These Cheesy Ranch Potatoes with Smoked Sausage are a perfect cozy meal. Imagine crispy potatoes and tasty sausage smothered in melted cheese and ranch flavor. Yum!
I love how easy it is to throw everything together in one dish—fewer dishes to wash! Plus, it’s always a hit with family and friends. Who doesn’t love cheesy goodness? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Baby Red Potatoes: These potatoes are perfect for a crispy bite. If you don’t have them, try using fingerling or Yukon Gold potatoes. They both add a nice creaminess!
Smoked Sausage: I recommend using kielbasa or any smoked sausage you enjoy. If you’re looking for a healthier option, turkey sausage works well too. For a vegetarian version, opt for a plant-based sausage.
Ranch Seasoning Mix: This brings that classic ranch flavor! You can make your own with dried herbs like dill, garlic powder, and onion powder if you prefer a fresher taste.
Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar provides a rich, gooey topping. If you want to mix it up, try using gouda or a spicy pepper jack for an extra kick in flavor!
How Can You Ensure Your Potatoes Are Crispy?
One common issue when baking potatoes is getting them crispy. The right approach can make all the difference!
- Cut potatoes into equal-sized quarters to ensure even cooking. Size matters when achieving that perfect crisp!
- Make sure they are well-coated with olive oil and seasonings. This helps achieve a crispy texture.
- Spread them out in a single layer. This allows hot air to circulate around them, preventing steaming.
- Stir the potatoes halfway through cooking to encourage browning on all sides.
By following these steps, you’ll get crispy, delicious potatoes that pair wonderfully with the cheesy, savory goodness of this dish. Enjoy making and sharing!
Cheesy Ranch Potatoes with Smoked Sausage
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dish:
- 1 ½ pounds baby red potatoes, quartered
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 12 oz smoked sausage, sliced into ½-inch rounds
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Time Needed:
This delicious dish will take about 10 minutes to prep and about 40 minutes to cook, for a total of around 50 minutes. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your potatoes bake evenly and get that lovely crispy texture. Lightly grease a large baking dish or sheet pan to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Potatoes:
In a large bowl, toss the quartered baby red potatoes with the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, ranch seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Make sure the potatoes are evenly coated in all those yummy flavors!
3. Bake the Potatoes:
Spread the seasoned potatoes out in an even layer in the prepared baking dish. Bake in the oven for 25 minutes. This step will help them start getting lovely and tender.
4. Add the Sausage:
After 25 minutes, carefully remove the baking dish from the oven and give the potatoes a good stir. Now, add the sliced smoked sausage evenly over the potatoes. The sausage will add a delicious smoky flavor!
5. Cheese it Up:
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top of the potato and sausage mixture. Who doesn’t love extra cheese?
6. Finish Baking:
Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the potatoes are tender to the fork.
7. Garnish & Serve:
Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and, if you like, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley on top for a bit of color and freshness. Serve hot and enjoy your comforting cheesy, ranch-flavored potatoes with smoky sausage!
This recipe really is comfort food made easy—rich cheese, tangy ranch flavor, and savory smoked sausage combined with crispy, tender potatoes. A perfect dish to brighten up your dinner!
FAQ for Cheesy Ranch Potatoes with Smoked Sausage
Can I Use Different Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! While baby red potatoes are fantastic, you can also use Yukon Gold or even sweet potatoes for a different taste and texture. Just ensure they are cut into similar sizes for even cooking!
What Can I Substitute for Smoked Sausage?
If you’re looking for alternatives, try turkey sausage for a healthier option or a vegetarian sausage for a meat-free version. Both will work well with the flavors of this dish!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat until heated through. You might consider adding a bit of cheese on top while reheating for that melty goodness!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the potatoes and sausage mixture a day in advance. Just combine everything in the baking dish and cover it with plastic wrap. When you’re ready to bake, remove the wrap and pop it in the oven. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time since it will be chilled.
