Ranch Roasted Potatoes

Our family has a potluck dinner almost every Sunday.  I’m always looking for recipes that will feed a crowd, as we have a large family.

I had several Russet potatoes but didn’t want to make just regular creamed potatoes and I needed something that would stay warm in my crockpot, so I came up with this easy roasted potato recipe.

(I’m sure this has been done before, but I didn’t really follow a recipe, so I guess I can call this mine.  :))

I cubed about 10 medium Russet potatoes with the skin on and tossed them with some oil, dry Ranch dip seasoning, garlic, salt and pepper.

I roasted them at 425º for about an hour.

If you’re one of those lucky people that don’t have to watch calories too closely, how about topping these with a tasty homemade Ranch Dressing?  I found a delicious sounding recipe over at Pennies on a Platter.

Ranch Dressing

• 3/4 cup mayonnaise
• 3/4 cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 small bunch of chives
• 1 small handful of parsley leaves
• 1 clove garlic
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper (white pepper, preferred)
• 1/4 to 1/2 cup buttermilk

So if you get a chance, maybe you can try this lovely addition to these potatoes.  I think I will try maybe juusst a little…next time.

Have a great weekend!

Warm Cauliflower Bacon Salad with Ranch Dressing (low carb)

This is comfort food!  Try it soon.

Heat some olive oil and butter, OR bacon grease (yeah!) in a skillet

over medium heat. 

Add chopped cauliflower, diced onion, and some julienned radishes

(just happened to throw these in on a whim).

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Heat until the vegetables are tender. 

Remove from heat and spoon into a warmed dish. 

Top with real bacon pieces, shredded cheese,

and homemade ranch dressing.

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Warm Cauliflower Bacon Salad with Ranch Dressing

goes well with

steak, tenderloin,  pork chops, or meatloaf!

Warm Cauliflower Bacon Salad with Ranch Dressing

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1 pkg cauliflower (frozen, then thawed)

3 radishes

1/4 cup diced onion

bacon grease, olive oil, or butter for sauteeing

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

bacon pieces

homemade ranch dressing

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Heat some olive oil and butter, OR bacon grease in a skillet over medium heat.  Add chopped cauliflower, diced onion, and some julienned radishes.

Heat until the vegetables are tender.  Remove from heat and spoon into a warmed dish. 

Top with real bacon pieces, shredded cheese, and homemade ranch dressing.

 

Easy Ranch and Bacon Pasta Salad

I love a good pasta salad and if it’s easy and simple, that’s even better!

 

A few Sundays ago, my sister-in-law called to invite me to a family picnic and so I decided a simple pasta salad would be a great addition to the meal she had already prepared. 

 

After the afternoon service, she, her husband, 2 daughters, 8 grandchildren and my family of 4 plus my baby great-nephew, all met at the park for an evening of food and family fun.

 

There was Homemade Vegetable Beef Soup, Cornbread, Sandwiches, Chips, Pasta Salad, Fresh Veggies and Ranch Dip, Sweet Tea, Banana Pudding, and Coconut Cake.

 

There’s no time like Family Time!

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More great homestyle recipes:

Vegetable Beef Soup with Southern Cornbread

Steak and Onion Salad with Creamy Homemade Dressing

Chocolate Fudge Pie

Easy Ranch and Bacon Pasta Salad

1 box pasta, cooked ( I used Dreamfields Penne Rigate – low carb)

1 cup homemade ranch dressing

1/2 cup bacon pieces

4 oz shredded cheddar cheese

salt and pepper to taste

cherry or grape tomatoes, sliced – optional

Mix the cooked, drained and cooled pasta with the dressing, cheese, and bacon.  Chill and serve.

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Aussie Squash Fries (Low Carb)

 

I was really wanting some of Outback’s Aussie Fries and had some fresh yellow squash. Here’s what I came up with…

I didn’t measure anything.
“Aussie” Squash Fries

Long neck yellow squash (or possibly zuchini)
cheddar cheese, shredded
bacon, cooked and chopped
Olive oil, salt, & pepper (plus other spices to your taste)

Cut squash lengthwise into fry shaped pieces
Fry in olive oil until browned and done.
Remove from skillet and place in oven proof baking dish.
Sprinkle with cheese and bacon pieces.
Heat in oven until cheese is melted.
Serve with spicey ranch dip (I added some extra spices to my homemade ranch dip)