Ranch-Infused Loaded Baked Potato Casserole
Transform your leftover baked potatoes into a scrumptious and hearty Ranch-Infused Loaded Baked Potato Casserole that is perfect for weeknight dinners! This dish marries the comforting flavors of creamy ranch dressing, savory bacon bits, and fresh onions with tender potato chunks, creating a delightful fusion of textures and tastes. Utilizing red skin potatoes keeps the dish vibrant and rustic - no peeling necessary! Enjoy this delectable casserole as a standout side dish that your family will crave again and again.
8
Servings
437
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
baking potatoes
5 lbs (scrubbed and pricked)
sour cream
8 ounces (none)
mayonnaise
1 cup (none)
chopped onion
1/2 cup (chopped)
bacon bits
1/2 cup (none)
butter
1/2 cup (melted)
ranch dressing mix
1 (1 ounce) envelope (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
Scrub the baking potatoes thoroughly and prick each potato with a fork to allow steam to escape.
3
Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet and bake for 1 hour, or until tender when pierced with a fork.
4
Remove the potatoes from the oven and let them cool for a bit. Once cool enough to handle, you may peel them if desired, or simply cut them into bite-sized chunks, leaving the skin on for added flavor and nutrients.
5
Lower the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C).
6
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, chopped onions, bacon bits, melted butter, and ranch dressing mix. Stir well until all the ingredients are evenly blended.
7
Gently fold in the potato chunks, ensuring they are coated with the creamy ranch mixture.
8
Transfer the potato mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
9
Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly, and the top is slightly golden.
10
Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving, then enjoy this rich and flavorful dish!
Nutrition Information
25g
Fat
50g
Carbs
8g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ranch-Infused Loaded Baked Potato Casserole?
It is a hearty side dish made from baked potato chunks, sour cream, mayonnaise, bacon bits, and ranch dressing mix, perfect for family dinners.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 8 servings.
What is the calorie count for one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 437 calories.
How much fat is in each serving of this casserole?
There are 25g of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
Each serving contains 50g of carbohydrates.
How much protein is in a single serving?
There are 8g of protein per serving.
How many ingredients are needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires 7 main ingredients: baking potatoes, sour cream, mayonnaise, chopped onion, bacon bits, butter, and ranch dressing mix.
What type of potatoes should I use?
The recipe calls for 5 lbs of baking potatoes, but notes that red skin potatoes can be used for a vibrant and rustic look.
Do I need to peel the potatoes?
Peeling is optional; you can leave the skin on for added flavor and nutrients if you prefer.
At what temperature should I first bake the potatoes?
The initial baking temperature for the potatoes is 400°F (200°C).
How long do the potatoes need to bake initially?
Bake the potatoes for 1 hour, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork.
Why do I need to prick the potatoes with a fork?
Pricking the potatoes allows steam to escape during the baking process so they don't burst.
What temperature should the oven be set to for the final casserole?
Lower the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) for the final baking of the casserole.
How long does the casserole take to bake in the oven?
The casserole should bake for 40-45 minutes until hot and bubbly.
What size baking dish should I use?
Use a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
How much ranch dressing mix is required?
You will need one 1-ounce envelope of ranch dressing mix.
What ingredients make up the creamy ranch mixture?
The mixture consists of 8 oz sour cream, 1 cup mayonnaise, 1/2 cup chopped onions, 1/2 cup bacon bits, 1/2 cup melted butter, and the ranch dressing mix.
How much butter is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of melted butter.
How much bacon bits are included?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of bacon bits.
What type of onion is recommended?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of chopped onion.
Can I use leftover baked potatoes for this dish?
Yes, this recipe is specifically designed to transform leftover baked potatoes into a new meal.
Is this dish considered a side dish or main course?
It is primarily categorized as a standout side dish.
What is the preparation for the potatoes after they are baked?
Once cooled slightly, they should be cut into bite-sized chunks.
What are some common tags for this recipe?
Common tags include casserole, potato, ranch, bacon, comfort food, leftovers, and side dish.
How do I know when the casserole is finished baking?
The casserole is done when it is hot, bubbly, and the top is slightly golden.
Should the casserole cool before serving?
Yes, allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving to help it set.
How much sour cream is used?
The recipe uses 8 ounces of sour cream.
How much mayonnaise is needed?
One cup of mayonnaise is required for the creamy mixture.
Does this recipe include any fiber or sugar information?
No, the fiber and sugar content are not specified for this recipe.
Is this recipe considered comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as comfort food due to its rich and savory flavor profile.