Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage is a deliciously simple dish that combines crispy, tender potatoes coated with ranch seasoning, melty cheese, and hearty smoked sausage slices. The potatoes get golden and crispy in the oven, while the smoked sausage adds a smoky, savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy cheese and tangy ranch.
I love making this recipe when I want something comforting but still easy. It’s one of those meals where you just toss everything together and let the oven do the work. I always make sure to use plenty of cheese because it just makes everything extra tasty and fills the kitchen with an irresistible smell.
My favorite way to serve this is straight from the baking dish, with a side of fresh green salad or steamed veggies. It’s perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or even a casual get-together since everyone seems to enjoy the mix of cheesy potatoes and smoky sausage. Plus, leftovers are great for lunch the next day!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Baby Potatoes: These small potatoes roast nicely with their skins on, giving a crispy texture. If you can’t find baby potatoes, use Yukon Gold or red potatoes cut into bite-sized pieces.
Smoked Sausage: This adds rich, smoky flavor and juicy bites. You can swap in kielbasa or any smoked sausage you like. For a lighter option, try turkey or chicken sausage.
Cheese: A combo of cheddar and Monterey Jack melts well and gives a creamy, mild taste. If you prefer, mozzarella or a Mexican cheese blend works great too.
Ranch Seasoning Mix: This mix brings the tang and herb flavor that defines the dish. If you don’t have a packet, mix together dried dill, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper as a simple homemade substitute.
Sour Cream & Mayonnaise: They add creaminess and balance the spices. Greek yogurt can be a lighter swap for sour cream if you want.
How Do You Get Crispy Potatoes With Melty Cheese?
The key is roasting the potatoes first before adding cheese and sauce. Here’s what I do:
- Cut potatoes evenly so they cook at the same pace.
- Toss them in olive oil, salt, and pepper for crispiness.
- Roast at a high heat (around 400°F) without any sauce until golden and tender—this keeps them from getting soggy.
- Then add the creamy ranch mixture and cheese, and bake again at a lower temperature (375°F) to melt the cheese without overcooking the potatoes.
This two-step baking ensures crispy potatoes with a gooey, cheesy topping every time. Also, letting the dish rest after baking helps the cheese set slightly, making it easier to serve.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large baking dish or casserole pan – I prefer a deep dish to hold all the ingredients comfortably.
- Mixing bowls – for tossing potatoes and mixing the ranch sauce; I find a couple of bowls helpful to keep ingredients organized.
- Skillet or frying pan – for browning the smoked sausage; a non-stick pan makes cleanup easy.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to measure out cheeses, seasonings, and liquids accurately.
- Knife and cutting board – for chopping garlic, red onion, and chives; a sharp knife makes slicing easier and safer.
- Grater – to shred the cheese; using freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded varieties.
- Oven – of course! A standard oven works perfectly for roasting and baking this dish.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap smoked sausage for cooked bacon or grilled chicken strips for different protein options.
- Use a mix of cheeses like pepper jack or mozzarella to change the flavor profile.
- Add chopped bell peppers or jalapeños for extra crunch and spice.
- Sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you like some heat in every bite.
Cheesy Ranch Potatoes And Smoked Sausage
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1.5 lbs baby potatoes, halved or quartered
- 12 oz smoked sausage, sliced into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of cheddar and mozzarella)
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (about 1 oz)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 10 minutes to prep, 25-30 minutes to roast the potatoes initially, and another 15-20 minutes for baking with cheese. Plan for roughly 50-60 minutes total from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare and Roast the Potatoes:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a large baking dish or casserole pan. Place the halved or quartered baby potatoes in a big bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Toss well so every piece is coated. Spread the potatoes evenly in the baking dish and roast for 25-30 minutes. Stir once halfway through, and roast until the potatoes are tender and golden brown.
2. Cook the Smoked Sausage:
While the potatoes roast, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally until browned on all sides. Set the sausage aside once done.
3. Make the Ranch Sauce and Combine:
In a separate bowl, mix together sour cream, mayonnaise, ranch seasoning mix, minced garlic, and chopped red onion (if using). Once the potatoes are roasted, reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C). Carefully pour the ranch mixture over the potatoes and gently toss to coat everything evenly. Add the browned sausage pieces and sprinkle the chopped chives on top.
4. Add Cheese and Bake:
Sprinkle both shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the potatoes and sausage. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
5. Finish and Serve:
Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Finish with extra chopped chives and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you want a little heat. Serve warm straight from the baking dish for a comforting, cheesy meal everyone will love!
Can I Use Frozen Potatoes for This Recipe?
It’s best to use fresh baby potatoes for the best texture and flavor. Frozen potatoes can become mushy when roasted. If you only have frozen, make sure to thaw and pat them dry thoroughly before cooking.
Can I Substitute the Smoked Sausage?
Absolutely! You can swap smoked sausage with kielbasa, regular sausage, or even cooked bacon or grilled chicken for different flavors. Just make sure the sausage is fully cooked before adding it to the dish.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave, covering to keep moisture in and prevent drying out.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the potatoes and sausage ahead, mix them with the ranch sauce, and refrigerate before baking. When ready, add the cheese and bake as directed. This works great for meal prep or busy days!
