Cozy Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage Recipe for Dinner

Crispy potatoes drenched in cheesy ranch have a magical way of making dinner feel like a celebration.

These golden-brown bites packed with smoky sausage promise a seriously delicious meal.

Nothing beats comfort food that comes together effortlessly in one pan.

Weeknight dinners can sometimes feel monotonous, but this recipe changes everything.

Melted cheese and tangy ranch create an irresistible flavor combination you’ll want to savor.

The sausage adds a rich, hearty element that turns this dish into a complete meal.

Grab a fork and get ready to enjoy a crowd-pleasing dinner that disappears quickly.

Reasons To Love Cheesy Ranch Potatoes And Smoked Sausage

• Quick Weeknight Savior: This recipe delivers a delicious meal in under 45 minutes, perfect for busy families rushing between work, school, and evening activities.
• Minimal Prep Magic: With just a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even beginner cooks can create a restaurant-worthy dish without complicated techniques.
• Flavor Explosion Guaranteed: The combination of ranch seasoning, smoked sausage, and melted cheese creates an irresistible taste profile that'll have everyone asking for seconds.
• One-Pan Wonder: Using a single baking dish means less cleanup, making this meal not just tasty but also incredibly convenient for home cooks seeking simplicity.

Ingredients For Cheesy Ranch Potatoes And Smoked Sausage

Main Ingredients:

• Russet Potatoes: Starchy potatoes perfect for crispy edges and soft interiors. Choose firm potatoes without sprouts or green spots.
• Smoked Sausage: Adds rich, smoky flavor and protein to the dish. Select high-quality sausage with good meat content.

• Dry Ranch Seasoning Mix, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Creates a tangy and savory flavor profile. Use fresh, unexpired spices for best taste.
• Smoked Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Enhances overall seasoning and adds depth. Freshly ground pepper provides more intense flavor.

• Cheddar Cheese: Provides creamy, melty texture with sharp flavor. Use freshly shredded cheese for best melting quality.
• Olive Oil: Helps coat potatoes and promotes even cooking. Choose extra virgin olive oil for better taste.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create golden color. Use unsalted butter for better flavor control.
• Fresh Parsley: Adds fresh, bright garnish with color and mild herbal notes. Choose bright green, crisp parsley.

How To Make Cheesy Ranch Potatoes And Smoked Sausage Easily

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Fire up your oven to a toasty 400F (200C). Grab a large baking dish or skillet and give it a quick spray or brush of oil to prevent sticking. This will be your flavor playground for a mouthwatering meal.

Step 2: Create the Flavor Base

• Quartered potatoes
• Sliced smoked sausage

• Dry ranch seasoning mix
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Smoked paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Mix everything until each morsel is coated in a delicious seasoning blanket.

Step 3: Arrange and Butter Up

Spread the seasoned potato and sausage mixture evenly in your prepared dish. Dot the top with small butter cubes – these little gems will add an extra layer of richness and flavor.

Step 4: Roast to Golden Perfection

Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Give everything a gentle stir halfway through to ensure even cooking. You’re looking for potatoes that are tender and sporting a gorgeous golden-brown tan.

Step 5: Cheese Crown

When the potatoes are nearly done, sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Return to the oven for 5-7 minutes until the cheese transforms into a melted, bubbly masterpiece.

Step 6: Serve and Celebrate

Dust the dish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. This skillet sensation pairs wonderfully with a crisp salad or can stand alone as a hearty main course.

Tips For Creamy Cheesy Ranch Potatoes With Sausage

• Customize Spice Levels: Adjust the ranch seasoning and spices to match your heat preference by adding more or less smoked paprika and black pepper.
• Prep Ahead Strategy: Chop potatoes and slice sausage in advance to save time during meal preparation, storing them separately in sealed containers in the refrigerator.
• Crispy Potato Technique: Ensure potatoes achieve maximum crispiness by cutting them into uniform sizes and spreading them in a single layer without overcrowding the baking dish.
• Cheese Melting Hack: Remove dish from oven and let it rest for 2-3 minutes after adding cheese to allow for perfect melting and prevent burning.
• Diet-Friendly Modifications: Swap smoked sausage with turkey sausage for a leaner option or use vegetarian sausage alternatives to accommodate different dietary needs.

Storage Advice For Cheesy Ranch Potatoes And Smoked Sausage

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container within two hours of cooking.
• Keep the cheesy ranch potatoes and smoked sausage fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Cool the dish completely before storing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Seal the container tightly to maintain moisture and prevent odors from spreading to other foods.
• Freeze individual portions for quick future meals by placing the cooled dish in freezer-safe containers.
• Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
• Frozen portions will stay good for up to 2 months.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat leftovers in the oven or microwave until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
• Use an oven-safe dish when reheating in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for best texture.
• Microwave in short intervals, stirring between each to ensure even heating.
• Add a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent dryness when reheating.

Best Matches For Cheesy Ranch Potatoes And Smoked Sausage

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Complement the rich, cheesy potatoes and smoky sausage with a zesty Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, cutting through the dish's richness and enhancing its savory flavors.
• Refresh with Tangy Coleslaw: Balance the hearty meal with a crunchy, acidic coleslaw that adds brightness and provides a cool contrast to the warm, cheesy potatoes and spicy sausage.
• Cool Down with Ranch Dressing Drizzle: Amplify the ranch seasoning by adding a light drizzle of homemade or store-bought ranch dressing over the finished dish, creating an extra layer of creamy, herbal flavor.
• Complement with Roasted Vegetables: Serve alongside simple roasted green beans or Brussels sprouts to add a nutritious, slightly charred vegetable element that rounds out the meal's flavor profile.

Cheesy Ranch Potatoes And Sausage Recipe Variations

• Spicy Southwest Style: Replace ranch seasoning with taco seasoning, add diced green chilies, and top with pepper jack cheese for a zesty kick.
• Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Swap smoked sausage with chorizo, use rosemary and thyme instead of ranch mix, sprinkle feta cheese on top, and garnish with chopped fresh oregano.
• Bacon Ranch Celebration: Crisp up bacon pieces and mix into the potato-sausage blend, use bacon bits as a final topping, and substitute cheddar with smoky gouda cheese.
• Vegetarian Green Option: Substitute smoked sausage with roasted portobello mushrooms, use vegetable broth for extra moisture, add spinach leaves, and top with a blend of mozzarella and parmesan cheeses.

FAQs About Cheesy Ranch Potatoes And Smoked Sausage

• What makes the ranch seasoning special in this recipe?

The dry ranch seasoning mix adds a tangy, herby flavor that elevates the potatoes and sausage. It’s a quick way to bring depth and zest to the entire dish without complicated seasoning.

• Can I use different types of sausage?

Absolutely! Smoked sausage works best, but you can substitute with kielbasa, andouille, or even chicken sausage. Just make sure the sausage is fully cooked before adding to the recipe.

• How do I ensure my potatoes get crispy?

Cut potatoes into uniform, bite-sized pieces and make sure they’re well-coated with oil. Spread them in a single layer in the baking dish, which helps them crisp up nicely during roasting.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe has mild seasoning with smoked paprika, but it’s not inherently spicy. If you want heat, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or choose a spicier sausage variety.

Cheesy Ranch Potatoes And Smoked Sausage Recipe

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4.7 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy cheesy ranch potatoes and smoked sausage bring hearty comfort to dinner tables with minimal effort. Crispy potato edges, tangy ranch seasoning, and smoky sausage layers create a satisfying one-pan meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1 lb (450 g) smoked sausage, sliced into ½-inch pieces

Vegetables and Starches:

• 1.5 lbs (680 g) baby potatoes (red or yellow), quartered

Seasonings and Toppings:

• 2 cups (200 g) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 packet (1 oz / 28 g) dry ranch seasoning mix
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons butter, cut into small cubes
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Initiate oven preparation by heating to 400F (200C). Thoroughly coat a 9×13 inch baking vessel with non-stick spray or butter to prevent adhering.
2. Combine quartered potatoes and diagonally sliced smoked sausage in a spacious mixing container. Generously drizzle with olive oil, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
3. Sprinkle ranch seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, kosher salt, and cracked pepper over the mixture. Massage ingredients thoroughly, guaranteeing uniform seasoning distribution.
4. Transfer seasoned ingredients into the prepared baking dish, creating an even landscape. Strategically position tiny butter cubes across the surface to enhance moisture and richness.
5. Position dish in preheated oven. Roast for approximately 25-30 minutes, pausing midway to gently rotate and redistribute potatoes and sausage for consistent caramelization.
6. After potatoes reach golden tenderness, liberally shower shredded cheddar cheese across the entire surface, creating a molten blanket.
7. Return to oven for an additional 5-7 minutes, allowing cheese to transform into a bubbling, glossy layer.
8. Remove from oven and allow brief resting. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for vibrant color and herbaceous undertone.
9. Plate alongside crisp salad or complement grilled proteins for a complete, satisfying meal experience.

Notes

• Slice potatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
• Adjust seasoning intensity by modifying the amount of ranch mix for personal taste preferences.
• Use high-quality smoked sausage for enhanced flavor and a more robust meat component.
• Consider swapping regular potatoes with sweet potatoes for a nutritional boost and different flavor profile.
• For a gluten-free version, verify the ranch seasoning mix ingredients and choose a certified gluten-free brand.
• Enhance meal prep by chopping ingredients in advance and storing them separately in the refrigerator.
• Create a vegetarian alternative by replacing smoked sausage with plant-based sausage or roasted vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like pepper jack or gouda for unique flavor variations.
• Control spiciness by selecting mild or hot smoked sausage based on personal heat tolerance.
• Prevent potato sticking by using parchment paper or a well-seasoned cast-iron skillet.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 34 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg