Cheesy Ranch Potatoes Sausage

This comforting one-pan Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage has become my family's go-to meal on busy weeknights. The combination of crispy potatoes, smoky sausage, and melted cheese creates a satisfying dish that always disappears quickly from our dinner table.

I first created this recipe when searching for a hands-off dinner solution during my busiest work week. Now it's requested at least twice a month and has become our unofficial Sunday dinner tradition.

Ingredients

• Baby potatoes: Quartered or halved for the perfect bite size and faster cooking time. Look for firm potatoes with smooth skin
• Smoked sausage: Adds rich flavor without much effort. Choose a high quality halal certified variety for best results
• Ranch seasoning mix: Transforms ordinary potatoes into something extraordinary. Check for halal certification on the package
• Garlic powder and onion powder: Provide aromatic depth without the prep work of fresh aromatics
• Black pepper: Adds a subtle heat that enhances all other flavors
• Cheddar cheese: Creates that irresistible melty topping. Buy block cheese and grate it yourself for better melting
• Olive oil: Helps the seasonings adhere to the potatoes and promotes browning
• Sour cream: Optional for serving but adds a wonderful cooling contrast to the savory dish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the ingredients:

First wash your baby potatoes thoroughly and cut them into evenly sized pieces, either halves or quarters depending on their size. Uniformity is crucial here as it ensures all pieces cook at the same rate. Then slice your smoked sausage into rounds about a quarter inch thick.

Create the seasoning mix:

Combine the ranch seasoning packet with garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper in a small bowl. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of all the spices. This blend creates the signature flavor profile that makes this dish so addictive.

Season the potatoes:

Place your cut potatoes in a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil. The oil will help the seasonings stick and promote beautiful browning in the oven. Sprinkle half of your seasoning mix over the potatoes and toss until every piece is evenly coated. Be thorough here as this is where much of your flavor comes from.

Arrange for roasting:

Spread the seasoned potatoes across your baking sheet in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd. Overcrowding leads to steaming rather than roasting which prevents proper browning. Distribute the sausage slices evenly among the potatoes.

Roast to perfection:

Bake in your preheated oven for about 35 to 40 minutes. Look for golden brown edges on the potatoes and slight crisping on the sausage. Stir halfway through cooking to ensure even browning on all sides. The potatoes should be fork tender when done.

Add the cheese:

Remove the baking sheet from the oven and sprinkle generously with shredded cheddar cheese. Return to the oven for just five minutes until the cheese is completely melted and begins to bubble around the edges. Watch carefully to prevent burning.

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You Must Know

This recipe reminds me of Sunday dinners at my grandmother's house where she would always have some variation of potatoes and sausage on the table. The ranch seasoning is my modern twist on her classic dishes and it brings me joy to see my own children enjoying these same comfort food flavors.

Make Ahead And Storage

This dish reheats exceptionally well, making it perfect for meal prepping. After cooking, allow the dish to cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to four days. When reheating, place in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes or microwave individual portions for 2 minutes until heated through. The flavor actually develops overnight, making leftovers sometimes even better than the original meal.

Ingredient Substitutions

This recipe welcomes customization based on your preferences or what you have available. Turkey kielbasa or chicken sausage work beautifully as alternatives to traditional smoked sausage. For a vegetarian version, substitute the meat with hearty mushrooms or plant-based sausage alternatives. If you don't have ranch seasoning on hand, create your own with dried herbs like dill, parsley, and chives mixed with garlic powder, onion powder, and buttermilk powder. Sweet potatoes can replace baby potatoes for a different flavor profile with added nutritional benefits.

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Serving Suggestions

While delicious on its own, this dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette provides refreshing contrast to the rich main dish. Steamed broccoli or green beans add color and nutrition to complete the meal. For a breakfast twist, add a fried egg on top with the runny yolk creating a luscious sauce. Set up a topping bar with chopped green onions, diced tomatoes, extra cheese, and sour cream for a fun interactive dinner that pleases everyone at the table.

Common Questions

→ Can I use different types of potatoes for this dish?

Yes! While baby potatoes work best because they cook quickly and have a creamy texture, you can substitute red potatoes, Yukon golds, or russets cut into 1-inch chunks. Just adjust cooking time accordingly as larger potato pieces may require longer roasting.

→ What can I substitute for the ranch seasoning?

If you don't have ranch seasoning, you can make your own blend with 1 tablespoon dried parsley, 1 teaspoon dried dill, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Alternatively, Italian seasoning with extra garlic powder creates a different but equally delicious flavor profile.

→ How can I make this dish dairy-free?

To make this dish dairy-free, simply omit the cheese or substitute with your favorite dairy-free cheese alternative. Check that your ranch seasoning is dairy-free (some contain buttermilk powder). Skip the sour cream garnish or use a dairy-free yogurt alternative.

→ Can I prepare any components ahead of time?

Yes! You can cut the potatoes and sausage up to 24 hours in advance and store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. You can also mix the seasoning blend ahead of time. This will significantly reduce prep time when you're ready to cook.

→ What variations can I try with this dish?

This dish is incredibly versatile! Try adding bell peppers, onions, or broccoli during the last 15 minutes of cooking. Switch up the protein with chicken sausage or turkey kielbasa. Use different cheese combinations like pepper jack for heat or a smoked gouda for depth. For extra richness, add a drizzle of ranch dressing after cooking.

→ How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through for best texture. Microwave reheating works but may make the potatoes softer. If you have time, reheating in a skillet creates a nice crisp texture on the potatoes.