BACON RANCH BAKED POTATOES

Bacon Ranch Baked Potatoes image

February is Potato Lovers Month and I wanted to try new toppings for baked potatoes. These turned out full of flavor and are very filling for a single meal itself.

Provided by Jennifer Bass @jenniebug1978

Number Of Ingredients 11

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Ingredients

4 large baking potatoes
4 ounce(s) sliced mushrooms
1 small bell pepper, sliced
1 medium onion, sliced
4 slice(s) bacon, cooked and crumbled
1/2 cup(s) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
4 tablespoon(s) ranch dressing
1 tablespoon(s) butter
- salt & pepper, to taste
- additional butter, if desired
4 large cherry tomatoes, sliced (for garnish)

Steps:

Clean your potatoes with a stiff-bristled brush and cold water. After you've thoroughly cleaned the potatoes, look them over and remove any bruises or mis-colored spots.
Using a fork, work your way around each potato stabbing deeply into it's flesh. 6-12 stabs should do it depending on the size of the potatoes you are using. This allows steam to escape during the cooking process.
Dry the potatoes off with a paper towel and preheat the oven to 350°F. Take a small bowl and add just a splash of your chosen oil, and have a container ready for the potatoes once they've been oiled. Then lightly salt and pepper each one and put aside as you wait for the oven to heat up.
Once the oven has heated, arrange the potatoes directly on the cooking rack and place a baking sheet on the rack underneath them to catch any drippings.
Cooking time will vary from 1 hour and up depending on the size and quantity of potatoes you cook. The skin should be puffed up, golden-brown and crispy, and the potato should squish easily and be very soft on the inside.
When the potatoes have about 15 minutes of cooking left, heat a medium skillet to medium-high heat. Add 1 teaspoon of butter and let melt. Add the mushrooms and onions. Sprinkle with a little salt and cook for about 7-9 minutes, or until onions are golden brown. Add the peppers.
Once the potatoes have been properly cooked, carefully remove from the oven. Keep in mind that potatoes retain heat for quite a while, so use tongs or an insulated cooking mitt to remove the potatoes.
Cut the potatoes open and fluff with a fork. Add butter, additional salt and pepper (if desired). Top the potatoes with the mushroom, onion and pepper mixture, cheese and top with crumbled bacon pieces.
Place on a microwavable plate and microwave in intervals of 30 seconds until the cheese has melted.
Add ranch dressing and additional cheese if desired. Garnish with cherry tomatoes that have been halved, if desired.