Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage

by

🧀 Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage

📖 Description

Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage is a hearty, comforting one-pan meal packed with bold flavors. Tender roasted potatoes are tossed with smoky sausage, coated in savory ranch seasoning, and finished with melted cheese for a rich, satisfying dish. Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or casual family dinners, this recipe is simple, filling, and crowd-pleasing.

🛒 Ingredients

  • 1½ lbs baby potatoes (red or gold), quartered

  • 14 oz smoked sausage, sliced into rounds

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix

  • 1 tsp garlic powder

  • ½ tsp paprika

  • ½ tsp black pepper

  • 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or cheddar-jack blend)

  • 2 tbsp chopped parsley or green onions (optional, for garnish)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a large baking dish or sheet pan.

  2. Season potatoes: In a large bowl, toss potatoes with olive oil, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper.

  3. Add sausage: Mix in the sliced smoked sausage until evenly coated.

  4. Bake: Spread everything evenly in the baking dish. Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, stirring halfway, until potatoes are fork-tender and lightly browned.

  5. Add cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top and return to the oven for 5–7 minutes, or until melted and bubbly.

  6. Garnish & serve: Top with parsley or green onions if desired. Serve hot.

📝 Notes

  • You can use pre-cooked smoked sausage such as kielbasa, andouille, or turkey sausage.

  • For extra crispiness, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end.

  • Ranch seasoning packets vary in saltiness—adjust additional salt accordingly.

💡 Tips for Best Results

  • Cut potatoes evenly so they cook at the same rate.

  • Line your pan with parchment paper for easier cleanup.

  • For extra creaminess, mix in ¼ cup sour cream before adding the cheese.

  • Add diced bell peppers or onions for more flavor and color.

🍽️ Servings

  • Serves: 4–6 people

  • Serving Size: About 1½ cups per serving

🧮 Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving)

  • Calories: 480 kcal

  • Protein: 18 g

  • Carbohydrates: 34 g

  • Fat: 30 g

  • Saturated Fat: 11 g

  • Fiber: 4 g

  • Sodium: 980 mg
    (Values may vary based on ingredients used)

🌟 Health Benefits

  • Protein-rich: Smoked sausage and cheese help keep you full longer.

  • Energy-boosting carbs: Potatoes provide potassium and complex carbohydrates.

  • Customizable: Can be adapted with lean sausage, reduced-fat cheese, or added vegetables.

  • One-pan meal: Less cleanup, less stress.

❓ Recipe Q&A

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes! Assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Add cheese just before serving.

Q: Can I cook this in an air fryer?
A: Yes. Cook at 380°F for 18–22 minutes, shaking halfway, then add cheese and cook 2–3 more minutes.

Q: What cheese works best?
A: Cheddar, Colby Jack, mozzarella, or a Mexican blend all work well.

Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: It can be—just check that your ranch seasoning and sausage are certified gluten-free.

Leave a Comment