Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage Recipe

Ingredients for Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage

I always keep these ingredients on hand because this recipe has saved dinner more times than I can count. The key is good quality smoked sausage and baby potatoes that roast beautifully without falling apart. My go-to is turkey or beef sausage, which works perfectly for families with dietary preferences.

• 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds (turkey or beef sausage)
• 4 cups baby potatoes, about 1 to 2 inches in diameter, halved or quartered
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 packet ranch seasoning mix, about 1 oz – I recommend checking the ingredients match your dietary needs
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese – In my experience, freshly shredded melts better than pre-shredded
• 1/2 cup sour cream (optional, for serving)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

I recommend reading through all the steps before starting, especially the first time you make this. The technique is straightforward, but timing matters for getting those perfectly crispy potatoes.

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking. This temperature is ideal for getting crispy edges on the potatoes while cooking the sausage through.

Step 2: Wash the baby potatoes and cut them in half or quarters depending on their size. Aim for relatively uniform pieces so they cook evenly. Slice the smoked sausage into 1/4-inch thick rounds.

Step 3: In a small bowl, combine the ranch seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Mix well to distribute the seasonings evenly.

Step 4: Place the potatoes in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with half of the seasoning mixture. Toss until every potato piece is coated. This ensures maximum flavor in every bite.

Step 5: Spread the seasoned potatoes on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, making sure they’re not overcrowded. Scatter the sliced sausage pieces evenly over the potatoes. Sprinkle the remaining seasoning mixture over everything.

Step 6: Roast in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, stirring halfway through with a spatula to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking. The potatoes should be golden brown and fork-tender, meaning a fork slides through easily, with crispy edges that have a slight caramelization.

Step 7: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the potatoes and sausage. Return to the oven for 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 8: Remove from the oven and let cool for 2 to 3 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot with a dollop of sour cream on the side.

Perfect Sides for Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage

This hearty dish pairs beautifully with lighter sides that add freshness and balance to the rich, cheesy flavors.

Simple Green Salad: A crisp mix of lettuce, cucumber, and tomatoes with a light vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the cheese and provides refreshing contrast. The acidity from the dressing balances the savory ranch flavors perfectly.

Steamed Broccoli: Bright green broccoli florets add nutritional value and a slight crunch that complements the tender potatoes. A squeeze of lemon juice enhances both the vegetables and brings out the ranch seasoning. For another veggie-focused side, Easy Chicken Breast and Green Beans shows how simple preparations can shine.

Coleslaw: Tangy, crunchy coleslaw provides textural contrast and a cool, creamy element that works beautifully alongside the warm, cheesy potatoes. The cabbage adds fiber and keeps the meal feeling balanced.

Roasted Vegetables: Try roasted carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini for additional color and nutrients. The slight char from roasting echoes the crispy potato edges and adds depth to your plate. Easy Balsamic Chicken Veggie Orzo offers inspiration for veggie-forward pairings.

Garlic Bread: For those extra-hungry evenings, crusty garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any cheese and juices left on the plate. It turns this into an even more satisfying, complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Guide

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually meld together overnight, making this an excellent meal prep option for busy weeks ahead.

When reheating, I recommend using the oven at 350°F for 15 to 20 minutes to help the potatoes regain some crispness. You can also reheat in the microwave for 2 to 3 minutes, though the texture won’t be quite as crispy. Add a fresh sprinkle of cheese on top before reheating for extra indulgence.

For freezing, let the dish cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. This recipe doubles easily if you want to make extra for future meals or feeding a crowd.

FAQs

Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage

A hearty one-pan dinner featuring crispy roasted potatoes, smoky sausage, and melted cheddar cheese with tangy ranch seasoning

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 6 portions

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 375

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb smoked sausage turkey or beef, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
• 4 cups baby potatoes about 1 to 2 inches in diameter, halved or quartered
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 packet ranch seasoning mix about 1 oz
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 0.5 cup sour cream optional, for serving
• fresh parsley chopped, optional for garnish

Equipment

• Large baking sheet
• Mixing bowl
• Sharp knife
• Parchment paper or silicone mat
• Spatula or tongs

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
2. Wash the baby potatoes and cut them in half or quarters depending on their size for uniform cooking. Slice the smoked sausage into 1/4-inch thick rounds.
3. In a small bowl, combine the ranch seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Mix well.
4. Place the potatoes in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with half of the seasoning mixture. Toss until every potato piece is coated.
5. Spread the seasoned potatoes on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer without overcrowding. Scatter the sliced sausage pieces evenly over the potatoes. Sprinkle the remaining seasoning mixture over everything.
6. Roast in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, stirring halfway through with a spatula to ensure even cooking. The potatoes should be golden brown and fork-tender with crispy edges.
7. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the potatoes and sausage. Return to the oven for 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Remove from the oven and let cool for 2 to 3 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot with a dollop of sour cream on the side.

Notes

You can use russet or Yukon gold potatoes cut into 1-inch cubes instead of baby potatoes. Try different types of sausage like turkey or beef to suit your taste. For extra heat, add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix. Add other vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or zucchini for more color and nutrition. For crispier potatoes, cut them smaller and increase oven temperature slightly. Store leftovers in airtight container for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.