Cheesy Bacon Ranch Scalloped Potatoes

long-grain rice

🥗Healthier: brown rice

💰Cheaper: white rice

Brown rice is more nutritious, while white rice is often less expensive.

vegetable broth

🥗Healthier: homemade vegetable broth

💰Cheaper: water

Homemade broth is healthier, while water is a budget-friendly option.

peas

🥗Healthier: green beans

💰Cheaper: frozen peas

Green beans are nutritious, while frozen peas are often cheaper.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Using a mandolin or a knife, cut each potato into thin slices, about a quarter inch thick.

In a large bowl, add the potatoes and all of the seasoning. Stir them around to ensure each piece is coated evenly with the seasoning. Set this aside.

Melt butter in a medium size sauce pan. Add the cubed Velveeta cheese and begin to let it melt.

Slowly add half and half to the cheese, stirring vigorously to get a smooth mixture. Sauce will begin to thicken. Start to add in chicken (or vegetable) broth and continue to stir until fully combined and smooth.

Once sauce is creamy and not too thick, remove the cheese sauce from the heat and set it aside.

Spray a 9x13 baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Begin layering the potatoes in the dish. Create one even layer of potatoes, add about 1/2 of the cheese sauce, then sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese, then bacon bits.

Continue layering until all of the potatoes have been used. Cover with the remaining cheese sauce, shredded cheese, and bacon bits.

Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30-45 minutes. Remove the foil and broil on high for 3 minutes to achieve a nice brown crust.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level: