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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- Combine quartered potatoes and diagonally sliced smoked sausage in a spacious mixing container. Generously drizzle with olive oil, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
- Sprinkle ranch seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, kosher salt, and cracked pepper over the mixture. Massage ingredients thoroughly, guaranteeing uniform seasoning distribution.
- 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.
- Position dish in preheated oven. Roast for approximately 25-30 minutes, pausing midway to gently rotate and redistribute potatoes and sausage for consistent caramelization.
- After potatoes reach golden tenderness, liberally shower shredded cheddar cheese across the entire surface, creating a molten blanket.
- Return to oven for an additional 5-7 minutes, allowing cheese to transform into a bubbling, glossy layer.
- Remove from oven and allow brief resting. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for vibrant color and herbaceous undertone.
- 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