Looking for a savory, crowd-pleasing side dish that packs a punch? Look no further than Cheddar Bacon Ranch Hasselback Potatoes. This delightful recipe combines the crispiness of perfectly roasted russet potatoes with the rich, creamy flavors of cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and tangy ranch dressing. It’s a side dish so satisfying that it could easily steal the spotlight at any dinner table. Whether you’re preparing a family meal or hosting a dinner party, this dish is sure to be a hit!

In this article, we’ll take you through a step-by-step guide to making these Cheddar Bacon Ranch Hasselback Potatoes. We’ll cover everything from preparation to serving, offering tips and variations along the way. So grab your ingredients and get ready to create a mouthwatering dish that will leave your guests asking for seconds!

What Are Hasselback Potatoes?

Hasselback potatoes are a Swedish-inspired dish that gets its name from the Hasselbacken restaurant in Stockholm, where it was first created in the 1950s. The unique preparation involves slicing the potatoes thinly, but not all the way through, allowing them to fan out during baking. This creates crispy edges while the interior remains soft and fluffy. Hasselback potatoes are often stuffed or topped with various ingredients to elevate the flavor, making them perfect for creative variations like this Cheddar Bacon Ranch version.

The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility—simple, hearty ingredients combined in a way that enhances the natural flavor of the potatoes. Cheddar Bacon Ranch Hasselback Potatoes are a perfect example of how you can take a humble potato and turn it into a delicious, show-stopping dish.

Why You’ll Love Cheddar Bacon Ranch Hasselback Potatoes

There are several reasons why Cheddar Bacon Ranch Hasselback Potatoes should be at the top of your recipe list. Here’s why:

Irresistible Flavor Combination: The combination of crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and creamy ranch dressing creates a flavor explosion in every bite.
Simple Ingredients: The ingredients are easy to find, and most of them are likely already in your pantry.
Customizable: You can easily modify the recipe based on your preferences—whether you want more cheese, extra bacon, or a spicier kick.
Impressive Presentation: The Hasselback style of the potatoes gives this dish a unique look, making it an impressive addition to any dinner table.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Cheddar Bacon Ranch Hasselback Potatoes

To make these flavorful Cheddar Bacon Ranch Hasselback Potatoes, gather the following ingredients:

Main Ingredients:

4 large russet potatoes
Russet potatoes are perfect for this recipe because of their high starch content, which creates a fluffy interior and a crisp outer texture when baked.
4 tbsp butter, melted
Butter not only adds flavor but also helps crisp up the edges of the potatoes, giving them that golden-brown exterior everyone loves.
1 tsp garlic powder
Garlic powder adds depth and a savory punch, enhancing the overall flavor of the dish.
½ tsp salt
Salt is essential to bring out the natural flavors of the potatoes and balance the richness of the other ingredients.
½ tsp black pepper
Black pepper adds a mild heat that complements the other seasonings and ingredients.
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Cheddar cheese is the star of this dish, offering a sharp, creamy flavor that melts beautifully between the potato slices.
6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
Bacon adds crunch and a smoky, salty flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy cheese and tangy ranch dressing.
¼ cup ranch dressing
Ranch dressing brings a creamy, zesty element to the dish, completing the cheddar-bacon-ranch flavor profile.
2 tbsp chopped green onions
Green onions add a fresh, crisp bite and a pop of color to the dish, balancing the richness of the cheese and bacon.

Dietary Options:

Gluten-Free Version: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Dairy-Free Version: For a dairy-free option, you can use plant-based butter, dairy-free cheese, and ranch dressing alternatives.

Step-by-Step Directions to Make Cheddar Bacon Ranch Hasselback Potatoes

Now that we’ve gathered our ingredients, it’s time to get cooking! Here’s a step-by-step guide to making Cheddar Bacon Ranch Hasselback Potatoes:

1. Preheat Your Oven

Before you start preparing the potatoes, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature will ensure that your potatoes cook evenly, becoming perfectly crispy on the outside while remaining soft and fluffy on the inside.

2. Slice the Potatoes

Take your russet potatoes and make thin slices, about ⅛ inch thick, stopping before you cut all the way through the potato. You want the potato to fan out slightly as it bakes, creating that signature Hasselback style. Be careful not to slice all the way through—leaving the bottom intact will help the slices stay together.

If you’re worried about cutting all the way through, you can place two wooden spoons or chopsticks on either side of the potato. This will act as a guide, preventing you from cutting too deep.

3. Brush and Bake the Potatoes

In a small bowl, combine melted butter, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Use a brush to coat the potatoes with this flavorful mixture, making sure to get the butter into the cracks between the slices. Place the potatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil and bake them in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.

During this time, the potatoes will begin to soften and crisp up on the outside, and the butter and seasonings will infuse the potatoes with flavor.

4. Add Cheese and Bacon

Once the potatoes have baked for 45 minutes, remove them from the oven and carefully stuff the slices with shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon. Use a spoon or your fingers to push the cheese and bacon into the cracks between the potato slices. Return the potatoes to the oven for an additional 10 minutes to melt the cheese and crisp up the bacon.

The cheese will melt beautifully, creating a gooey, savory filling, while the bacon adds a crispy, smoky element.

5. Drizzle with Ranch and Serve

Once the potatoes are done baking, remove them from the oven and drizzle with ranch dressing. Finish with a sprinkling of chopped green onions to add freshness and a pop of color.

Your Cheddar Bacon Ranch Hasselback Potatoes are now ready to be served! These potatoes are perfect on their own or as a side dish to a hearty meal.

Tips for the Best Cheddar Bacon Ranch Hasselback Potatoes

Use a sharp cheddar cheese: For the best flavor, opt for a sharp cheddar. It melts beautifully and gives the dish a stronger, more pronounced cheese flavor.
Crisp up the bacon: Make sure the bacon is cooked until crispy before adding it to the potatoes. This ensures it retains its crunch and texture after baking.
Customize with toppings: If you want to add extra flavor, consider topping your potatoes with sour cream, extra cheese, or jalapeños for a spicy kick.

How to Serve Cheddar Bacon Ranch Hasselback Potatoes

These Cheddar Bacon Ranch Hasselback Potatoes are incredibly versatile and pair well with a variety of main dishes. Here are some ideas for serving them:

Grilled meats: Serve them alongside grilled steak, chicken, or pork for a hearty, satisfying meal.
Salads: Pair these potatoes with a fresh salad, such as a Caesar salad or mixed greens, to balance out the richness of the dish.
Barbecue: They also go wonderfully with barbecue dishes, such as ribs or pulled pork, thanks to their smoky bacon flavor.

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

If you love making flavorful, cheesy dishes, check out these other recipes that will satisfy your taste buds:

Cheesy Bacon Burger Wraps – A perfect handheld meal that combines bacon and cheese with all the flavors of a classic burger.
Cheesy Jalapeno Chicken Enchiladas – A spicy, cheesy take on enchiladas that’s sure to please anyone who loves a bit of heat.
Chicken Bacon Ranch Stuffed Mushrooms – Another bacon ranch dish, this time in a bite-sized, stuffed mushroom form!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How Do I Make Hasselback Potatoes with Cheese and Bacon?

To make Hasselback potatoes with cheese and bacon, start by thinly slicing your potatoes, making sure not to cut all the way through. Brush the slices with a butter and seasoning mixture, then bake them until they are tender. After about 45 minutes, stuff the slices with shredded cheese and crumbled bacon, and bake again for 10 more minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Finish by drizzling ranch dressing on top and garnishing with chopped green onions for an added burst of flavor.

How Do I Make Perfect Hasselback Potatoes?

Making perfect Hasselback potatoes requires a few simple steps. First, choose a starchy potato-like russet for a fluffy interior. Slice the potatoes thinly, but don’t cut all the way through. Use a brush to coat them with melted butter and seasonings like garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Bake at 400°F for 45 minutes to achieve that crispy edge while keeping the interior tender. For the perfect finish, stuff the slices with cheese and bacon, and bake for another 10 minutes. You’ll end up with perfectly crispy, cheesy, and savory potatoes.

What Kind of Cheese is Best for Hasselback Potatoes?

The best cheese for Hasselback potatoes is a sharp, melting cheese like cheddar. It adds rich flavor and melts beautifully between the potato slices. You can also use mozzarella for extra stretchiness or Monterey Jack for a milder taste. For more complex flavors, try blending cheeses such as Gruyère or Parmesan along with cheddar for a more refined taste.

What Potatoes Are Good for Hasselback Potatoes?

The ideal potatoes for Hasselback potatoes are starchy varieties like russet potatoes. These potatoes have a high starch content, making them perfect for achieving a fluffy interior and crispy skin when baked. You can also use Yukon Gold potatoes if you prefer a creamier texture, though they won’t crisp up quite as much as russets. Avoid waxy potatoes like red potatoes, as they don’t achieve the same fluffy texture and crispiness.

Conclusion

Cheddar Bacon Ranch Hasselback Potatoes are the ultimate combination of crispy, cheesy, and savory goodness. With their perfectly baked slices stuffed with cheddar cheese and bacon, these potatoes are sure to impress at any dinner table. The simple yet flavorful ingredients, like melted butter, garlic powder, and a drizzle of ranch dressing, create an irresistible dish that’s both indulgent and comforting.

Whether you’re making them for a family dinner, a special occasion, or just because, these Hasselback potatoes are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. By following the simple steps outlined in this recipe, you can achieve the perfect balance of texture and flavor, turning an ordinary potato into an extraordinary treat.

So, grab your russet potatoes, preheat the oven, and get ready to enjoy a dish that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Happy cooking!

How to Make Cheddar Bacon Ranch Hasselback Potatoes

Author: Sofia Rojas
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Cheddar Bacon Ranch Hasselback Potatoes are the perfect side dish for any occasion. Crispy on the outside with a tender interior, these potatoes are stuffed with sharp cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and topped with a tangy ranch dressing. They’re easy to make, full of flavor, and guaranteed to be a crowd favorite!

Ingredients

Scale

4 large russet potatoes
4 tbsp butter, melted
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
¼ cup ranch dressing
2 tbsp chopped green onions

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Slice Potatoes: Carefully slice each potato into thin slices, but do not cut all the way through. Leave about a ¼-inch at the bottom to hold the slices together.
Brush & Bake: Mix the melted butter, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Brush the butter mixture over the potatoes and bake for 45 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender on the inside and slightly crispy on the outside.
Add Cheese & Bacon: Once the potatoes are done baking, stuff the slices with shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon. Return the potatoes to the oven for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
Drizzle Ranch & Serve: Remove from the oven, drizzle with ranch dressing, and top with chopped green onions for garnish. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

Choosing Potatoes: Russet potatoes are the best option for this recipe as they have a fluffy interior that pairs well with the crispy skin.
Make It Gluten-Free: Ensure your ranch dressing is gluten-free, and you’re all set for a gluten-free version!
Vegetarian Option: Skip the bacon and use extra cheese or sautéed vegetables for a vegetarian version.
Customize: Feel free to add any other toppings like sour cream or hot sauce for extra flavor.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 potato (1/4 of the recipe)
Calories: 350 kcal
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 650mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 37g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 10g
Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: Cheddar Bacon Ranch Hasselback Potatoes, Hasselback Potatoes, Bacon Potatoes, Ranch Potatoes, Cheddar Potatoes, Side Dish Potatoes, Cheesy Potatoes, Easy Potato Recipes