Easy Ranch Potatoes

The title itself is probably enough to make you want to eat these potatoes, but you need to know that it’s not just regular ranch potatoes. This recipe is good for you. It’s cheesy, it has ranch and bacon, and crispy potatoes of course, which are normally all “bad” for you. But because of a few lightened-up ingredients, these ranch potatoes are nutrient-dense and not overly high in calories. 

Potatoes get a bad rap sometimes because of “starch” but it’s a high-fiber carbohydrate that can give you energy. Potatoes are also very high in vitamin C and potassium. The starch in potatoes can be a good thing- it acts as a probiotic for the intestines. So this dish is great for gut health. And the potatoes are baked instead of fried which helps keep the fat source healthy (you can use olive oil instead of canola oil or butter). 

By using light cheese, you’re still getting the benefits of calcium from the dairy, but you’re also lowering the fat and caloric content. This allows you to reap the nutritious benefits of cheese without overindulging and ruining your weight loss progress. 

Three reasons why you need to make this recipe! 

There’s no better combo.

Ranch and potatoes go better together than peanut butter and jelly. The flavors are classic and mesh together so well that the whole family will love it. Stock up on the ingredients, because you’ll be making this several times a week. 

It’s easy to adjust the points. 

You can easily lower the points per serving by using lighter ingredients, or even raise the points by adding full-fat cheese instead of reduced fat. Use the WW app recipe creator to adjust the ingredients to your liking. 

It’s great for potlucks. 

You will be a hit at the next potluck or dinner party with this side dish. Just make sure to make a huge batch, because it will go fast! 

Ingredients you need to make Ranch Potatoes: 

• 1.5 lb (680g) mini potatoes 
• 1/2 Tbsp oil
• 1 Tbsp Franks hot sauce
• 1/4 tsp paprika
• Salt & pepper, to taste
• 2 Tbsp light cream cheese, softened
• 3 Tbsp light ranch dressing
• 2/3 cup light shredded cheese
• 5 cooked slices low point bacon (Oscar Mayer center cut)
• Green onion, sliced for garnish

How to make Ranch Potatoes (step by step): 

1. Preheat the oven to 400F, and spray a 9-inch dish with cooking spray.
2. Cut the mini potatoes in half, put them in a bowl, and then mix with oil, franks hot sauce, paprika, salt, and pepper. 
3. Spoon the spiced potatoes into the 9-inch dish and bake in the oven for 50 minutes, turning every 10 minutes.
4. Mix the softened cream cheese and 2 Tbsp of ranch dressing together – make sure to leave 1 Tbsp of ranch aside. Put the cream cheese ranch into a zip log or piping bag. Snip the corner then drizzle over the potatoes. 
5. Sprinkle all of the shredded cheese on top. Top with the crumbled, cooked bacon and sliced green onion then return to the oven for 10 minutes.
6. Once it’s out, drizzle with the remaining 1 Tbsp ranch dressing.

Makes 6 servings. Nutrition info per serving: Calories 175,  Fat 7g, Saturated fat 2.7g,  Carbs 22g,  Fiber 1.5g, Sugars 1.5g, Sodium 370 mg, Protein 8g. 

WW Points 

• Potatoes 12 points
• Oil 2 points
• Franks hot sauce 0 points
• Paprika, Salt, Pepper, Green Onion 0 points
• Light cream cheese 3 points
• Light ranch dressing 4 points
• Light shredded cheese 9 points
• Oscar Mayer center-cut bacon 5 points

6 points per serving based on the WW app recipe creator.  

If you’re using an older version of WW, check out these points below. 

3-5 personal points depending on your 0PP foods

5 smart points per serving blue & green

3 sp on purple

5 points plus

Different ways to change up this recipe: 

• Add diced chicken! You can make this a one-pot dinner by adding diced (pre-cooked) chicken in step 4. Just mix the chicken into the potatoes before drizzling with the cream cheese ranch. 
• You could make it vegan by using tofu instead of cream cheese and substituting vegan ranch and vegan shredded cheddar. A sprinkle of nutritional yeast will also add to the cheesy flavor. Just skip the bacon. 
• This is a great dish to hide some veggies in! Cut cauliflower into small pieces and substitute for half of the potatoes. It will lower the carb content (and points) and will still taste delicious. 
• You can take out the hot sauce if you’re not a fan, and cook the potatoes with garlic salt, onion powder, and/or Italian seasoning. Any of the spices and herbs would add great flavor. Top with some freshly chopped parsley when done. 

Tips and Tricks for Ranch Potatoes: 

• You can use a yogurt-based ranch dressing if you like- Bolthouse Farms makes a good one. 
• Lower the points by using Great Value fat-free cream cheese and Kraft fat-free shredded cheddar. You could even use turkey bacon if you wanted. It wouldn’t be the same great flavor, but it could work. Taking out the oil and using pam spray only will also help lower the points. 
• To make it ahead of time, just leave the drizzle off. Cook the potatoes through step 3. Store in the fridge until you’re ready to eat them. Drizzle the potatoes with the cream cheese dressing, then reheat in the oven for 15 minutes. Finish the remaining steps. 
• You can make these in an air fryer if you want to reduce the oil. Cover the potatoes with water in a large bowl, and boil them in a microwave for 8 minutes. Drain the potatoes, then mix with the seasonings. Cook in the air fryer at 400 for 20-25 minutes- until crispy. Continue with steps 4-6 as long as your potatoes are inside of an air fryer liner – you don’t want the ranch or cheese to fall to the bottom of the air fryer basket. 

Similar recipes you’ll enjoy: 

• Cauliflower Nachos
• Easy Air Fryer Root Vegetables
• Spicy Potato Soft Tacos