If you’re craving pure comfort in a pan, Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Sausage is your new go-to weeknight wonder. Crispy-edged potatoes, smoky sausage, tangy ranch seasoning, and a cascading blanket of gooey cheddar cheese all come together in this easy, crowd-pleasing dish that never fails to get cheers around the dinner table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultra-Satisfying Flavor: Every bite is bursting with cheesy, ranch-packed goodness and smoky sausage, making it impossible to stop at just one serving.
- Minimal Prep, Maximum Comfort: Just toss, bake, and enjoy—this is a no-fuss, one-pan meal that fits effortlessly into any busy evening.
- Kid and Crowd Friendly: Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Sausage has broad appeal, pleasing even picky eaters and hungry guests alike.
- Totally Versatile: Change up the ingredients to suit your cravings, what’s in the fridge, or any dietary needs—this dish is as flexible as it is delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient for Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Sausage is about balancing flavor, texture, and color. They’re all easy to find and play a key role in creating that craveable, comforting bite—don’t overlook these simple, but essential, staples for the very best results!
- Baby potatoes (or russet potatoes): Tender, buttery, and perfect for getting those crispy edges; use baby potatoes for ease, or russets for a classic feel.
- Smoked sausage: Adds heartiness and savory, smoky depth; any fully cooked sausage—kielbasa, andouille, or even turkey sausage—works here.
- Olive oil: Helps the potatoes get that glorious golden-brown crunch and carries all the seasoning evenly.
- Ranch seasoning mix: The magic flavor bomb! It delivers tang, herbs, and a touch of creamy ranch zest throughout the whole pan.
- Garlic powder: Layers in subtle savory warmth without overpowering the other big flavors.
- Paprika: Adds just the right amount of smokiness and a pop of color.
- Black pepper: Lends gentle heat and rounds out all the other spices for extra depth.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: The finishing flourish—melts lusciously, binding everything together in bubbly, cheesy bliss.
- Chopped parsley (optional): A sprinkle of freshness and color, perfect for that final restaurant-worthy touch.
Variations
One of the best things about Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Sausage is just how effortlessly customizable it is. Don’t hesitate to tweak the recipe to suit your personal tastes, what you’ve got on hand, or any dietary preferences—here are a few ideas to get you inspired!
- Veggie Boost: Toss in chopped bell peppers, onions, or broccoli florets with the potatoes for extra color and nutrients.
- Different Cheese: Try swapping the cheddar for Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a smoky gouda for a new cheesy twist.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or even use hot smoked sausage if you want more heat.
- Lean Protein: Use turkey sausage or chicken sausage for a lighter version that’s just as satisfying.
- Gluten-Free: Double-check your ranch seasoning and sausage to ensure they’re gluten-free, and you’re good to go!
How to Make Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Sausage
Step 1: Prep Your Pan & Preheat
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and greasing a large baking dish or sturdy sheet pan. This step sets you up for golden, crispy potato edges—so don’t skip the spray or rub of oil!
Step 2: Toss Potatoes with Seasonings
In a large bowl, gently toss your quartered potatoes with olive oil, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper. The goal is to evenly coat every piece so each bite is packed with those signature flavors.
Step 3: Layer Up with Sausage
Spread the seasoned potatoes out in your prepared baking dish. Next, scatter the sliced smoked sausage over the top. The juices from the sausage will drip down as everything bakes, flavoring the potatoes even more.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden & Tender
Pop the dish in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. Give things a gentle stir halfway through to make sure the potatoes cook evenly and every side gets a chance to caramelize.
Step 5: Add Cheesy Finishing Touch
When the potatoes are soft and edges beautifully crisp, pull the dish out and sprinkle all that glorious shredded cheddar over everything. Return to the oven for another 5-7 minutes, just until the cheese melts and bubbles invitingly.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
If you love a touch of green, sprinkle chopped parsley on top right before serving. Then just grab a spoon and dig in while everything’s deliciously hot!
Pro Tips for Making Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Sausage
- Potato Perfection: Cut potatoes evenly so they all roast up to the same creamy center and crispy edge—no mushy or raw surprises!
- Cheese Timing: For the best melt, wait until the potatoes are cooked through before adding the cheese, then broil for a minute if you crave golden-brown bubbly spots.
- Sheet Pan Space: Don’t overcrowd the baking pan; giving everything a little breathing room is key for that irresistible crispy finish.
- Ranch Upgrade: For extra ranch flavor, toss in a teaspoon of dry dill or chopped chives with your seasonings.
How to Serve Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Sausage
Garnishes
Fresh chopped parsley, sliced green onions, or snipped chives look beautiful and provide a little herby brightness on top of all that gooey richness. For something playful, a final flurry of extra cheddar, a sprinkle of smoked paprika, or a few crunchy bacon bits will take your Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Sausage over the top.
Side Dishes
This hearty dish is filling all on its own, but if you’re feeding a crowd or want more variety, a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or some simple roasted green beans make perfect, refreshing companions. Buttery dinner rolls are a classic for soaking up that cheesy, ranchy goodness left behind!
Creative Ways to Present
Serve Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Sausage family-style in a big rustic dish for easy, help-yourself fun, or scoop portions into mini cast iron skillets or ramekins for a cozy, individual twist at your next gathering. For brunch, top each serving with a fried egg and a sprinkle of microgreens for a little wow factor!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Sausage keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors mingle even more overnight, so don’t be surprised if you find yourself sneaking a scoop for lunch the next day!
Freezing
This dish is freezer-friendly, though the potatoes may soften a bit after thawing. To freeze, cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers for up to 1 month. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best flavor and texture.
Reheating
Warm Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Sausage in a 350°F oven covered with foil to keep the moisture in—about 15-20 minutes will do the trick. For single servings, a microwave works just fine, but briefly broiling afterward restores that irresistible cheesy crust.
FAQs
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Can I use a different type of potato?
Absolutely! Baby potatoes roast up tender and creamy with minimal effort, but russet potatoes (peeled and diced) or even Yukon Golds can also be used for this Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Sausage recipe. Just make sure your dice is uniform for even cooking.
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Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep everything up to the point of baking and keep the assembled dish (covered) in the fridge for a few hours or even overnight. Just allow a little extra baking time when starting from cold, and add the cheese at the end as directed.
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What’s the best way to get the cheese golden and bubbly?
Once you’ve added the shredded cheddar, you can finish the dish under the broiler for 1-2 minutes. Keep a close eye on it—a quick broil will give you those irresistible, golden-brown, bubbly cheese spots!
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Can Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Sausage be made gluten-free?
This recipe can be fully gluten-free if you select a certified gluten-free ranch seasoning and double-check the sausage ingredients for any hidden gluten. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for all eaters.
Final Thoughts
There’s something about a pan of hot, bubbling Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Sausage that brings everyone running to the table. I hope you’ll give this easy, heartwarming recipe a try—one bite and it’s sure to become a weeknight (and weekend!) tradition in your own kitchen. Happy cooking!
Print
Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Sausage Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Baking
- Method: Oven
Description
These Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Sausage are a delicious and comforting one-pan meal that combines tender baby potatoes, savory smoked sausage, and gooey melted cheddar cheese, all seasoned with zesty ranch flavors. Easy to prepare and perfect for a cozy family dinner.
Ingredients
Potatoes:
- 1 1/2 lbs baby potatoes, quartered
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Sausage:
- 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
Additional:
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a baking dish. Toss potatoes with olive oil, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper.
- Step 2: Assemble the Dish Spread seasoned potatoes in the dish and top with sausage.
- Step 3: Bake Bake for 35-40 minutes, stirring halfway, until potatoes are tender and golden.
- Step 4: Add the Cheese Sprinkle cheddar cheese over the dish and bake for 5-7 minutes until melted.
- Step 5: Garnish and Serve Garnish with parsley if desired and serve warm.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: Approximately 520 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 970mg
- Fat: 37g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
