Cheesy Bacon Ranch Roasted Potatoes

Cheesy Bacon Ranch Roasted Potatoes

INGREDIENTS:

6 slices bacon , cooked and crumbled or chopped it bits

2 lbs russet potatoes , scrubbed and rinsed, diced into 3/4-inch pieces (about 7 cups)

2 1/2 Tbsp olive oil

1/2 tsp sea salt , more to taste if desired

1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper

4 oz medium or sharp cheddar cheese , shredded (use 2% if desired)

Light ranch dressing , recipe follows in notes below

2 - 3 green onions , whites      discarded, greens chopped

Cooking spray

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Spray a rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray (or just brush with olive oil using plastic wrap).

In a large mixing bowl toss potatoes with olive oil, salt and pepper. Spread onto prepared baking dish. Bake in preheated oven 20 minutes, then remove from oven and toss (a metal spatula works best so you can break the few potatoes that stick away from pan). Return to oven bake 20 minutes longer, remove and toss. Return to oven and bake until golden and edges are crisp, about 15 minutes longer.

Move potatoes closer to center (just so there isn't a lot of extra space between them), sprinkle evenly with cheddar then return to oven and bake several minutes longer just until cheese has melted. Remove from oven and drizzle with ranch dressing, top with bacon and green onions. Serve immediately.