Ultimate Cheesy Ranch Bacon-Stuffed Potatoes
These Ultimate Cheesy Ranch Bacon-Stuffed Potatoes take the classic twice-baked recipe to a whole new level! Each creamy, buttery potato is filled to the brim with a savory mixture of crispy applewood smoked bacon, zesty ranch seasoning, and gooey cheddar cheese. Ideal for serving as a hearty side dish or a comforting main course, these stuffed potatoes are guaranteed to impress at any gathering. Quick to prepare thanks to the microwave, you'll spend less time cooking and more time enjoying them. Feel free to customize with your favorite add-ins—like a sprinkle of fresh broccoli or a bold hint of bleu cheese—making each batch your own culinary masterpiece!
10
Servings
360
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
russet potatoes
5 (baked)
butter
1/2 cup (softened)
shredded cheddar cheese
2 cups (shredded)
sour cream
1 cup
ranch dressing mix
2 (1 ounce) envelopes
green onions
4-6 (sliced)
applewood smoked bacon
12 ounces (cooked and crumbled)
garlic cloves
2 large (minced)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
Scrub the russet potatoes under running water, then 'bake' them in the microwave for about 20 minutes on high, or until tender. Allow them to cool slightly.
3
Once cooled, carefully cut each potato in half lengthwise and scoop out the fluffy pulp into a large mixing bowl, leaving a thin shell for the stuffing.
4
Add the softened butter to the potato pulp and mix until creamy.
5
Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, ranch dressing mix, sliced green onions, cooked crumbled bacon, and minced garlic until well combined.
6
Generously spoon the creamy potato mixture back into the potato shells, packing it tightly.
7
Arrange the stuffed potato halves on a baking sheet.
8
Place in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20 minutes, or until heated through and golden on top.
Nutrition Information
24g
Fat
22g
Carbs
8g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Ultimate Cheesy Ranch Bacon-Stuffed Potatoes?
They are a twist on classic twice-baked potatoes featuring creamy potato pulp mixed with applewood smoked bacon, ranch seasoning, and cheddar cheese.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to yield 10 servings.
What type of potatoes should I use?
Russet potatoes are recommended for this recipe because of their starchy texture and sturdy skins.
How do I initially cook the potatoes?
Scrub the potatoes and microwave them on high for about 20 minutes until tender.
What temperature should I set my oven to?
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) for the final baking step.
How much bacon is required for this recipe?
You will need 12 ounces of applewood smoked bacon, cooked and crumbled.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, while cheddar is recommended, you can customize it with other types like bleu cheese or pepper jack.
How long do the stuffed potatoes bake in the oven?
Bake them for approximately 20 minutes until they are heated through and golden on top.
What ingredients are in the potato filling?
The filling consists of potato pulp, butter, cheddar cheese, sour cream, ranch dressing mix, green onions, bacon, and minced garlic.
Is there a shortcut for cooking the potatoes?
Yes, using a microwave to 'bake' the potatoes takes only about 20 minutes compared to an hour in the oven.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 360 calories.
How much fat is in one serving?
There are 24 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
Each serving has 22 grams of carbohydrates.
How much protein do these potatoes provide?
Each serving provides about 8 grams of protein.
What kind of ranch seasoning should I use?
The recipe calls for two 1-ounce envelopes of dry ranch dressing mix.
Can I add vegetables to the filling?
Absolutely! Adding fresh broccoli is a suggested variation for this recipe.
How much butter is used in the recipe?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of softened butter.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
You will need 2 large cloves of garlic, minced.
Do I need to leave the potato skins intact?
Yes, leave a thin shell of potato pulp against the skin to hold the stuffing.
How many green onions should I use?
The recipe suggests using between 4 to 6 sliced green onions.
Is this recipe considered a main course or a side dish?
It is versatile enough to be served as either a hearty side dish or a comforting main course.
Can I make these potatoes ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffed shells in advance and bake them when you are ready to serve.
What should the texture of the filling be?
The filling should be creamy and well-combined before being spooned back into the shells.
How do I pack the mixture into the shells?
Generously spoon the mixture into the shells and pack it tightly to ensure they are full.
What kind of bacon is best?
Applewood smoked bacon is specifically recommended for its savory flavor.
Should the butter be melted or softened?
The butter should be softened to ensure it mixes easily with the potato pulp.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
While the recipe calls for sour cream, Greek yogurt is a common substitute that provides a similar tang.
How do I know when the potatoes are done in the microwave?
They are done when they are tender enough to be easily pierced with a fork.
What is the total number of ingredients needed?
There are 8 main ingredients required for this recipe.
How should I cut the potatoes after they are cooked?
Carefully cut each potato in half lengthwise once they have cooled slightly.