As the crisp air of fall rolls in, there’s something incredibly comforting about a hot, hearty dish coming out of the oven. One that fills the kitchen with savory aromas and invites the whole family to gather around the table. That’s exactly what Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage delivers—an easy-to-make, soul-warming bake that’s loaded with creamy ranch flavor, golden potatoes, melty cheese, and perfectly smoked sausage.
Whether you’re looking for a cozy Sunday dinner or a simple one-pan meal to enjoy on a chilly weeknight, this dish is a reliable go-to. Readers return to this recipe every year when the leaves start to change, and it’s easy to see why—it’s budget-friendly, customizable, and irresistibly delicious. Let’s dig in!
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Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings
Description
Warm, cheesy, and full of smoky flavor, Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage is a hearty one-pan meal perfect for fall. Easy to make and irresistibly delicious, this comfort dish is a family favorite that’s always a hit on chilly nights.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds baby Yukon Gold or red potatoes, quartered
- 14 oz smoked beef sausage or turkey sausage, sliced
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp recommended)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions or parsley (optional, for garnish)
- Optional: 1/2 cup sour cream
- Optional: 1 cup chopped bell peppers or onions
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, toss potatoes with olive oil, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add sliced sausage and mix to coat evenly.
- Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove foil and sprinkle cheddar cheese evenly on top. Bake uncovered for 15–20 more minutes, until potatoes are tender and cheese is bubbly.
- Let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with green onions or parsley and serve warm.
Notes
Cut potatoes evenly for even cooking. Pre-cooked smoked sausage works best. Cover with foil to steam potatoes first. Add sour cream for extra creaminess or broil at the end for a crispier top.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
🥔 Ingredients for Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage
Everything you need is easy to find and likely already in your pantry or fridge. This recipe serves 4–6 and can be doubled for meal prep or larger gatherings.
Main Ingredients:
- 2 pounds baby Yukon Gold or red potatoes, quartered
- 14 oz smoked beef sausage or turkey sausage, sliced into rounds
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp works best)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions or parsley (optional, for garnish)
Optional Add-Ins:
- 1/2 cup sour cream (mixed in before baking for extra creaminess)
- 1 cup chopped bell peppers or onions (for added color and flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (for a smoky kick)
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Even beginners can master this comforting bake with ease! Here’s how to make your own Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage in just a few steps.
1. Preheat and Prep
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or non-stick spray.
2. Combine the Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, toss the quartered potatoes with olive oil, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Add the sliced sausage and toss again to coat evenly.
3. Layer and Bake
- Pour the seasoned mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
4. Add the Cheese
- After 30 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Return to the oven and bake uncovered for 15–20 more minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Garnish and Serve
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes.
- Sprinkle with chopped green onions or parsley, if desired, and serve warm.
💡 Tips for Success
To make your Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage even better, keep these handy tips in mind:
- Cut potatoes evenly: This helps ensure they cook at the same rate and avoids over- or under-done bites.
- Use pre-cooked smoked sausage: It browns nicely while baking and saves time.
- Don’t skip the foil: Covering the dish during the first bake helps steam the potatoes for tender results.
- Make it creamy: Mixing in a spoonful of sour cream or cream cheese before baking adds extra richness.
- Crispier top? Broil for the last 2–3 minutes, keeping a close eye on it.
🔄 Variations to Try
This dish is incredibly versatile! Here are a few ideas to make it work for different tastes or dietary needs:
1. Gluten-Free Option
Most smoked sausages and ranch seasonings are naturally gluten-free, but double-check labels to be sure. Pair with a certified gluten-free ranch mix and you’re good to go!
2. Add Veggies
Toss in diced bell peppers, onions, or zucchini for extra nutrients and color. Roasted broccoli or Brussels sprouts make great sidekicks, too.
3. Streusel-Style Topping
Love a crunchy bite? Mix 1/2 cup crushed gluten-free crackers with 2 tablespoons melted butter and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Add this during the last 10 minutes of baking for a golden topping.
4. Cheese Swap
Not a fan of cheddar? Try pepper jack for heat, mozzarella for gooey pull, or a blend of your favorites.
5. Breakfast Twist
Crack 4–5 eggs over the top before the final bake for a cheesy, protein-packed breakfast skillet!
🧊 Storage & Reheating
Leftovers? No problem! This dish stores beautifully for future meals.
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen in the oven at 375°F until heated through.
- Reheating: Microwave on medium power or reheat in the oven with a sprinkle of fresh cheese for best texture.
🍽 Why This Recipe is a Must-Make
There’s something nostalgic about cheesy, baked potatoes mingled with smoky sausage and ranch seasoning—it brings back memories of family dinners, football Sundays, and cozy nights in. But this recipe is more than just comfort food—it’s:
- One-pan and low effort
- Easily customizable
- Kid-friendly and budget-friendly
- Perfect for fall and winter menus
Whether you’re making this for a weeknight dinner or prepping ahead for cozy fall lunches, Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage delivers every time. Add it to your seasonal favorites—you won’t regret it.