Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage

This Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage is the ultimate one-pan comfort meal. Tender baby potatoes and savory smoked sausage are roasted with zesty ranch seasoning, then smothered in melted cheddar cheese for an irresistibly hearty, flavorful, and easy dinner the whole family will love.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

You will love this recipe because it delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort and cleanup. The combination of crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside potatoes with smoky sausage and the tangy punch of ranch is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s incredibly versatile—perfect for a busy weeknight, a casual game-day spread, or meal prep. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s a foolproof dish that feels indulgent yet is easy enough for any night of the week.

Ingredients

• 1 pound smoked sausage (halal-certified turkey or beef): Provides the main smoky, savory flavor. Ensure it’s pre-cooked. Kielbasa or Andouille-style sausages also work well.
• 4 cups baby potatoes, halved or quartered: Baby potatoes roast quickly and hold their shape. Yukon Gold or diced russet potatoes are good substitutes.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: For coating the potatoes to help them crisp up.
• 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix: The flavor powerhouse. Use a halal-certified brand if needed. Homemade alternative: Mix 2 tbsp dried parsley, 1 tbsp dried dill, 1 tbsp garlic powder, 1 tbsp onion powder, 2 tsp dried chives, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds depth.
• 1 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances savoriness.
• ½ teaspoon black pepper: For a bit of heat.
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese: Use freshly shredded for best melting (pre-shredded contains anti-caking agents). A Monterey Jack or Colby blend also works wonderfully.
• ½ cup sour cream (optional, for serving): Adds a cool, creamy contrast.
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish): For a fresh, colorful finish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
2. Prepare Ingredients: Halve or quarter the baby potatoes so they are roughly the same size for even cooking. Slice the smoked sausage into ¼-inch thick rounds.
3. Season: In a small bowl, mix the ranch seasoning packet, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. In a large bowl, toss the potatoes with olive oil and about two-thirds of the seasoning mixture until evenly coated.
4. Assemble: Spread the seasoned potatoes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Scatter the sausage rounds evenly over the potatoes. Sprinkle the remaining seasoning mix over everything.
5. Roast: Bake for 35-40 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the potatoes are golden brown and fork-tender.
6. Add Cheese: Remove the pan from the oven. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the potatoes and sausage. Return to the oven for 3-5 minutes, just until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
7. Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately, with a dollop of sour cream on the side if desired.

Expert Tips / Pro Tips

• Don’t Crowd the Pan: Spread the potatoes and sausage in a single layer with some space between pieces. Overcrowding will steam them instead of roasting, preventing crispiness.
• Customize the Veggies: Add 1 cup of chopped bell peppers, onions, or broccoli florets to the pan with the potatoes for extra nutrition and color.
• Get it Crispy: For extra crispy potatoes, after stirring halfway, press them down lightly with a spatula to increase surface contact with the hot pan.
• Broil for Finish: For a more browned, bubbly cheese top, switch the oven to broil for the final 1-2 minutes after the cheese has melted. Watch closely to prevent burning.

Variations & Substitutions

• Vegetarian: Omit the sausage and add a can of drained and rinsed white beans or chickpeas, or use a plant-based sausage.
• Spicy Kick: Add ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix, or use a spicy cheese like Pepper Jack.
• Loaded Version: After adding cheese, top with cooked, crumbled halal beef bacon, sliced green onions, and a extra drizzle of ranch dressing.
• Lighter Option: Reduce the cheese to 1 cup and use a light sour cream or Greek yogurt for serving.
• Different Potato: Swap baby potatoes for cubed sweet potatoes. Adjust roasting time as needed.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this hearty dish straight from the pan as a complete main course. For a balanced meal, pair it with a simple side salad with a vinaigrette, steamed green beans, or roasted asparagus. It’s also fantastic for potlucks and game day parties. Leftovers make a great filling for breakfast burritos the next day.

Storage, Freezing & Reheating

• Storage: Cool completely and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Note: Potatoes can become grainy after freezing and reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F oven on a baking sheet for 10-15 minutes until hot, or in the microwave in 60-second intervals, stirring in between. The oven method will keep the potatoes crisper.

Nutrition Information

Per Serving (based on 8 servings):

• Calories: 450 kcal
• Fat: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Protein: 15g
• Sodium: 1100mg (varies greatly with seasoning packet and sausage used)
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 2g

Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage

A hearty, one-pan meal featuring crispy roasted potatoes and smoky sausage tossed in zesty ranch seasoning, all smothered in melted cheddar cheese. The ultimate easy comfort food.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound smoked sausage halal-certified turkey or beef, sliced into rounds
• 4 cups baby potatoes halved or quartered
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Seasoning

• 1 packet ranch seasoning mix 1 oz (about 3 tbsp)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Toppings & Serving

• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream optional, for serving
• fresh parsley chopped, for garnish

Equipment

• Large Baking Sheet
• Parchment Paper
• Large Mixing Bowl

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Halve or quarter the baby potatoes. Slice the smoked sausage into ¼-inch rounds.
   1 pound smoked sausage, 4 cups baby potatoes
3. In a small bowl, mix the ranch seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. In a large bowl, toss potatoes with olive oil and about two-thirds of the seasoning mix.
   2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 packet ranch seasoning mix, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
4. Spread potatoes in a single layer on the baking sheet. Scatter sausage over top. Sprinkle with remaining seasoning.
   1 pound smoked sausage
5. Bake for 35-40 minutes, stirring halfway through, until potatoes are golden and tender.
6. Sprinkle cheese evenly over the potatoes and sausage. Return to oven for 3-5 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
   1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
7. Garnish with parsley. Serve hot with sour cream on the side if desired.
   1/2 cup sour cream, fresh parsley

Notes

For Crispier Potatoes: Ensure they are in a single layer, not touching. Press down lightly with a spatula when stirring halfway.

Make it a Meal: Add chopped bell peppers or onions with the potatoes for extra veggies.

Homemade Ranch: Use 3 tbsp of a mix of dried parsley, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, dried chives, salt, and pepper.

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