Loaded Ranch Delight Baked Potato
Ingredients:
- 4 medium-sized russet potatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup bacon bits
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Wash and scrub the potatoes thoroughly. Pat them dry with a paper towel.
- Pierce each potato with a fork several times to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Rub the potatoes with olive oil, ensuring they are well-coated. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. Bake for about 45-60 minutes or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Once the potatoes are cooked, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
- Slice each potato lengthwise, creating a pocket for the toppings.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously into the pocket of each potato, ensuring it melts into all the nooks and crannies.
- Add bacon bits on top of the cheese, distributing them evenly among the potatoes.
- Drizzle ranch dressing over the loaded potatoes, covering them with the creamy goodness.
- Place the stuffed potatoes back into the oven for an additional 5-7 minutes or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
- Remove the potatoes from the oven, garnish with chopped green onions if desired, and serve immediately.
Enjoy the unexpected combination of flavors and textures in this loaded ranch delight baked potato! The creamy ranch dressing complements the crispy bacon bits and gooey melted cheese, creating a unique and delicious dish that may surprise and delight your taste buds
