Description
Delicious and comforting Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage baked to golden perfection with a blend of ranch seasoning, melted cheese, and savory smoked sausage. This hearty dish is perfect for a family dinner or a casual gathering, combining tender potatoes, flavorful sausage, and gooey cheese for an irresistible meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Potatoes
- 2 lbs potatoes (Yukon Gold or red, cubed)
Sausage
- 14 oz smoked sausage (pork, turkey, or chicken), sliced
Seasoning & Extras
- 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
- 1 packet ranch seasoning (or homemade mix)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup sour cream (optional, for creaminess)
Cheese & Garnish
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Colby Jack, or mozzarella)
- ¼ cup chopped green onions or parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the potatoes and sausage to crispy, golden perfection.
- Prepare Potatoes: Wash and cube the potatoes. For a quicker and creamier texture, parboil them for 5 minutes, then drain well.
- Toss Potatoes with Seasoning: In a large bowl, toss the cubed potatoes with olive oil, ranch seasoning, and half of the shredded cheese until evenly coated.
- First Bake: Spread the seasoned potatoes on a greased sheet pan in an even layer. Bake for 25 minutes, stirring once halfway through to ensure even cooking and browning.
- Add Sausage and Continue Baking: Scatter the sliced smoked sausage over the potatoes and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, until the potatoes are golden and the sausage is heated through.
- Add Remaining Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, then bake for 5 to 7 more minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with chopped green onions or parsley. Serve warm, optionally topped with sour cream for extra creaminess.
Notes
- Parboiling the potatoes before baking helps them cook evenly and become tender inside while crisping outside.
- You can customize the cheese type to your preference – cheddar adds sharpness, mozzarella melts smoothly, and Colby Jack offers a mild flavor.
- Use your favorite smoked sausage variety: pork, turkey, or chicken work well.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of chili flakes to the ranch seasoning.
- This dish is best served fresh but can be reheated in the oven for crispiness.
