Discover the comforting blend of smoky smoked sausage, tender potatoes, and melted cheese in this hearty Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage dish. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual gathering, this flavorful, easy-to-make meal will satisfy cravings and bring warmth to the table.
Each bite features ranch-seasoned potatoes baked to golden perfection alongside slices of savory sausage and gooey cheese, making it a crowd favorite that’s both simple and satisfying.
- Easy to prepare with minimal ingredients for fuss-free cooking
- Perfect balance of smoky sausage, creamy potatoes and sharp, melty cheese
- Versatile for dinner, lunch, or casual entertaining
- Customizable with favorite herbs, cheeses, or veggies
Ingredients
- Potatoes (1.5–2 lb / 700–900 g): Russet or Yukon gold diced for hearty texture, ideal for baking and absorbing flavors
- Olive Oil (1 tbsp): Adds richness and helps potatoes crisp and brown evenly in the oven
- Ranch Seasoning (1–2 tsp): Provides zesty, herby flavor; use store-bought or homemade blend with garlic and onion powders
- Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the other flavors in the dish
- Smoked Sausage (12–14 oz / 340–400 g): Sliced for smoky, savory bites that complement the potatoes perfectly
- Shredded Cheese (1½–2 cups): Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or your favorite, for a rich, melty topping
- Fresh Parsley or Chives (1–2 tbsp): Chopped for a fresh, vibrant garnish to finish the dish
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare baking dish
-
Set your oven to 200°C (400°F) and lightly grease a baking dish. This ensures even cooking and prevents sticking while perfectly crisping the potatoes and sausage.
- Season the potatoes
-
In a large bowl, toss the diced potatoes with olive oil, ranch seasoning, salt, and pepper until everything is well coated. This step infuses the potatoes with flavor and ensures they roast evenly.
- Arrange potatoes and sausage
-
Spread the seasoned potatoes in the prepared dish in an even layer. Nestle the sliced smoked sausage evenly among the potatoes, allowing the smoky flavors to mingle during roasting.
- Bake until tender and golden
-
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring halfway through. This helps the potatoes cook through and develop a golden crust while the sausage releases its savory juices.
- Add cheese topping
-
Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the potatoes and sausage. Return the dish to the oven for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until the cheese melts into a bubbly, golden layer.
- Rest and garnish before serving
-
Remove from oven and let rest for a few minutes to settle. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or chives to add a burst of color and fresh flavor to the dish.
- Choosing Yukon gold potatoes results in creamier texture, while russets create crispier edges.
- Feel free to add diced bell peppers or onions during seasoning for extra flavor and color.
- Store-bought ranch seasoning is convenient, but making your own lets you control salt and herb intensity.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in the oven until heated through to maintain crispness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve as a complete meal with a crisp green salad or steamed veggies on the side. It also pairs wonderfully with a tangy dipping sauce or hot sauce for extra kick.
- For extra crispy potatoes, parboil diced potatoes before seasoning and baking.
- Use a mix of cheeses for complex flavor—sharp cheddar combined with creamy Monterey Jack works beautifully.
- Try smoked kielbasa or andouille sausage for different smoky profiles.
FAQs
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
-
Yes, you can assemble the dish and refrigerate it before baking. Add a few extra minutes to baking time if baking from cold.
- What can I use instead of smoked sausage?
-
Italian sausage, chicken sausage, or even a vegetarian sausage alternative works well.
- How spicy is the dish?
-
It is generally mild and flavorful. For more heat, add crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
- Can I use frozen potatoes?
-
It’s best to use fresh potatoes for optimal texture, but thawed frozen potatoes could work in a pinch.
- Is this recipe gluten-free?
-
The recipe is naturally gluten-free if you ensure your ranch seasoning and sausage are gluten-free certified.
- How do I get the cheese extra bubbly?
-
Bake the cheese under the broiler for the last 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Can I double this recipe?
-
Yes, use a larger baking dish and increase baking time accordingly, stirring occasionally for even cooking.
Cheesy Ranch Potatoes Sausage
Equipment
- 1 baking dish lightly greased
- 1 large bowl for tossing potatoes
Ingredients
- 1.5 to 2 lb diced potatoes russet or Yukon gold
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 to 2 tsp ranch seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 12 to 14 oz smoked sausage sliced
- 1.5 to 2 cups shredded cheese cheddar, Monterey Jack, or preferred
- 1 to 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or chives for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 °F. Lightly grease a baking dish.
- In a large bowl, toss diced potatoes with olive oil, ranch seasoning, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Spread the seasoned potatoes evenly in the prepared baking dish and nestle sliced smoked sausage among them.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until potatoes are tender and lightly browned.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese over the potatoes and sausage. Return to oven and bake an additional 5 to 10 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from oven and let rest a few minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley or chives before serving.
Notes
- Yukon gold potatoes offer creamy texture, russets get crispier edges.
- Use store-bought or homemade ranch seasoning blend.
- Cheddar provides sharpness; Monterey Jack adds mild creaminess.
- Add bell peppers or onions for extra flavor.
