Cheesy Ranch Oven Roasted Potatoes With Crispy Herb Cheese Crust

Looking for a side dish that’s guaranteed to disappear fast? These Cheesy Ranch Oven-Roasted Potatoes with a Crispy Herb-Cheese Crust are the answer! We’re taking humble baby potatoes and elevating them to a whole new level of deliciousness. The combination of creamy roasted potatoes, zesty ranch seasoning, a golden, crunchy herb-cheese topping, and a cool, tangy yogurt drizzle is simply irresistible. This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or any occasion where you want to impress. Let’s dive into what makes these potatoes so special!

What You’ll Need: The Ingredient Rundown

• 1.2 kg (2 ½ lb) Baby Potatoes, Halved: We’re using baby potatoes because their thin skin doesn’t require peeling, and they roast up beautifully tender. Halving them ensures even cooking and maximizes surface area for that crispy exterior. Yukon Gold or red potatoes work particularly well.
• 2 Tbsp (30 ml) Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is preferred for its flavor, but any good quality olive oil will work. It helps the potatoes get beautifully golden and crispy during roasting.
• 1 tsp (5 g) Sea Salt: Sea salt provides a cleaner, more nuanced flavor than table salt. Adjust to your taste, but don’t skimp – seasoning is key!
• ½ tsp (2 g) Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Freshly ground pepper offers a much more vibrant aroma and flavor than pre-ground.
• 2 Tbsp (30 g) Ranch Seasoning Blend: This is where the magic happens! A pre-made ranch seasoning blend (dried dill, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt) provides that classic ranch flavor we all love. You can find this in most grocery stores, or make your own for a truly customized taste.
• 150 g (5 oz) Sharp Cheddar Cheese, Grated: Sharp cheddar provides a bold, tangy flavor that complements the ranch seasoning perfectly. Pre-shredded cheese is convenient, but grating your own will melt more smoothly.
• 50 g (½ cup) Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs are coarser and lighter than regular breadcrumbs, resulting in an extra-crispy topping.
• 1 Tbsp (7 g) Fresh Thyme Leaves, Chopped: Fresh thyme adds a lovely herbaceous note to the crust. If you don’t have fresh, you can substitute with 1 teaspoon of dried thyme.
• 1 Tbsp (7 g) Fresh Rosemary, Finely Chopped: Rosemary’s piney aroma and flavor pair wonderfully with potatoes and cheddar. Again, 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary can be used if fresh isn’t available.
• 2 Tbsp (30 g) Unsalted Butter, Melted: Melted butter helps bind the herb-cheese crumble together and adds richness.
• 120 g (½ cup) Plain Greek Yogurt: Greek yogurt provides a creamy, tangy base for the drizzle. Its thickness helps it cling to the potatoes. Full-fat or 2% fat yogurt works best.
• 1 Tbsp (15 ml) Fresh Lemon Juice: Lemon juice brightens up the yogurt drizzle and cuts through the richness of the cheese.
• 1 Clove Garlic, Minced: Garlic adds a savory depth to the yogurt drizzle.
• ¼ tsp (1 g) Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the flavors in the yogurt drizzle.
• Fresh Chives, Finely Sliced, for Garnish: Chives add a fresh, oniony flavor and a pop of color.

Ingredient Substitutions

Don’t have everything on hand? No problem! Here are a few easy substitutions:

• Cheddar Cheese: Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or even a mild pepper jack would work well.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Regular breadcrumbs can be used, but the crust won’t be quite as crispy.
• Fresh Herbs: Dried herbs can be substituted, use about 1 teaspoon of each.
• Greek Yogurt: Sour cream can be used in a pinch, but it will be richer.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfectly Crispy Cheesy Ranch Potatoes

1. Preheat and Prep: Begin by preheating your oven to 200°C (400°F). This higher temperature is crucial for achieving that desirable crispy exterior. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
2. Season the Potatoes: In a large bowl, combine the halved baby potatoes, olive oil, sea salt, black pepper, and ranch seasoning blend. Toss thoroughly to ensure every potato piece is evenly coated. Don’t be shy with the seasoning – this is where a lot of the flavor comes from!
3. First Roast: Spread the seasoned potatoes cut-side down on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Spacing them out is important; overcrowding will steam the potatoes instead of roasting them. Roast for 20 minutes. This initial roast starts to tenderize the potatoes and allows the seasoning to adhere.
4. Prepare the Herb-Cheese Crumble: While the potatoes are roasting, create the star of the show – the crispy herb-cheese crust. In a small bowl, combine the grated cheddar cheese, panko breadcrumbs, chopped thyme, rosemary, and melted butter. Mix well until the crumbs are evenly coated with butter and the cheese is distributed throughout. The panko breadcrumbs provide extra crunch, while the herbs add a fragrant, fresh element.
5. Add the Crumble and Continue Roasting: After the initial 20-minute roast, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Give the potatoes a gentle stir to ensure even cooking. Sprinkle the herb-cheese crumble evenly over the potatoes, ensuring each piece gets a generous coating. Return the baking sheet to the oven and roast for another 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork and the topping is golden brown and delightfully crispy.
6. Make the Lemon-Garlic Yogurt Drizzle: While the potatoes finish roasting, prepare the cooling and tangy lemon-garlic yogurt drizzle. In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt until smooth and creamy. Refrigerate until ready to use. The yogurt adds a lovely coolness that balances the richness of the cheese and butter.
7. Assemble and Garnish: Once the potatoes are cooked to perfection, carefully transfer them to a warm serving platter. Drizzle the lemon-garlic yogurt mixture over the potatoes in a thin, zig-zag pattern, allowing it to pool slightly in the crevices. Finish with a generous sprinkle of finely sliced fresh chives and a final pinch of sea salt for a delightful contrast of flavors and textures.

Choosing the Right Potatoes

Baby potatoes are ideal for this recipe because of their thin skins and naturally creamy texture. You don’t need to peel them, saving you time and retaining valuable nutrients. Red potatoes or Yukon Gold potatoes also work well, but adjust the roasting time slightly if using larger potatoes to ensure they are cooked through.

The Science of Crispy Potatoes

Achieving truly crispy oven-roasted potatoes is all about maximizing surface area and creating steam. Halving the potatoes exposes more surface area for browning. The initial roast at a higher temperature helps to evaporate moisture from the surface, while the herb-cheese crumble provides a protective layer that traps steam and promotes crisping. The panko breadcrumbs, in particular, contribute significantly to the crunch.

Variations and Additions

Feel free to customize these Cheesy Ranch Oven-Roasted Potatoes to your liking! Consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the ranch seasoning for a little heat. You could also incorporate other herbs like oregano or parsley into the crumble. For a smoky flavor, try using smoked paprika in the ranch seasoning or adding a sprinkle of smoked salt to the finished potatoes. Diced bacon or cooked sausage would also be delicious additions.

Tips for the Best Herb-Cheese Crust

Don’t skimp on the butter! It’s essential for binding the breadcrumbs and cheese together and creating a golden, crispy crust. Make sure the butter is melted but not hot, as hot butter can melt the cheese prematurely. Press the crumble gently onto the potatoes to help it adhere. If you want an extra-crispy crust, you can broil the potatoes for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking, but watch them closely to prevent burning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare the potatoes and seasoning blend ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. However, it’s best to add the herb-cheese crumble and roast the potatoes just before serving for optimal crispness.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes! Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or even a spicy pepper jack would all be delicious alternatives to cheddar cheese.

Is it necessary to use Greek yogurt?

While Greek yogurt provides a lovely tang and creaminess, you can substitute sour cream or crème fraîche if you prefer. However, Greek yogurt is a healthier option with a higher protein content.

These Cheesy Ranch Oven-Roasted Potatoes are the perfect side dish for any occasion! Their crispy texture, flavorful seasoning, and creamy yogurt drizzle are sure to be a hit with everyone. Don’t forget to save this recipe to Pinterest for easy access later!

cheesy ranch oven roasted potatoes

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• Author: Tessa Monroe
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: General

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Description

These oven-roasted baby potatoes are tossed in ranch seasoning, topped with a crispy herb-cheese crust, and drizzled with a tangy yogurt sauce. They’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for any occasion!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.2 kg (2 ½ lb) Baby Potatoes, Halved
• 2 Tbsp (30 ml) Olive Oil
• 1 tsp (5 g) Sea Salt
• ½ tsp (2 g) Freshly Ground Black Pepper
• 2 Tbsp (30 g) Ranch Seasoning Blend
• 150 g (5 oz) Sharp Cheddar Cheese, Grated
• 50 g (½ cup) Panko Breadcrumbs
• 1 Tbsp (7 g) Fresh Thyme Leaves, Chopped
• 1 Tbsp (7 g) Fresh Rosemary, Finely Chopped
• 2 Tbsp (30 g) Unsalted Butter, Melted
• 120 g (½ cup) Plain Greek Yogurt
• 1 Tbsp (15 ml) Fresh Lemon Juice
• 1 Clove Garlic, Minced
• ¼ tsp (1 g) Salt
• Fresh Chives, Finely Sliced, for Garnish

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Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Season Potatoes: Toss halved potatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper, and ranch seasoning.
3. First Roast: Spread potatoes cut-side down on the baking sheet and roast for 20 minutes.
4. Make Crumble: Combine cheddar, panko, thyme, rosemary, and melted butter.
5. Add Crumble & Roast: Sprinkle crumble over potatoes and roast for 15-20 minutes, until tender and golden.
6. Make Drizzle: Whisk together yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, and salt.
7. Assemble & Garnish: Drizzle potatoes with yogurt mixture and garnish with chives.

Notes

For optimal crispness, add the herb-cheese crumble and roast the potatoes just before serving. Feel free to experiment with different herbs and cheeses!

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 250 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg