Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage is a comforting, hearty dish full of flavor and simple ingredients that come together beautifully. This recipe features tender potatoes coated in ranch seasoning, wrapped in melted cheese, and paired with savory smoked sausage slices that add a nice smoky kick.
I love making this dish on busy weeknights because it’s so easy to pull together, and everyone always asks for seconds. The ranch seasoning gives the potatoes a zesty, tangy touch that mixes perfectly with the gooey melted cheese. Adding smoked sausage makes it a filling meal that feels special but takes minimal effort.
My favorite way to serve this is straight from the pan, with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or green onions on top. It goes well with a simple side salad or steamed veggies to balance out the richness. Whenever I make this for friends or family, it’s always a hit because it’s both delicious and satisfying—comfort food done right!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Potatoes: Baby gold or red potatoes work great as they roast evenly and stay tender. Yukon gold is a tasty alternative for a creamier texture, while russets are a good swap if you like a fluffier inside.
Smoked Sausage: This sausage adds a smoky, savory flavor and a bit of chew. You can swap for kielbasa, andouille, or even spicy chorizo depending on your taste preferences.
Ranch Seasoning Mix: This gives a tangy, herby punch. If you don’t have a packet, mix garlic powder, dried dill, onion powder, and parsley as a DIY option. For a low-sodium version, use fresh herbs and lemon zest instead.
Cheese: Cheddar is key for that sharp, melty flavor, paired with mozzarella for stretchiness. Feel free to swap cheddar for Monterey Jack or Colby. Use a non-dairy cheese for a vegan twist.
Sour Cream & Butter: They add richness and creamy moisture. Greek yogurt can replace sour cream for a lighter touch. Use olive oil or a plant-based margarine instead of butter if desired.
How Do I Get Crispy Potatoes That Stay Tender Inside?
Here’s how to get perfectly roasted potatoes:
- Cut evenly: Halve or quarter potatoes into similar sizes to cook evenly.
- Coat well: Toss potatoes in olive oil and ranch seasoning so they roast with flavor and crisp edges.
- Space out: Spread potatoes in one layer on the baking sheet to avoid steaming.
- Flip halfway: Turn potatoes during roasting to get golden color on all sides.
- Check doneness: Roast 25-30 mins until tender inside and golden outside.
These steps help lock in softness inside while creating a crispy skin that holds up well under the cheesy topping. Don’t worry if some potatoes have a little extra brown crunch—that’s the best part!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl – I use it to toss potatoes with oil and seasonings evenly.
- Baking sheet – perfect for roasting the potatoes in a single layer for crispy edges.
- Skillet – handy for browning the sausage slices so they develop a nice color and flavor.
- Oven-safe dish or casserole dish – to combine everything and melt the cheese under the broiler.
- Spatula or large spoon – for mixing the ingredients gently to coat everything well.
- Aluminum foil (optional) – to cover the dish if you want to keep it warm or prevent splatters during broiling.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Different proteins: Swap smoked sausage for cooked bacon, shredded chicken, or turkey for different flavors and protein options.
- Cheeses: Use mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for a milder or spicier cheesy experience.
- Veggie add-ins: Mix in sautéed bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms for extra texture and flavor.
- Spices and herbs: Add a pinch of smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, or fresh cilantro for a flavor boost and colorful presentation.
Cheesy Ranch Potatoes And Smoked Sausage
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Potatoes and Sausage:
- 1.5 pounds baby gold or red potatoes, halved or quartered
- 12 ounces smoked sausage, sliced into 1/2 inch rounds
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For The Cheese and Creamy Mix:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or mild)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
For Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or chives
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty dish takes about 10 minutes to prep and 25-30 minutes to roast the potatoes. Browning the sausage will take about 8 minutes, and a quick 3-5 minutes under the broiler to melt the cheese finishes the dish nicely. Total cooking time is around 40-45 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare and Roast The Potatoes:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large bowl, toss the halved potatoes with olive oil, ranch seasoning, salt, and pepper. Make sure all pieces are coated well. Spread the potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast for 25-30 minutes until potatoes are tender and golden, flipping halfway through for even cooking.
2. Brown The Smoked Sausage:
While potatoes roast, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the smoked sausage slices and cook them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they turn a bit crispy and have a nice brown color. Remove from heat once done.
3. Mix and Combine:
In a large bowl, gently mix the roasted potatoes and browned sausage with melted butter and sour cream. Toss carefully so everything gets coated with the creamy mixture but the potatoes stay nice and chunky.
4. Add Cheese and Broil:
Transfer this mixture into a large oven-safe dish. Evenly sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella over the top. Place the dish under the oven broiler for 3-5 minutes until the cheese melts, bubbles, and just starts to turn golden brown. Keep a close eye to avoid burning.
5. Garnish and Serve:
Carefully remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or chives on top. Serve your Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage hot, as a delicious hearty meal or a comforting side dish everyone will love!
Can I Use Frozen Potatoes for This Recipe?
Yes, but make sure to thaw and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture. Toss them with olive oil and seasoning as usual, and adjust roasting time if needed since thawed potatoes may cook faster.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the roasted potatoes and browned sausage in advance and store separately in the fridge for up to 2 days. Combine, add cheese, and broil just before serving for fresh melting cheese.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through, adding a sprinkle of cheese on top if you want to refresh the cheesy finish.
Can I Substitute the Smoked Sausage?
Yes! Try kielbasa, andouille, or even cooked bacon or shredded chicken for different flavors. Just be sure any replacement is cooked before adding to the potatoes for best results.
