Cheesy Ranch Potatoes
Hola! If you’ve ever wondered how a Florida girl finds herself falling for hearty American comfort food with a little ranch-seasoned twist, you’re about to taste it in this Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Sausage recipe. While my roots are deeply tied to the flavors of Mexico, my Orlando kitchen has always welcomed dishes that warm the soul and fill the house with irresistible aromas. This dish is everything I love in one pan: golden roasted potatoes, smoky sausage, gooey cheddar cheese, and the bold zip of ranch seasoning. Whether you’re craving cheap dinners, fast dinners, or an easy casserole recipe, this one checks every box.
Quick Recipe Overview
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
|---|---|
| Cook Time | 45 minutes |
| Total Time | 1 hour |
| Servings | 6 |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Cuisine Type | American |
| Best Season to Serve | Fall and Winter |
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hearty and Filling: The combination of cheesy ranch potatoes and smoked sausage makes for a satisfying dinner that leaves no one hungry.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether at a potluck, family dinner, or game night, this dish always disappears quickly.
- Budget-Friendly: With just a handful of inexpensive ingredients, this recipe proves that cheap dinners can still taste like a feast.
- Customizable: Switch up the sausage, cheese, or veggies to make it your own without losing the comforting flavors.
- Simple Prep: A few minutes of chopping and seasoning, then the oven does the hard work.
Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Sausage Bake
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Enjoy this warm, comforting dish of Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Sausage perfect for a hearty dinner or a crowd-pleasing potluck!
Ingredients
- 2 lbs. baby red potatoes, washed and quartered
- 1 lb. smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (about 1 oz.)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
- ½ cup sour cream (optional, for serving)
- ¼ cup sliced green onions (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
2. Place quartered potatoes in a mixing bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and season with garlic powder, paprika, ranch seasoning, and black pepper. Toss to coat.
3. Spread potatoes on baking sheet in a single layer. Roast for 25–30 minutes, shaking pan halfway through.
4. Remove from oven, add sliced sausage, and mix gently.
5. Sprinkle cheddar cheese over potatoes and sausage. Return to oven for 10–15 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Remove from oven, garnish with parsley and green onions, and serve with sour cream if desired.
Notes
Line your baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup.
Cut potatoes evenly so they cook consistently.
Add bell peppers or onions for extra flavor.
Try Monterrey Jack or Pepper Jack cheese for a fun variation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 840mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Ingredients
- 2 lbs. baby red potatoes, washed and quartered
- 1 lb. smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (about 1 oz.)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
- ½ cup sour cream (optional, for serving)
- ¼ cup sliced green onions (optional, for garnish)
Ingredient Tips Table
| Ingredient | Tip |
| Baby red potatoes | Keep the skins on for extra texture and nutrients. |
| Smoked sausage | Kielbasa or chorizo work as great substitutes. |
| Cheddar cheese | Use sharp cheddar for more bold flavor. |
| Ranch seasoning | A homemade ranch mix can be used for less sodium. |
| Olive oil | Helps crisp up the potatoes while roasting. |
| Paprika | Smoked paprika adds even more depth. |
| Parsley | Fresh parsley adds brightness before serving. |
| Sour cream | Offers a cool balance to the warm, cheesy potatoes. |
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easier cleanup.
- Season the Potatoes: Place quartered potatoes in a mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle with garlic powder, paprika, ranch seasoning, and black pepper. Toss until evenly coated.
- Bake the Potatoes: Spread potatoes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Roast for 25 to 30 minutes, shaking the pan halfway through for even browning.
- Add the Sausage: Remove potatoes from the oven. Add sliced sausage to the pan and stir gently to distribute.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the sausage and potatoes. Return to the oven for 10 to 15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Finish and Serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with parsley and green onions, and serve with a dollop of sour cream if desired.
Helpful Tips
- Line your baking sheet with foil to save time on dishwashing.
- Cut potatoes evenly so they roast at the same rate.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan, or the potatoes will steam instead of crisp.
- For extra crispiness, broil for 2 minutes at the end.
Expert Tips for the Best Results
- Sausage Choice: Smoked sausage is classic, but spicy chorizo makes this dish unforgettable.
- Cheese Layering: Add half the cheese before the sausage, then the rest on top for double melty layers.
- Seasoning Control: Ranch seasoning is salty, so avoid adding extra salt.
- Batch Cooking: This recipe scales easily, perfect for larger gatherings or meal prep.
Recipe Variations
- Loaded Ranch Potatoes: Add crispy bacon and jalapeños for an extra indulgent spin.
- Veggie Boost: Toss in bell peppers, mushrooms, or onions with the potatoes for a one-pan meal.
- Different Cheese Blends: Try Monterrey Jack or Pepper Jack for a creamier, spicier twist.
- Italian Style: Swap smoked sausage for Italian sausage and use mozzarella with Italian herbs.
Make Ahead & Freezer Tips
This dish can be prepped a day in advance. Store seasoned potatoes and sausage separately, then bake when ready. Leftovers keep in the fridge for 3 days. For longer storage, freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months, reheating directly from frozen.
Serving Suggestions
Serve straight from the pan for a rustic, cozy feel, or transfer to a large casserole dish for potlucks. Garnish with parsley and green onions to brighten up the look. A small bowl of sour cream or ranch dressing on the side makes it extra inviting.
Pairing Ideas
Pair this dish with a crisp green salad for freshness. For drinks, serve with sweet iced tea, light beer, or a glass of Chardonnay. Garlic bread or cornbread also complements the cheesy, savory flavors.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warm for best texture, or use the microwave for a quick option. If frozen, bake covered with foil until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use a different potato type? Yes, Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes also work, but red potatoes hold their shape best.
Is this recipe gluten-free? Yes, as long as your ranch seasoning mix is certified gluten-free.
Can I prepare this ahead of time? Absolutely. Roast the potatoes first, then add sausage and cheese right before serving.
What’s the best cheese for melting? Cheddar is classic, but mozzarella or Monterey Jack melt beautifully too.
Can I make it vegetarian? Yes, swap the sausage for plant-based sausage or extra roasted veggies.
What can I serve alongside this dish? A light salad, steamed veggies, or cornbread balance the richness perfectly.
Can I double the recipe? Yes, just use two baking sheets to avoid overcrowding.
Nutrition Info
| Serving Size | 1 cup |
| Calories | 450 |
| Protein | 19g |
| Carbohydrates | 32g |
| Fat | 27g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugar | 3g |
Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.
You may also like my Smashed Potatoes (Garlic Parmesan)
Conclusion
This Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Sausage recipe is the kind of dish that makes everyone gather around the table a little faster. It’s hearty, easy, and full of bold flavor that will keep you coming back for seconds. Try it once, and it may just become your go-to comfort food!
