Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage is a flavorful, comforting dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a hearty weekend meal. The combination of tender baby potatoes, smoky sausage, and a creamy ranch seasoning mix, topped with melted cheddar cheese, creates an irresistible meal that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish is an all-in-one comfort food feast. The smoked sausage brings a savory richness, while the potatoes soak up the flavorful ranch seasoning and garlic, making each bite deliciously satisfying. The gooey, melted cheddar cheese on top adds the perfect finishing touch. It’s simple to make, requires minimal prep, and can be customized with your favorite cheese or additional seasonings. Plus, with optional garnishes like sour cream and fresh parsley, you can make it even more indulgent!

Ingredients

1 pound smoked sausage (halal-certified )
4 cups baby potatoes, halved or quartered
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 packet ranch seasoning mix (halal-certified)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of your favorite cheeses)
1/2 cup sour cream (optional, for serving)
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a large baking dish or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare the potatoes: Wash and halve or quarter the baby potatoes. In a large mixing bowl, toss the potatoes with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and the ranch seasoning mix until evenly coated.
Prepare the sausage: Slice the smoked sausage into bite-sized pieces. Add the sausage to the mixing bowl with the seasoned potatoes and toss to combine.
Bake: Transfer the potato and sausage mixture to the prepared baking dish. Spread it out into an even layer. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and lightly golden, and the sausage is heated through.
Add cheese: After the baking time, remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese (or your choice of cheese) evenly over the top. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve: Once the cheese is melted, remove the dish from the oven. If desired, serve with a dollop of sour cream on top and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for garnish. Enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
Total Time: 45-50 minutes

Variations

Add vegetables: You can add vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or zucchini to the mix for extra color and flavor.
Spicy kick: For a little heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes or add diced jalapeños to the dish.
Cheese options: While cheddar is a classic choice, you can use a blend of mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack cheese for a different flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, until warmed through.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular sausage instead of smoked sausage?

Yes, you can use any type of sausage you prefer, but smoked sausage adds a unique flavor to the dish. Feel free to try turkey or chicken sausage as well for a lighter option.

2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prep the potatoes and sausage in advance, then store them in the refrigerator. When ready to cook, simply bake as directed and add the cheese.

3. Can I use a different type of potato?

While baby potatoes work best for this recipe due to their small size and creamy texture, you can also use regular russet or Yukon gold potatoes. Just cut them into smaller pieces for even cooking.

4. Can I use a different seasoning mix?

Absolutely! You can substitute the ranch seasoning with other seasoning blends like Italian seasoning, taco seasoning, or garlic herb seasoning for a different flavor profile.

5. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use a gluten-free ranch seasoning mix, this dish is naturally gluten-free.

6. Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?

Yes, you can cook this in a slow cooker. Just add the seasoned potatoes and sausage to the slow cooker, cover, and cook on low for 4-6 hours. Add the cheese in the last 30 minutes.

7. Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, you can freeze the cooked dish for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before placing it in an airtight container or freezer bag. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes.

8. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can use any cheese you prefer, such as mozzarella, gouda, or a sharp cheddar for more flavor.

9. How can I make this dish spicier?

Add some diced jalapeños, hot sauce, or crushed red pepper flakes to the potatoes for a spicy kick.

10. Can I serve this with something else?

This dish is great on its own, but you can serve it with a side salad, steamed vegetables, or some crusty bread for a more well-rounded meal.

Conclusion

Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage is an easy, flavorful, and hearty dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. With tender potatoes, savory sausage, and a cheesy, ranch-infused topping, this meal is sure to please everyone at the table. It’s simple to make, customizable, and absolutely delicious – the perfect combination for a quick and satisfying dinner!

Chef MARTHA