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bacon ranch baked potatoes

(1 rating)
jenniebug1978 avatar
Recipe by
Jennifer Bass
@jenniebug1978
Richmond, KY

February is Potato Lovers Month and I wanted to try new toppings for baked potatoes. These turned out full of flavor and are very filling for a single meal itself.

(1 rating)
yield 4 serving(s)
prep time 10 Min
cook time 1 Hr 20 Min

Ingredients For bacon ranch baked potatoes

  • 4 lg
    baking potatoes
  • 4 oz
    sliced mushrooms
  • 1 sm
    bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 md
    onion, sliced
  • 4 slice
    bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 1/2 c
    shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 4 Tbsp
    ranch dressing
  • 1 Tbsp
    butter
  • salt & pepper, to taste
  • additional butter, if desired
  • 4 lg
    cherry tomatoes, sliced (for garnish)

How To Make bacon ranch baked potatoes

  • 1
    Clean your potatoes with a stiff-bristled brush and cold water. After you've thoroughly cleaned the potatoes, look them over and remove any bruises or mis-colored spots.
  • 2
    Using a fork, work your way around each potato stabbing deeply into it's flesh. 6-12 stabs should do it depending on the size of the potatoes you are using. This allows steam to escape during the cooking process.
  • 3
    Dry the potatoes off with a paper towel and preheat the oven to 350°F. Take a small bowl and add just a splash of your chosen oil, and have a container ready for the potatoes once they've been oiled. Then lightly salt and pepper each one and put aside as you wait for the oven to heat up.
  • 4
    Once the oven has heated, arrange the potatoes directly on the cooking rack and place a baking sheet on the rack underneath them to catch any drippings.
  • 5
    Cooking time will vary from 1 hour and up depending on the size and quantity of potatoes you cook. The skin should be puffed up, golden-brown and crispy, and the potato should squish easily and be very soft on the inside.
  • 6
    When the potatoes have about 15 minutes of cooking left, heat a medium skillet to medium-high heat. Add 1 teaspoon of butter and let melt. Add the mushrooms and onions. Sprinkle with a little salt and cook for about 7-9 minutes, or until onions are golden brown. Add the peppers.
  • 7
    Once the potatoes have been properly cooked, carefully remove from the oven. Keep in mind that potatoes retain heat for quite a while, so use tongs or an insulated cooking mitt to remove the potatoes.
  • 8
    Cut the potatoes open and fluff with a fork. Add butter, additional salt and pepper (if desired). Top the potatoes with the mushroom, onion and pepper mixture, cheese and top with crumbled bacon pieces.
  • 9
    Place on a microwavable plate and microwave in intervals of 30 seconds until the cheese has melted.
  • 10
    Add ranch dressing and additional cheese if desired. Garnish with cherry tomatoes that have been halved, if desired.
  • Last Step: Don't forget to share! Make all your friends drool by posting a picture of your finished recipe on your favorite social network. And don't forget to tag Just A Pinch and include #justapinchrecipes so we can see it too!
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