I absolutely love this recipe because it combines crispy, golden fries with all the goodness of melted cheddar cheese and crispy bacon, making it the ultimate comfort food. Plus, the homemade ranch sauce adds a tangy twist that ties everything together, creating a flavor explosion that keeps me coming back for more!
I adore making recipes that meld indulgence with mouthwatering flavor, and Papas Fritas Con Queso Tocino Y Salsa Ranchera Casera is certainly no exception. With russet potatoes cooked to sheer crisp perfection, you might first think this dish is a riff on the classic American cheese fries.
Think again. This saucy dish from Greenfield is finished with homemade ranch sauce and turns the cheese-fry concept on its, uh, head—or maybe it’s also a dish on its side, with crispy potatoes below and a ranchy finish above.
Ingredients
Rich in carbohydrates and potassium, russet potatoes are good for heart health and give you energy.
Cheddar cheese is a source of calcium and protein.
Both nutrients are essential for maintaining healthy bones and enabling quick repairs to muscles after strenuous activity.
Bacon: Contributes protein and an unfathomably smoky, savory flavor; enhances, really, the richness of the dish.
Olive oil consists of beneficial fats; they help the heart and make for a velvety mouthfeel.
Green Onions: Provide a gentle, newly harvested flavor and are a very good source of antioxidants, supplying immune system support.
Ingredient Quantities
- 4 large russet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon dry ranch seasoning mix
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 2 green onions, chopped
Instructions
1. Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.
2. Peel and wash the russet potatoes, then cut them into thick fries.
3. In a sizable bowl, combine the potato fries with olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika, and toss until evenly coated.
4. On the prepared baking sheet, spread the fries in a single layer and bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway, until they are golden and crispy.
5. Prepare the ranch sauce while the fries are baking. In a small bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, and a dry ranch seasoning mix. Whisk. Set aside.
6. When the fries are finished, take them out of the oven and distribute the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over them. Put them back in the oven for 3-5 minutes so that the cheese can melt.
7. Take the cheesy fries from the oven and cover them with crumbled bacon.
8. Pour on the sauce ranch with generosity over the fries.
9. Chopped fresh parsley and green onions pack an extra burst of flavor in this dish and can’t really be considered optional garnishes.
10. Serve the hot loaded fries and savor your Queso Tocino Y Salsa Ranchera Casera!
Equipment Needed
1. Oven
2. Baking sheet
3. Parchment paper
4. Peeler
5. Knife
6. Cutting board
7. Large bowl
8. Small bowl
9. Whisk
10. Measuring spoons
11. Measuring cup
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of potato?You can substitute russet potatoes with Yukon gold or red potatoes, but the texture may vary slightly.
- Is there a substitute for sour cream in the recipe?Greek yogurt can serve as a far healthier substitute for sour cream.
- How can I make the dish spicier?To the seasoning mix, add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
- Can I prepare any part of this recipe in advance?Certainly! It is permissible to prepare and crumble the bacon beforehand and keep it in the refrigerator until you are set to use it.
- How do I keep the potatoes crispy after baking?Bake them at a higher temperature (425°F) and avoid crowding the baking sheet to ensure they stay crispy.
- What is a good vegetarian alternative for bacon?Tempeh bacon and coconut bacon can serve as vegetarian substitutes.
- Can I use a pre-made ranch dressing instead of making it from scratch?You can use store-bought ranch dressing, but the taste may not be as vibrant and fresh as a homemade version.
Substitutions and Variations
Substitute sweet potatoes for regular potatoes to enjoy a contrast in taste and texture.
Substitute avocado oil for a neutral taste in place of olive oil.
Cheddar cheese: For a milder flavor, use Monterey Jack cheese.
Replace bacon with turkey bacon for a lighter option.
Sour cream: A healthier alternative is Greek yogurt.
Pro Tips
1. Soak the Potatoes: After cutting the potatoes into fries, soak them in cold water for at least 30 minutes before seasoning. This helps remove excess starch, resulting in crispier fries.
2. Pat Dry Before Baking: Ensure the fries are thoroughly dried with paper towels after soaking. Moisture can prevent them from achieving maximum crispiness.
3. Use a Wire Rack: Instead of just using parchment paper, place a wire rack over the baking sheet. This allows hot air to circulate around the fries and helps them cook more evenly and become crisp on all sides.
4. Cheese Variation: Consider using a mix of cheddar and mozzarella for a gooey, flavorful topping. The mozzarella will add a nice stretch and additional creaminess to balance the sharpness of the cheddar.
5. Customize the Sauce: For a spicier kick, add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the ranch dressing. This adds another layer of flavor without overwhelming the dish.
Papas Fritas Con Queso Tocino Y Salsa Ranchera Casera Recipe
My favorite Papas Fritas Con Queso Tocino Y Salsa Ranchera Casera Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Oven
2. Baking sheet
3. Parchment paper
4. Peeler
5. Knife
6. Cutting board
7. Large bowl
8. Small bowl
9. Whisk
10. Measuring spoons
11. Measuring cup
Ingredients:
- 4 large russet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon dry ranch seasoning mix
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 2 green onions, chopped
Instructions:
1. Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.
2. Peel and wash the russet potatoes, then cut them into thick fries.
3. In a sizable bowl, combine the potato fries with olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika, and toss until evenly coated.
4. On the prepared baking sheet, spread the fries in a single layer and bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway, until they are golden and crispy.
5. Prepare the ranch sauce while the fries are baking. In a small bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, and a dry ranch seasoning mix. Whisk. Set aside.
6. When the fries are finished, take them out of the oven and distribute the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over them. Put them back in the oven for 3-5 minutes so that the cheese can melt.
7. Take the cheesy fries from the oven and cover them with crumbled bacon.
8. Pour on the sauce ranch with generosity over the fries.
9. Chopped fresh parsley and green onions pack an extra burst of flavor in this dish and can’t really be considered optional garnishes.
10. Serve the hot loaded fries and savor your Queso Tocino Y Salsa Ranchera Casera!
