Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage Recipe

Irresistible Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage Recipe

Crispy, golden cheesy ranch potatoes dancing with smoky sausage create a mouthwatering combination that’ll make you weak in the knees.

Comfort food reaches new heights with this simple yet irresistible dish.

Creamy ranch seasoning coats each potato chunk, promising incredible flavor in every single bite.

Home cooks love how quickly this meal comes together with minimal effort.

Hearty ingredients blend perfectly, turning an ordinary dinner into something spectacular.

Skillet magic happens when these potatoes caramelize and sausage gets that incredible crisp exterior.

You’ll want to keep this recipe in your back pocket for quick weeknight meals or casual gatherings.

Prepare to fall in love with a dinner that screams deliciousness from the first forkful.

What Makes Ranch Potatoes & Sausage So Good

  • Combines hearty potatoes, savory smoked sausage, and melted cheese into a crowd-favorite recipe that makes everyone at the table happy.
  • Minimize kitchen cleanup with this convenient baking dish method that creates a complete meal with minimal dishes and maximum flavor.
  • Easily adaptable recipe that works great for family dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings with its crowd-pleasing combination of ingredients.

Ingredients for Ranch Potatoes & Sausage

Main Ingredients:
  • Potatoes: Hearty base for the casserole dish.
  • Smoked Sausage: Adds protein and rich flavor to the meal.
Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Ranch Seasoning, Garlic Powder, Black Pepper: Provide bold and zesty taste profile.
  • Butter: Helps coat ingredients and create a rich texture.
Topping and Garnish:
  • Cheddar Cheese, Fresh Parsley: Adds creamy, cheesy finish and bright herbal note.
Cooking Preparation Ingredients:
  • Non-Stick Spray or Butter: Prevents sticking and helps with dish greasing.

How to Cook Potatoes & Sausage

How to Cook Potatoes & Sausage

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 400°F and give your baking dish a quick spray or butter rub to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Chop and Prep

Grab your cutting board and slice the smoked sausage into bite-sized rounds.

Cube the potatoes into similar-sized chunks so they cook evenly.

Step 3: Spice and Toss

In a large mixing bowl, combine your chopped ingredients with these flavor boosters:
  • Melted butter
  • Ranch seasoning
  • Garlic powder
  • Black pepper

Toss everything until each piece is coated with delicious seasoning.

Step 4: First Baking Round

Cover the baking dish with foil and slide it into the preheated oven.

Bake for 35-40 minutes, giving the mix a quick stir halfway through to ensure even cooking.

Step 5: Cheese Explosion

Remove the foil and generously sprinkle shredded cheddar across the top.

Return to the oven uncovered for 10-15 minutes until the cheese melts into a golden, bubbly blanket.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Shower the dish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor.

Serve hot and watch everyone dig in with excitement!

Tips for Sausage & Potatoes Recipe

  • Cut potatoes into equal-sized cubes to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
  • Toss ingredients thoroughly in a large bowl to guarantee every potato and sausage piece gets completely coated with ranch seasoning and spices.
  • Watch closely during the final cheese-melting stage to prevent burning and achieve a perfectly golden, bubbly cheese topping.
  • Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley just before serving to add a bright, herbal note and enhance the overall visual appeal of the dish.
  • Use parchment paper or generously grease the baking dish to make cleanup easier and prevent potatoes from sticking to the bottom.

Store & Reheat Potatoes & Sausage

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator, maintaining best flavor and texture.
  • Transfer cooled dish to freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Stays good for up to 2 months. Freeze without garnish for best quality.
  • Place portion on microwave-safe plate, cover with damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed. Add splash of water to prevent drying out.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Place leftovers in baking dish, cover with foil. Warm for 15-20 minutes, removing foil last 5 minutes to crisp up cheese. Stir halfway through reheating to ensure even temperature.

What to Pair with Sausage & Potatoes

  • Pair Perfectly with Crisp White Wine: Select a light, zesty Sauvignon Blanc that cuts through the richness of the cheesy potatoes and complements the smoky sausage.
  • Boost Flavor with Fresh Green Salad: Create a tangy mixed green salad with vinaigrette dressing to balance the heavy, creamy potato dish and add a refreshing contrast.
  • Match with Craft Beer Companion: Choose a hoppy pale ale or amber beer that stands up to the robust flavors of smoked sausage and provides a crisp, malty backdrop.
  • Enhance with Cool Cucumber Slaw: Prepare a light cucumber and dill slaw that offers a crisp, cool element to counterbalance the warm, cheesy potato casserole.

Creative Combos for This Recipe

  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Replace potatoes with cauliflower florets for a keto-friendly version that maintains the same cheesy, ranch-seasoned flavor profile.
  • Vegetarian Version: Substitute smoked sausage with plant-based sausage or roasted chickpeas to create a meatless alternative that keeps the dish's hearty texture.
  • Spicy Ranch Kick: Add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to increase heat and create a zesty version for those who enjoy a spicier meal.
  • Herb-Infused Alternative: Experiment with different herb blends like Italian seasoning or herbes de Provence instead of ranch seasoning for a Mediterranean-inspired variation.

FAQs

  • Can I use different types of potatoes?

Yes, you can use Yukon gold, red potatoes, or russet potatoes. Each variety will give a slightly different texture and flavor to the dish.

  • Is ranch seasoning necessary for this recipe?

Ranch seasoning adds great flavor, but if you don’t have it, you can substitute with a mix of dried dill, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried parsley to create a similar taste profile.

  • What kind of smoked sausage works best?

Hillshire Farm, Johnsonville, or Conecuh smoked sausages are excellent choices. You can also use turkey or beef smoked sausage depending on your preference.

  • Can I make this dish healthier?

Reduce butter amount, use low-fat cheese, choose lean turkey sausage, and add extra vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to increase nutritional value.

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Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage Recipe

Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage Recipe


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4.9 from 38 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Creamy cheesy ranch potatoes and smoked sausage bring comfort to dinner tables with hearty Southern charm. Savory sausage, crispy potato edges, and zesty ranch blend perfectly for a crowd-pleasing meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 4 medium Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, diced
  • 12 ounces (340 grams) smoked sausage, sliced
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:

  • 1 packet (1 ounce / 28 grams) ranch seasoning mix
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Liquid and Binding Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup milk or heavy cream

Garnish:

  • Fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F and prepare a baking dish with non-stick spray.
  2. Cut potatoes into uniform cube-sized pieces and slice smoked sausage into even rounds.
  3. Combine potatoes and sausage in a mixing bowl, drizzling with melted butter and coating thoroughly with ranch seasoning, garlic powder, and black pepper.
  4. Transfer the seasoned mixture to the prepared baking dish, ensuring even distribution.
  5. Cover with aluminum foil and roast for 35 minutes, stirring midway to promote consistent cooking and prevent sticking.
  6. Remove foil and generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the top, returning to oven for an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese melts completely and edges turn golden brown.
  7. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes to allow flavors to settle and cheese to set.
  8. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant finish and serve hot directly from the baking dish.

Notes

  • Prep potatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking and crispy edges.
  • Swap smoked sausage with turkey sausage or plant-based alternatives for lighter or vegetarian options.
  • Use fresh herbs like chives or green onions instead of parsley for added freshness and visual appeal.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 950 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 14 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 18 g
  • Cholesterol: 60 mg
Olivia Bennett

Olivia Bennett

Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

  • Showcasing ingredients in plant-forward vegetarian dishes.
  • Creating adaptable weeklong menu templates centered on seasonal produce.

Education

Schoolcraft College

  • Program: Culinary Arts Associate Degree
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, menu planning, and food safety.

With an Associate Degree in Culinary Arts from Schoolcraft College and a natural knack for teaching, Olivia Bennett’s all about making home cooking feel possible, even on your busiest day.
Her thing? Recipes that are budget-friendly, season-forward, and full of Southern warmth. Whether it’s a roasted veggie bowl or a five-ingredient skillet bake, Olivia makes sure it’s simple, satisfying, and something you’ll want to make again tomorrow.
When she’s not shooting step-by-step videos or testing spice blends, she’s out foraging, flipping through old cookbooks, or throwing laid-back dinner parties with a BYO-mason-jar theme.

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