Cheesy Bacon Ranch Potatoes

Both of these are fantastic comfort food options! I’ll give you recipes for both:

1. Cheesy Bacon Ranch Potatoes – Perfect for those who love cheesy, creamy, and savory potatoes.
2. Skillet Potatoes and Onions – A simple, flavorful, and crispy version of potatoes with caramelized onions.

🧀 Cheesy Bacon Ranch Potatoes

Ingredients (Serves 4–6):

• 2 lbs baby potatoes (or regular potatoes, cubed)
• 4 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (or homemade ranch seasoning)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup green onions, chopped (optional)
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat & Prepare Potatoes:
   • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
   • If using regular potatoes, scrub them clean and cut them into bite-sized cubes. If using baby potatoes, slice them in half.
2. Boil the Potatoes:
   • Place the potatoes in a large pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
   • Cook for 8-10 minutes until fork-tender but not falling apart. Drain and set aside.
3. Cook the Bacon:
   • In a skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove from the pan, crumble, and set aside. Keep a little bacon grease in the skillet for flavor.
4. Sauté Potatoes:
   • In the same skillet (with bacon drippings), add the butter and olive oil.
   • Once melted, add the drained potatoes and sauté for 5-7 minutes until crispy on the outside, stirring occasionally.
   • Season with salt and pepper.
5. Add the Ranch Seasoning:
   • Sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix over the potatoes, then stir in the sour cream. Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes until everything is well-coated.
6. Top with Cheese & Bacon:
   • Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the potatoes, followed by the crumbled bacon.
   • Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for another 2–3 minutes, just until the cheese is melted.
7. Garnish & Serve:
   • Garnish with green onions and fresh parsley, then serve hot!

🍳 Skillet Potatoes and Onions

Ingredients (Serves 4–6):

• 2 lbs russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 large onion, sliced thinly
• 3 tbsp olive oil or butter
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional for a smoky flavor)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prep the Potatoes:
   • Peel and dice the potatoes into 1-inch cubes. If you want crispy potatoes, make sure the pieces are even and not too thick.
2. Cook the Potatoes:
   • Heat 2 tbsp olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
   • Add the diced potatoes and cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to crisp up and turn golden brown on the outside.
   • Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Add the smoked paprika if using for a deeper flavor.
3. Caramelize the Onions:
   • While the potatoes are cooking, slice the onion thinly.
   • In another skillet, heat the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil and sauté the onions over medium-low heat for 10-12 minutes until soft and caramelized, stirring frequently. Season with a pinch of salt to help draw out the moisture.
4. Combine:
   • Once the potatoes are crispy, stir in the caramelized onions and let everything cook together for an additional 5 minutes so the flavors can meld.
5. Finish with Herbs:
   • Garnish with fresh rosemary, thyme, or parsley, then serve!

✨ Tips & Variations

• Cheesy Bacon Ranch Potatoes:
  • For extra crunch, add some crispy fried onions on top after baking.
  • You can use any cheese you prefer: mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a mix of cheeses.
• Skillet Potatoes and Onions:
  • To add extra flavor, you can toss in some bell peppers with the onions for a sweeter taste.
  • For a richer option, use half butter and half olive oil for frying.
  • If you have a little leftover bacon, sprinkle it over the top for extra crunch and flavor.

Both of these are hearty, comforting side dishes that pair beautifully with meats, eggs, or even just on their own as a main! Let me know if you’d like more variations or if you want to add another twist to one of these recipes. 🥔🥓🧀