Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Cheesy ranch potatoes and smoked sausage is the kind of hearty, comforting dish that makes everyone happy at the dinner table. It combines smoky, savory sausage with tender potatoes tossed in creamy ranch seasoning and topped with plenty of gooey melted cheese. The flavors are bold, satisfying, and family-friendly. I tried this recipe once with Yukon gold potatoes and another time with russet potatoes—both worked well, but the Yukon golds had a creamier texture that paired beautifully with the ranch. Best of all, this recipe is incredibly simple, using just a handful of ingredients and one pan, making cleanup a breeze. Serve it as a main course with a salad, or as a crowd-pleasing side dish for cookouts and gatherings.
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Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage
- Total Time: 55 mins
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
A hearty and comforting dish made with tender potatoes, smoked sausage, ranch seasoning, and melted cheese baked to perfection.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds baby red potatoes, cut into bite-sized chunks
- 12 ounces smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, combine potatoes, olive oil, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
- Spread potatoes evenly in the prepared baking dish and bake for 25 minutes, stirring halfway.
- Remove from oven, add smoked sausage slices, and stir to combine. Return to oven and bake for another 15 minutes until potatoes are tender.
- Sprinkle cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the top. Bake for an additional 5–7 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- For extra flavor, drizzle with ranch dressing before serving.
- Use Yukon gold potatoes for a creamier texture.
- This dish can also be made in a cast-iron skillet for crispier edges.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 45 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Smoked sausage – Brings smoky, savory flavor to the dish. Slicing it into coins allows it to caramelize beautifully when baked.
Potatoes – Yukon golds or russet potatoes work best. They become tender inside while crisping on the edges.
Olive oil – Helps the potatoes roast evenly and turn golden brown.
Ranch seasoning – The star flavor booster, coating the potatoes with tangy, herby goodness.
Garlic powder – Enhances the seasoning mix and pairs perfectly with ranch and cheese.
Cheddar cheese – Melts into a gooey, golden topping. Sharp cheddar gives the richest flavor.
Mozzarella cheese – Adds stretchy, melty texture that blends beautifully with the cheddar.
Parsley – A fresh garnish that balances the richness and adds color.
Salt and black pepper – Essential for seasoning the potatoes before roasting.
Directions
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a large baking dish or sheet pan. Scrub and dice the potatoes into bite-sized cubes. In a large bowl, toss them with olive oil, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until well coated. Spread the potatoes in a single layer on the prepared baking dish.
Roast the potatoes for 20–25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until they begin to crisp and brown. Add the sliced smoked sausage to the pan, tossing everything together. Return to the oven and roast for another 15 minutes, until the sausage is caramelized and the potatoes are tender.
Remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle with cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Place it back in the oven for 5 minutes, just until the cheese melts and bubbles. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving hot.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4–6 people as a main dish or 6–8 as a side. Prep time takes about 15 minutes, and cooking time is 40 minutes, making it a 55-minute dish from start to finish.
Storage/reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until hot, or use an air fryer for a crispier finish. Avoid microwaving for too long, as the potatoes may soften.
Variations and Customizations
Spicy kick – Add red pepper flakes or jalapeños for extra heat.
Veggie boost – Mix in bell peppers, zucchini, or broccoli for added color and nutrition.
Different cheese – Try Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or Colby for a fun twist.
Bacon addition – Sprinkle crispy bacon over the top for an extra smoky layer of flavor.
Creamy upgrade – Stir in a spoonful of sour cream before baking for added richness.
One-pan meal – Add green beans or asparagus during the last 15 minutes of roasting to make it a full meal.
Herb twist – Swap parsley for fresh chives or dill to change the flavor profile.
Sheet pan breakfast – Crack a few eggs on top during the final minutes of baking for a hearty brunch dish.
FAQs
Can I use red potatoes?
Yes, red potatoes work well and hold their shape nicely when roasted.
Do I need to peel the potatoes?
No, leaving the skin on adds texture and nutrients, but peeling is fine if you prefer.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prep and roast the potatoes in advance, then reheat with sausage and cheese before serving.
What type of sausage is best?
Smoked sausage, kielbasa, or andouille all work beautifully in this recipe.
Can I use homemade ranch seasoning?
Yes, homemade seasoning works just as well as store-bought packets.
How do I make it lighter?
Use turkey sausage and reduce the cheese for a lighter version.
Can I cook this in an air fryer?
Yes, cook the potatoes and sausage in batches at 400°F until crispy, then add cheese at the end.
What can I serve with this dish?
A fresh salad or steamed vegetables balance the richness.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Not recommended, as potatoes tend to change texture when frozen and reheated.
How do I make the potatoes extra crispy?
Soak the diced potatoes in cold water for 20 minutes before roasting, then dry thoroughly.
Conclusion
Cheesy ranch potatoes and smoked sausage is a comforting, hearty dish that delivers big flavors with little effort. The creamy ranch seasoning, smoky sausage, and golden, melty cheese make it a guaranteed family favorite. It’s easy to prepare, customizable, and versatile enough to serve as a side dish or a main course. Once you try it, you’ll want to make it part of your regular rotation—whether for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or casual get-togethers.
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