When you’re craving a hearty, cheesy meal that’s packed with flavor and incredibly easy to make, look no further than Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage! This one-pan dinner combines crispy potatoes, smoky sausage, and creamy ranch seasoning, all baked to perfection. It’s a comfort food lover’s dream that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum taste. Whether you’re feeding the family on a busy weeknight or preparing a crowd-pleasing dish for a gathering, this meal will not disappoint.
The beauty of this dish is in its simplicity—the smoked sausage adds a rich, savory flavor, while the cheesy ranch potatoes bring the perfect balance of creamy, crispy, and comforting textures. Plus, it’s quick to prepare, making it a great option for any day of the week!
Ingredients
For the Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage:
- 800g baby potatoes (or regular potatoes, cut into small cubes)
- 300g smoked sausage, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (30ml)
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (about 30g)
- 150g shredded cheddar cheese
- 50g shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (5g)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder (5g)
- ½ teaspoon paprika (2.5g)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes and Sausage
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Wash and cut the baby potatoes in half (or dice regular potatoes into small cubes).
- Slice the smoked sausage into thin rounds (about 2-3 cm each).
Step 2: Coat the Potatoes and Sausage
- In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Stir well to combine.
- Add the potatoes and sausage to the bowl and toss everything together until the potatoes and sausage are evenly coated with the seasoning mixture. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Step 3: Bake the Dish
- Spread the seasoned potatoes and sausage in an even layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and golden brown. Halfway through baking, stir the mixture to ensure even cooking.
Step 4: Add the Cheese
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese evenly over the potatoes and sausage.
- Return the sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley (if desired).
- Serve immediately and enjoy the cheesy, savory goodness!
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, Approx. 4 Servings)
- Calories: 400
- Protein: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 900mg
Tips & Tricks for the Best Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage
🔥 Make It Crispy – If you like your potatoes extra crispy, increase the oven temperature to 220°C (425°F) during the last 10 minutes of baking.
🧀 Cheese Variations – Try using Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend for different flavor profiles.
🌱 Fresh Herbs – Add some fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to the potatoes before baking for an aromatic touch.
🥔 Potato Tips – If using regular potatoes, cut them smaller to ensure they cook evenly and get crispy on the edges.
💨 Make Ahead – You can prep the potatoes and sausage the night before and store them in the fridge. Then, just bake when you’re ready to eat!
Creative Variations to Try
🌶 Spicy Ranch Potatoes – Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix for a spicy kick.
🍳 Add Eggs – Top the dish with a fried egg or scrambled eggs for a more filling breakfast or brunch option.
🥦 Veggie-Packed Version – Add bell peppers, onions, or zucchini to the mix for extra veggies and color.
🍄 Mushroom Lovers – Add sliced mushrooms along with the potatoes and sausage for a hearty and earthy flavor.
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