Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Sausage Recipe

A hearty, flavorful meal, cheesy ranch potatoes and sausage is a crowd-pleasing dish that works beautifully as a family dinner, a potluck favorite, or even a comfort-food brunch. This dish combines tender potatoes, savory sausage, creamy cheese, and the zesty kick of ranch seasoning. Best of all, it’s easy to prepare and perfect for feeding a hungry group.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Simple Ingredients: Pantry staples and fresh produce combine for a fuss-free dish.
2. One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup is needed, as it’s cooked in one skillet or casserole dish.
3. Customizable: Easy to tweak to suit dietary needs or flavor preferences.
4. Perfect Comfort Food: Creamy, cheesy, and satisfying, it hits all the right notes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

1. Preheat Oven: If you plan to bake the dish, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Wash and Chop: Thoroughly wash the baby potatoes and quarter them. Dice the onion and mince the garlic. Slice the sausage into even rounds for even cooking.

Step 2: Cook the Sausage and Potatoes

1. Brown the Sausage: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage slices and cook for 3–4 minutes on each side until browned. Remove and set aside.
2. Cook the Potatoes: In the same skillet, add a drizzle of oil and the potatoes. Sauté for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften and develop a golden crust.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Base

1. Add Aromatics: Stir in the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
2. Combine with Sausage: Return the browned sausage to the skillet and toss to combine with the potatoes and onions.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

1. Mix Ranch Cream Sauce: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the sour cream, heavy cream, and ranch seasoning mix. Ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed.
2. Add Cheese: Fold in 1 ½ cups of the shredded cheddar cheese and all the Parmesan. Save the remaining cheddar for topping.

Step 5: Assemble the Dish

1. Combine Ingredients: Pour the ranch cream sauce over the sausage and potato mixture, stirring gently to coat everything evenly.
2. Transfer to Baking Dish: If using the oven, transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and spread evenly.

Step 6: Bake or Finish on Stovetop

1. Bake Option: Sprinkle the reserved cheddar cheese over the top. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
2. Stovetop Option: Lower the heat to medium, cover the skillet, and cook for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are fully tender and the cheese sauce thickens.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

1. Add Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle with green onions and parsley for a fresh pop of flavor.
2. Serve: Serve hot, straight from the skillet or baking dish, with crusty bread or a green salad on the side.

Tips for Success

1. Even Potato Size: Quarter the potatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking.
2. Don’t Overcrowd: Cook the potatoes in batches if needed to prevent steaming instead of browning.
3. Cheese Choices: Use a mix of cheeses for added depth—sharp cheddar, gouda, or pepper jack work well.
4. Customizable Protein: Swap sausage for cooked chicken, turkey kielbasa, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.

Variations

1. Spicy Twist: Add sliced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper for heat.
2. Vegetable Packed: Include bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for added nutrients.
3. Low-Carb Option: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower florets or turnips.
4. Herbaceous Kick: Use fresh dill or chives in the garnish for a unique flavor.

Why This Recipe Works

The combination of hearty potatoes, savory sausage, creamy cheese, and the zesty flavor of ranch creates a dish that’s both comforting and indulgent. The textures are perfectly balanced—soft, tender potatoes; chewy sausage; and a gooey, cheesy sauce. Garnishing with fresh herbs brightens the flavors, making it a dish that feels decadent yet homely.

Perfect for weeknight dinners, game-day gatherings, or even meal prepping, this cheesy ranch potatoes and sausage recipe is guaranteed to become a family favorite. Enjoy!

Yield: 4-5

Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Sausage Recipe

Print

A hearty, flavorful meal, cheesy ranch potatoes and sausage is a crowd-pleasing dish that works beautifully as a family dinner, a potluck favorite, or even a comfort-food brunch. This dish combines tender potatoes, savory sausage, creamy cheese, and the zesty kick of ranch seasoning. Best of all, it’s easy to prepare and perfect for feeding a hungry group.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 45 minutes

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs baby red potatoes (or Yukon Gold, diced into bite-sized pieces)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 lb smoked sausage (sliced into rounds)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup ranch dressing
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a large baking dish or sheet pan.

2. Prepare the Potatoes

1. Place the diced potatoes in a large mixing bowl.
2. Drizzle with olive oil and season with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.

3. Roast the Potatoes

1. Spread the seasoned potatoes in an even layer on the prepared baking dish.
2. Roast for 20 minutes in the preheated oven, stirring halfway through to ensure even cooking.

4. Add the Sausage

1. After 20 minutes, remove the baking dish from the oven.
2. Add the sliced smoked sausage to the potatoes and toss gently to combine.
3. Return the dish to the oven and roast for another 15 minutes.

5. Add the Cheese and Ranch

1. Remove the dish from the oven again and sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses evenly over the top.
2. Drizzle the ranch dressing over the cheese.
3. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

6. Garnish and Serve

1. Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes.
2. Sprinkle with fresh parsley for garnish if desired.
3. Serve hot and enjoy!

Serving Suggestions

1. Pair this dish with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
2. Add scrambled or fried eggs for a breakfast-inspired twist.

Notes

• Add Veggies: Toss in bell peppers, onions, or broccoli florets for extra color and nutrition.
• Spice It Up: Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a kick.
• Use Different Sausage: Try Italian sausage, chorizo, or chicken sausage for a unique flavor.