Garlic Ranch Cheddar Stuffed Potatoes
Indulge in these decadent Garlic Ranch Cheddar Stuffed Potatoes, a delightful twist on a classic favorite from Taste of Home Magazine. Each potato is baked to perfection, then stuffed with a creamy mixture of buttery potato pulp, tangy sour cream, and flavorful ranch dressing mix, enhanced by the rich taste of cheddar cheese and aromatic garlic. Topped with crumbled bacon and fresh green onions, these stuffed potatoes are perfect for a hearty side dish or a satisfying vegetarian main course. Serve them at your next gathering, and watch them disappear!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
baking potatoes
5 medium (washed and poked with fork)
butter
1/4 cup (softened)
shredded cheddar cheese
2 cups (divided)
sour cream
3/4 cup (none)
ranch dressing mix
1 (1 ounce) envelope (none)
snipped chives
1 tablespoon (none)
garlic clove
1 (minced)
crumbled cooked bacon
to taste (cooked and crumbled)
chopped green onion
to taste (chopped)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
Wash the baking potatoes thoroughly and poke several holes in each with a fork to allow steam to escape.
3
Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack and bake for about 1 hour, or until tender when pierced with a fork.
4
Once the potatoes are cooked, reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C).
5
Carefully cut each potato in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to scoop out the pulp, leaving a thin shell around the skin.
6
In a large mixing bowl, combine the scooped potato pulp and softened butter, mashing until smooth.
7
Mix in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, ranch dressing mix, snipped chives, and minced garlic until well blended.
8
Generously spoon the creamy mixture back into the potato shells.
9
Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top of the stuffed potatoes.
10
Arrange the filled potato halves on a baking sheet and return them to the oven.
11
Bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the filling is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
12
Remove from the oven and finish with a sprinkle of crumbled bacon and chopped green onions. Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Garlic Ranch Cheddar Stuffed Potatoes?
They are a decadent side dish or vegetarian main consisting of baked potatoes stuffed with a creamy mixture of potato pulp, butter, sour cream, ranch dressing, cheddar cheese, and garlic.
How many potatoes do I need for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 5 medium-sized baking potatoes.
What is the initial oven temperature for baking the potatoes?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F (200°C) for the first stage of baking.
How long do the potatoes bake the first time?
The potatoes should bake for approximately 1 hour or until they are tender when pierced with a fork.
At what temperature do I bake the stuffed potatoes the second time?
Reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) before returning the stuffed potatoes to the oven.
Can these potatoes be served as a vegetarian dish?
Yes, these stuffed potatoes are a satisfying vegetarian main course if you omit the bacon topping.
What ingredients are used for the filling?
The filling consists of potato pulp, 1/4 cup softened butter, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 3/4 cup sour cream, ranch dressing mix, snipped chives, and minced garlic.
How should I prepare the potatoes before the first bake?
Wash them thoroughly and poke several holes in each potato with a fork to allow steam to escape.
What type of cheese is best for this recipe?
The recipe specifically recommends 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, divided between the filling and the topping.
Do I need to peel the potatoes?
No, you keep the skins intact to create a shell for the filling.
How do I remove the pulp from the baked potatoes?
Cut each potato in half lengthwise and use a spoon to scoop out the pulp, leaving a thin shell around the skin.
How much butter is required?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of softened butter.
What toppings are used for Garlic Ranch Cheddar Stuffed Potatoes?
The potatoes are topped with melted cheddar cheese, crumbled cooked bacon, and chopped green onions.
How do I know when the stuffed potatoes are finished baking?
Bake them for 15-20 minutes until the filling is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Is fresh garlic used in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe calls for one minced garlic clove.
What kind of ranch seasoning should I buy?
You will need one 1-ounce envelope of dry ranch dressing mix.
Can I prepare these potatoes ahead of time?
Yes, you can scoop and stuff the potatoes in advance, then refrigerate them until you are ready for the final bake.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
With 5 medium potatoes cut in half, the recipe provides 10 stuffed potato halves.
What is the purpose of poking holes in the potatoes?
Poking holes allows steam to escape during the high-heat baking process to prevent the potatoes from bursting.
Can I substitute sour cream?
While sour cream provides the intended tang, plain Greek yogurt is a common substitute for a similar texture.
How much ranch dressing mix is needed?
The recipe requires one 1-ounce envelope of ranch dressing mix.
What type of potatoes are best for stuffing?
Baking potatoes, such as Russets, are best because they have sturdy skins and a starchy interior that mashes well.
Should I bake the potatoes on a tray or the rack?
For the first bake, place them directly on the oven rack. For the second bake, arrange the filled halves on a baking sheet.
How much cheese goes inside the filling versus on top?
Use 1 cup of shredded cheddar inside the filling and save the remaining cup to sprinkle on top.
Are these potatoes gluten-free?
Potatoes are naturally gluten-free, but you should check the label on your ranch dressing mix to ensure it contains no gluten additives.
How do I store leftover stuffed potatoes?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 5 days.
What are snipped chives?
Chives are a delicate herb from the onion family; 'snipped' simply means they have been cut into small pieces using kitchen shears or a knife.
Can I add other proteins to the filling?
While this recipe uses bacon as a topping, you could mix in diced ham or shredded chicken for a heartier meal.
Is the garlic cooked before being added to the filling?
No, the garlic is minced and mixed raw into the filling, then it cooks during the second 15-20 minute baking period.
Can I use green onions instead of chives in the filling?
Yes, the green parts of green onions can be used as a substitute for chives in the potato mixture.