Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite comfort food: Cheesy Ranch Potatoes With Smoked Sausage! This dish has been a family favorite for as long as I can remember. It combines those tender, buttery potatoes with the smoky goodness of sausage, all smothered in a creamy ranch cheese sauce that just makes my heart sing! Seriously, every time I make this, the whole house fills with the most mouthwatering aroma, and I can’t help but sneak a few bites before it even hits the table. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up—perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner. You’ll love how quickly it comes together, and trust me, once you try it, you’ll be adding it to your go-to recipes as well!
Ingredients for Cheesy Ranch Potatoes With Smoked Sausage
2 pounds baby potatoes, halved
1 pound smoked sausage, sliced
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup ranch dressing
1/2 cup sour cream
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare Cheesy Ranch Potatoes With Smoked Sausage
Cheesy Ranch Potatoes With Smoked Sausage: 5 Flavorful Secrets 6
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is super important because it ensures that our Cheesy Ranch Potatoes cook evenly and get that lovely golden color. A hot oven helps caramelize the edges of the potatoes and sausage, bringing out those delicious flavors!
Prepare the Potatoes and Sausage
In a large mixing bowl, toss together the halved baby potatoes and sliced smoked sausage. Drizzle in the olive oil, then sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper over the top. Now, here’s the fun part! Use your hands to mix everything together until the potatoes and sausage are evenly coated with those seasonings. Trust me, you want every bite to be packed with flavor!
Bake the Mixture
Once everything is well mixed, spread the potato and sausage mixture out on a baking sheet in a single layer. This will help them cook uniformly. Pop that sheet into your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on them, and give them a little stir halfway through to ensure even cooking. You’ll know they’re ready when the potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork. Yum!
Prepare the Ranch Sauce
While the potatoes and sausage are baking, let’s whip up that creamy ranch sauce. In a separate bowl, combine the ranch dressing and sour cream. Mix it well until it’s nice and smooth. This sauce is going to add such a rich, tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the smoky sausage and tender potatoes. You won’t want to skip this step!
Combine and Finish Baking
When the potatoes are done baking, take them out of the oven and drizzle that delicious ranch mixture all over them. Then, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top—because more cheese is always a good idea! Return the baking sheet to the oven for another 5-10 minutes, just until the cheese is melted and bubbly. You’ll be practically drooling at this point!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make your Cheesy Ranch Potatoes With Smoked Sausage even more amazing! First off, feel free to adjust the amount of cheese based on your cheesy cravings. If you’re like me and can’t resist extra cheese, go ahead and pile it on! You can also switch up the sausage—try a spicy smoked sausage for a kick, or even chicken sausage for a lighter option.
If you want to jazz things up a bit, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes for a delightful heat that complements the creamy ranch sauce beautifully. And don’t forget to check your potatoes for doneness; they should be fork-tender but not mushy. This dish is all about balance and flavor, so have fun experimenting and making it your own!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Just a quick note: the nutritional information provided for these Cheesy Ranch Potatoes With Smoked Sausage is an estimate and can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. For the most accurate info, always check the labels of your ingredients. Happy cooking!
FAQ About Cheesy Ranch Potatoes With Smoked Sausage
Can I use different types of sausage?
Absolutely! One of the best things about Cheesy Ranch Potatoes With Smoked Sausage is how versatile it is. You can use any type of smoked sausage you like, whether it’s turkey, pork, or even a spicy sausage if you’re feeling adventurous. Each type brings its own unique flavor to the dish, so feel free to experiment and find your favorite!
How can I make it spicier?
If you like a little heat, there are a couple of easy ways to spice things up! You can add some red pepper flakes to the potato and sausage mixture before baking. Alternatively, a dash of hot sauce mixed into the ranch sauce will give it a zesty kick without overpowering the creamy goodness. Trust me, it’s a fantastic way to elevate the flavors!
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
<pYes, you can definitely prep this dish ahead of time! You can mix the potatoes and sausage with the seasonings and store them in the fridge for a few hours or even overnight. Just remember to let it come to room temperature before baking. If you have leftovers, they store well in an airtight container in the fridge and can be reheated in the oven or microwave. Just make sure to warm them gently to keep that creamy ranch sauce deliciously intact!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights!
Comforting and satisfying, it’s the ultimate cozy meal.
Family-friendly dish that even picky eaters will enjoy.
Loaded with flavor from the smoky sausage and creamy ranch sauce.
Versatile—customize with different sausages or extra spices to suit your taste.
Great for meal prep and leftovers, making it a convenient option.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Leftovers of these Cheesy Ranch Potatoes With Smoked Sausage are just as delicious, so don’t let any go to waste! To store them, simply transfer any uneaten portions to an airtight container and pop them in the fridge. They’ll keep well for about 3-4 days. Just make sure they’re completely cooled before sealing them up to avoid condensation.
When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheating is key! For the best results, I recommend popping them back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes. This way, they’ll warm through and the cheese will get that lovely melty texture again. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too—just be sure to cover them to keep moisture in and heat in short bursts to prevent drying out. Enjoy every cheesy, comforting bite!
Cheesy ranch potatoes with smoked sausage is a comforting and flavorful dish. It combines tender potatoes, smoky sausage, and a creamy ranch cheese sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
2 pounds baby potatoes, halved
1 pound smoked sausage, sliced
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup ranch dressing
1/2 cup sour cream
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a large bowl, combine baby potatoes, smoked sausage, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Spread the mixture on a baking sheet in a single layer.
Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.
In a separate bowl, mix ranch dressing and sour cream.
Once the potatoes are done, remove them from the oven and drizzle the ranch mixture over them.
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.
Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted.
Notes
Adjust the amount of cheese based on your preference.
You can use any smoked sausage you like.
For a bit of spice, add some red pepper flakes.
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:40 minutes
Category:Main Dish
Method:Baking
Cuisine:American
Nutrition
Serving Size:1 serving
Calories:450
Sugar:2g
Sodium:800mg
Fat:25g
Saturated Fat:10g
Unsaturated Fat:10g
Trans Fat:0g
Carbohydrates:40g
Fiber:5g
Protein:20g
Cholesterol:40mg
Keywords: Cheesy Ranch Potatoes, Smoked Sausage
What do you think?
Share your thoughts, tips, or variations on this recipe!
What do you think?
Share your thoughts, tips, or variations on this recipe!