Easy Southern Cheesy Ranch Squares Recipe

If you’re looking for a fast appetizer that everyone will enjoy, then try these southern cheesy ranch squares. Soft bread meets spice and lots of gooey, melted cheese. No need to proof dough in your kitchen, since this is cheese bread baked to perfection!

This recipe is great for game day or a casual weekend gathering since you only need three ingredients. It’s so easy to make that you can pop it in the oven right before your guests arrive. The ranch adds a spicy kick to every bite.

Whether you’re making this for a holiday party or a casual movie night, it always turns out delicious. Slice the dough, add the cheese, and bake until done. Everyone will beg for more!

Why You Will Love This Recipe

I love this easy appetizer for its unbelievable texture from layering the ingredients. I slice the refrigerated biscuits into small pieces so the melted cheese and spicy ranch seasoning can get in all the nooks and crannies. It bakes up into a pull-apart wonder with soft, pillowy centers and cheesy crispy crust on the edges of the pan.

I keep this one in my repertoire all the time now, especially during the holidays when I’m entertaining a lot. No bowls or spoons required, and I can assemble everything in the baking dish, keeping my kitchen clean while my oven does the work. That leaves me free to hang out with my guests!

The Ingredients

You only need 3 items to make this new favorite snack:

Refrigerated Biscuit Dough

A can of flaky biscuits is the perfect way to get a soft, tender bread base in a hurry. Slicing the biscuits up lets them rise around the cheese and become perfectly pull-apart. You could use regular buttermilk biscuits, but they may come out slightly dense.

Spicy Ranch Seasoning

This packet of dry spicy ranch seasoning adds tons of flavor with minimal effort because it’s already blended! I like the extra spice and zing it adds to this dish. You won’t need to measure out each spice individually, which is a huge plus. This brightens up the rich flavor of the cheddar and adds incredible savoriness to the bread. If you have children that don’t like spicy foods, swap out the spicy ranch seasoning for a packet of regular dry ranch seasoning mix.

Sharp Cheddar Cheese

By taking a few minutes to grate your own block of sharp cheddar cheese, you’ll get the most perfect melty, gooey layer of cheese. The cheese will melt between all of the little biscuit pieces, helping to tie the whole thing together and give you that amazing crispy edge to your glass pan. Feel free to use half and half sharp cheddar and pepper jack if you want an extra kick of creamy heat!

How to Make It

Here is how you’ll put together this easy cheesy appetizer!

Prep the Pan

Preheat the oven to 350° F and grease an 8-inch square glass baking dish. I suggest using a nonstick cooking spray to make sure that the crispy edges easily pull out once they’re baked.

Cut the Biscuits

Open the can of refrigerated biscuit dough and separate each biscuit. Then, cut each biscuit into small pieces, keeping in mind they should be similar sizes so they bake evenly.

Build the First Layer

Place half of your cut biscuit pieces in a loose layer at the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the first cup of cheese and half of the spicy ranch seasoning over the biscuits.

Add the Final Layers

Sprinkle the remaining biscuit pieces over the cheese layer. Sprinkle the remaining cheese and spicy ranch seasoning over the top.

Bake and Serve

Bake for 25-30 minutes until biscuits are fully cooked through and the cheese is brown and bubbly. Let cool for 5 minutes before cutting into squares and serving warm.

My Top Tips for Success

When placing the biscuit pieces in the baking dish, do not press them down too tightly. Make sure there is some space between them so the dough has room to puff up and expand as it bakes. This will help ensure the inside bakes fully instead of staying gummy and raw.

Be sure to test the middle of the dish before removing it from the oven. Sometimes the cheese will be nicely browned and the edges will be crispy but the thicker biscuit pieces in the center may still need a few more minutes to fully bake and become a tender bread.

Allow the pan to sit on the counter for several minutes before cutting it into squares or pulling apart. The extra time will allow the molten cheese to cool down and harden slightly so you can portion the cheesy squares more easily.

Storage and Reheating

• Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing is not advised because the biscuit dough may become dense and gummy when thawed and reheated.
• Heat leftovers in the air fryer or 350°F oven for a few minutes until the cheese is crispy again at the edges.

What to Serve it With

• Serve with a bowl of sour cream or additional ranch dressing for dipping.
• Pair with a plate of baked chicken wings for game day.
• Serve as a side dish with chili or tomato soup.
• Serve with vegetable sticks and sliders on an appetizer platter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes! Any cheese that melts well such as Monterey Jack, Colby or Mexican blend works great in this recipe.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble all the ingredients in the baking dish, wrap the dish in plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for several hours prior to baking.