Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage is a hearty, comforting dish that brings together tender potatoes coated in a creamy ranch seasoning, gooey melted cheese, and smoky, flavorful sausage. The combination of crispy edges on the potatoes and the rich cheese melting over everything makes every bite a little celebration of flavors and textures.
I love making this dish when I want something satisfying but simple to throw together. The ranch seasoning adds the perfect zing, and the smoked sausage brings a smoky depth that just makes the whole meal feel cozy and homey. Plus, it’s a great way to get the family around the table because it always gets gobbled up fast!
My favorite way to serve it is straight from the oven, with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or green onions on top for a little extra color and freshness. It’s also perfect for a casual dinner or a weekend get-together when you want something tasty but don’t want to fuss too much in the kitchen. I always find myself coming back to this recipe when I want that perfect mix of cheesy, smoky, and creamy all in one pan.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Baby Potatoes: These small potatoes roast quickly and hold their shape well. If you can’t find baby potatoes, use small red or Yukon gold potatoes cut into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
Smoked Sausage: This gives the dish its smoky flavor. Kielbasa or andouille sausage work great too. For a lighter option, try smoked turkey sausage or a plant-based sausage.
Ranch Seasoning Mix: It adds a nice tangy flavor. If you prefer homemade, mix dried dill, garlic powder, onion powder, and parsley with a pinch of salt.
Cheddar & Mozzarella Cheese: Cheddar gives a sharp flavor, mozzarella adds meltiness. If you want a different taste, swapping cheddar for Monterey Jack or gouda works well.
Sour Cream: This adds creaminess and balances the spices. Greek yogurt is a nice, protein-rich substitute you can use here.
How Do I Get the Potatoes Perfectly Tender and Crispy?
Roasting potatoes well is key to this dish. Here’s my simple method:
- Cut potatoes into even pieces to help them cook uniformly.
- Toss potatoes with olive oil and seasoning so they’re evenly coated—this promotes browning.
- Use a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for a nice crispy outside and tender inside.
- Stir potatoes halfway through cooking to brown them evenly without burning.
Taking these steps ensures your potatoes have a satisfying texture that balances perfectly with the creamy cheese and smoky sausage.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large baking dish or oven-safe skillet – I prefer this for even roasting and easy mixing right in the pan.
- Mixing bowls – for tossing potatoes with oil and seasoning, and mixing the sour cream topping.
- Cutting board and sharp knife – essential for chopping potatoes, sausage, and garnishes.
- Skillet – for sautéing the sausage while the potatoes roast, saving time and dishes.
- Measuring spoons and cups – for accurate seasoning and ingredient portions.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use cooked bacon bits instead of sausage for extra smoky flavor and crunch.
- Mix in sautéed bell peppers or mushrooms for added vegetables and color.
- Replace cheddar with pepper jack or Monterrey Jack for a milder or spicier cheese taste.
- Add chopped fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or thyme before serving to brighten the flavors.
How to Make Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 cups baby potatoes, quartered
- 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or chives, chopped for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 45 minutes total, including roasting and baking. Most of the time you can relax while the oven does the work, filling your home with delicious smells.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Get Ready and Roast the Potatoes:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a large baking dish or oven-safe skillet. In a big bowl, toss the quartered baby potatoes with olive oil, the ranch seasoning mix, salt, and pepper. Spread them out evenly in your baking dish. Roast for 25-30 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until the potatoes become tender and start to brown.
2. Cook the Smoked Sausage:
While your potatoes are roasting, warm a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook until each side is nicely browned, which usually takes 5 to 7 minutes. Once done, take it off the heat and set aside.
3. Mix the Creamy Topping and Combine:
In a small bowl, stir together the sour cream, minced garlic, and chopped onions. When your potatoes are roasted, take the baking dish out of the oven carefully. Stir the sour cream mixture and sausage into the potatoes, gently mixing everything together to distribute the flavors.
4. Add Cheese and Bake:
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the potato and sausage mix. Place the dish back in the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and starts to get a little golden.
5. Finish and Serve:
Take the dish out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes to set. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives on top for a touch of color and fresh flavor. Serve warm and enjoy this comforting, cheesy, smoky meal.
Can I Use Frozen Potatoes for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen potatoes, but make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before roasting. This helps avoid excess moisture so they crisp up nicely in the oven.
Can I Substitute the Smoked Sausage?
Absolutely! Kielbasa, andouille, or even chicken sausage work great. For a vegetarian option, try smoked plant-based sausage or skip the sausage and add extra veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until bubbly or use a microwave, stirring halfway through for even heating.
Can I Prepare This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can assemble everything up to adding the cheese and refrigerate for a few hours before baking. Add the cheese and bake just before serving for best results.
