Ingredients
Before we get our hands dirty, let’s gather the essentials. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 large russet potatoes (or a bag of your favorite frozen fries)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon bits
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing
- 2 green onions, sliced
And there you have it! If you’re short on time, feel free to use frozen fries. And for a little kick, swap the cheddar for pepper jack cheese. The beauty of home cooking is in its flexibility!
Instructions
Ready to get cooking? Let’s break it down step-by-step:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- If using fresh potatoes, slice them into 1/4-inch thick fries. Toss them in a bowl with olive oil, salt, garlic powder, and paprika until evenly coated.
- Spread the fries in a single layer on the baking sheet. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the fries from the oven and sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese and bacon bits.
- Return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from oven and drizzle with ranch dressing. Top with sliced green onions for a fresh crunch.
- Serve hot and enjoy the smiles all around the table!
One of my favorite kitchen hacks is to use parchment paper to minimize cleanup. Trust me, it’s a game-changer when you’re trying to get dinner on the table without adding another thing to your to-do list.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International