## Cheesy Ranch Oven Roasted Potatoes: An Irresistible Side Dish
### Introduction
Prepare to elevate your culinary experience with our mouth-watering Cheesy Ranch Oven Roasted Potatoes recipe. This dish pairs the earthy wholesome goodness of potatoes with the luxurious melt-in-the-mouth delight of cheese. Masterfully combining these two humble ingredients, expose you to a taste sensation that pleases the palate and warms the heart.
### Why Make This Recipe
Our Cheesy Ranch Oven Roasted Potatoes are a perfect side dish to any meal. With a prep time of just 10 minutes and cooking time no longer than 45 minutes, this dish delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. Thanks to the combination of warm, savory potatoes, aromatic ranch dressing, and oozy cheese, it is a sure-fire way to impress your family or guests at any gathering.
### How to Make Cheesy Ranch Oven Roasted Potatoes
Crafting the perfect Cheesy Ranch Oven Roasted Potatoes involves mixing baby potatoes in a divine concoction of olive oil, ranch dressing mix, salt, and pepper. Once they are well coated, the potatoes are laid out on a lined baking sheet and baked until they are golden and tender. The finishing touch is the generous sprinkling of cheese which is then melted to a bubbly perfection.
### Ingredients for Cheesy Ranch Oven Roasted Potatoes
– 2 lbs baby potatoes, halved
– 3 tbsp olive oil
– 1 oz ranch dressing mix
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– Salt and pepper to preferred taste
– Optional: 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley for garnish
### Directions for Cheesy Ranch Oven Roasted Potatoes
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mix the potatoes with olive oil, ranch dressing mix, salt, and pepper until well coated.
3. Evenly spread the potatoes on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake for 35 minutes, stirring occasionally until the potatoes are golden and tender.
5. Top the potatoes with shredded cheddar cheese and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbling.
6. Garnish with chopped parsley just before serving, if desired.
### How to Serve Cheesy Ranch Oven Roasted Potatoes
Serve these cheesy delights alongside your main dish, be it a succulent roast, grilled chicken, or a hearty stew. It can be enjoyed as an appetizer, too. Simply add toothpicks for your guests to enjoy as a bite-sized treat!
### How to Store Cheesy Ranch Oven Roasted Potatoes
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the potatoes in an oven at 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes until hot and cheese is melted again.
### Tips to Make Cheesy Ranch Oven Roasted Potatoes
1. For more tender and moist potatoes, consider parboiling them before roasting.
2. Don’t skimp on the cheese! The more, the merrier.
3. Be sure to stir the potatoes halfway through baking to ensure even cooking and prevent them from sticking to the pan.
### Variation
For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the olive oil and ranch dressing mixture before coating the potatoes.
### FAQs
**Q: Can I use other types of potatoes in this recipe?**
A: Yes, you can. However, baby potatoes are preferred for their tenderness and small size which makes them cook faster and more evenly.
**Q: Can I use other types of cheese?**
A: Yes, feel free to experiment with a variety of cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Colby. Note that flavor and melting properties may vary.
**Q: Can I prepare Cheesy Ranch Oven Roasted Potatoes ahead of time?**
A: Yes, you can prepare the potatoes with the mixture of olive oil and ranch dressing, spread them on the baking sheet, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, just sprinkle with cheese and pop it in the oven.