that will please everyone at your table.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
baking potatoes
4 (Whole, unpeeled)
bottled ranch dressing
1/2 cup (N/A)
sour cream
1/4 cup (N/A)
bacon bits
1 teaspoon (N/A)
grated cheese
2 cups (Divided (1 cup for stuffing and 1 cup for topping))
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
Wash and dry the baking potatoes thoroughly. Bake them in the preheated oven for about 1 hour or until tender when pierced with a fork.
3
Once the potatoes are baked, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool slightly. Carefully slice each potato in half lengthwise and scoop out the insides into a mixing bowl, leaving a small margin of potato in the skin to maintain the shape.
4
In the mixing bowl, mash the potato insides until smooth. Add the ranch dressing, sour cream, and bacon bits. Beat the mixture until it reaches a fluffy consistency.
5
Stir in 1 cup of grated cheese until well combined.
6
Spoon the mashed potato mixture back into the potato shells, packing it in generously. Top each filled potato with the remaining 1 cup of grated cheese.
7
Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and place the filled potatoes back in the oven. Bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8
Serve hot and enjoy your Cheesy Ranch Loaded Baked Potatoes!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Cheesy Ranch Loaded Baked Potatoes?
They are tender baked potatoes filled with a mixture of ranch dressing, sour cream, bacon bits, and melted cheese.
What temperature should I preheat the oven to start?
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) for the initial baking of the potatoes.
How long do the potatoes need to bake initially?
The potatoes should bake for about 1 hour or until they are tender when pierced with a fork.
What ingredients are needed for the filling?
The filling consists of the scooped potato insides, bottled ranch dressing, sour cream, bacon bits, and grated cheese.
How much ranch dressing is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of bottled ranch dressing.
Is sour cream required for these potatoes?
Yes, you will need 1/4 cup of sour cream for the potato mixture.
How much cheese is used in total?
The recipe uses 2 cups of grated cheese in total.
How should the cheese be divided during preparation?
Use 1 cup of grated cheese to stir into the potato mixture and the remaining 1 cup for topping the potatoes.
What type of bacon is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of bacon bits.
How many potatoes does this recipe serve?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
Should I peel the potatoes before baking?
No, the potatoes should be washed, dried, and baked whole and unpeeled.
How do I prepare the potato skins for stuffing?
Slice the baked potatoes in half lengthwise and scoop out the insides, leaving a small margin in the skin to maintain the shape.
What is the target consistency for the mashed potato mixture?
The mixture should be beaten until it reaches a fluffy consistency.
What is the oven temperature for the second bake?
Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) for the final baking step.
How long do the stuffed potatoes bake for the second time?
Bake them for an additional 20 minutes after stuffing.
How do I know the loaded potatoes are finished?
They are ready when the cheese on top is melted and bubbly.
Can these potatoes be served as a main dish?
Yes, they can be served as a hearty main dish or a satisfying side dish.
What inspired this specific recipe?
This recipe was inspired by daily inspiration from 'Peak of the Market'.
Is this considered a comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as a classic comfort food side dish or dinner option.
Do I need to mash the potato insides by hand?
You can mash them in a mixing bowl and then beat the mixture to achieve the desired fluffiness.
What type of potatoes are best for this recipe?
The recipe specifies using 4 baking potatoes, such as Russets.
Can I add the cheese all at once?
No, it is best to stir half into the filling and use the other half as a topping for the best results.
Should the potatoes be hot when I scoop them?
Allow them to cool slightly after the first bake so they are easier to handle while slicing and scooping.
Is there any preparation needed for the ranch dressing?
No special preparation is needed; simply use bottled ranch dressing.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
The recipe yields 4 servings, typically one whole potato (two halves) per person.
Can I use fresh bacon instead of bacon bits?
While the recipe calls for bacon bits, you can certainly use freshly cooked and crumbled bacon.
Is this recipe easy to follow?
Yes, it involves simple steps like baking, mashing, and refilling the potato skins.
What should I do if the cheese isn't bubbling after 20 minutes?
You can leave them in the oven for a few extra minutes until the cheese is perfectly melted and bubbly.
Is it necessary to wash the potatoes?
Yes, you should wash and dry the baking potatoes thoroughly before putting them in the oven.
How should I serve these loaded potatoes?
Serve them hot immediately after the second bake for the best flavor and texture.