These Cheesy Ranch Potatoes are the perfect comfort food! Loaded with creamy cheese, spices, and tasty smoked sausage, they’re warm and filling.
Let’s be honest, mixing cheese and ranch is a winning combo! I love serving these for dinner, and they’re great for parties too. Who can resist that cheesy goodness? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Baby Red Potatoes: These potatoes are fantastic for their creamy texture and taste. If you’re in a pinch, you can substitute them with Yukon Gold or fingerling potatoes, both of which work well in this dish.
Smoked Sausage: I like using kielbasa for its rich flavor. If you want something leaner, turkey sausage is a great alternative. For a vegetarian option, you could use a plant-based sausage or skip it altogether for a potato-centric dish.
Ranch Seasoning Mix: The classic choice here adds that unique ranch flavor. If you don’t have a packet, a mix of dried herbs like dill, parsley, and garlic powder can create a similar taste. Homemade ranch seasoning is also easy to whip up!
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar is my go-to because it melts beautifully and adds great flavor. If you’re looking for a lighter option, try using reduced-fat cheese, or switch it with mozzarella for a milder taste.
How Do You Get Those Potatoes Perfectly Roasted?
Roasting potatoes to perfection requires attention to a few key details. First, make sure they are cut into uniform sizes for even cooking. You also want to coat them well with olive oil and seasonings for that golden, crispy finish.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) for the best crispiness.
- Toss the potatoes in a bowl to ensure they’re evenly coated before spreading in a single layer on the baking sheet.
- Roast for at least 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through to promote even browning.
Keep an eye on them toward the end to avoid over-cooking and enjoy those crispy edgings!
Cheesy Ranch Potatoes with Savory Smoked Sausage
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 2 pounds baby red potatoes, halved or quartered
- 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds (e.g., kielbasa or andouille)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 packet (1 ounce) ranch seasoning mix
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious casserole takes about 10 minutes to prep and 45 minutes to cook. So, in total, you’re looking at around 55 minutes from start to finish. It’s a perfect option for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your potatoes will roast perfectly! While the oven warms up, get your baking dish ready by lightly greasing it.
2. Prepare the Potatoes:
In a large bowl, toss the halved potatoes with olive oil, ranch seasoning mix, salt, and black pepper until they are well coated. This mix of flavors is going to make your potatoes extra tasty!
3. Roast the Potatoes:
Spread the seasoned potatoes evenly onto the greased baking dish. Place them in the preheated oven and roast for about 25-30 minutes, or until they’re tender and golden brown when pierced with a fork. Yum!
4. Cook the Sausage:
While the potatoes are roasting, grab a skillet and heat it over medium heat. Cook the sliced smoked sausage for about 5-7 minutes, or until they’re browned and slightly crispy. Once done, take them off the heat.
5. Combine Potatoes and Sausage:
When the potatoes are ready, take the baking dish out of the oven. Sprinkle the browned sausage evenly over the potatoes, making sure everyone gets some sausage goodness!
6. Add the Cream and Cheese:
Spoon dollops of sour cream over the mixture and then top it all off with the shredded cheddar cheese. It’s going to be cheesy perfection!
7. Final Bake:
Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes, just long enough for the cheese to melt and become bubbly. Keep an eye on it; we want cheesy goodness, not burnt cheese!
8. Garnish and Serve:
After baking, take it out of the oven and sprinkle with chopped green onions and fresh parsley if you like. This adds a nice touch of flavor and color!
9. Enjoy Your Meal:
Serve this dish hot and enjoy the cheesy, savory comfort it brings to your table! It pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or some steamed veggies for a complete meal.
Can I Use Different Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! While baby red potatoes work great, you can easily substitute them with Yukon Gold or even fingerling potatoes for a similar texture and flavor. Just make sure to cut them into even pieces for consistent cooking.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes! To make this dish vegetarian, simply omit the smoked sausage, or replace it with a plant-based sausage alternative. You can also add extra veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms for added flavor and texture.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can warm them in the microwave or bake them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Add a splash of cream or milk to refresh the dish if needed!
What Can I Serve with Cheesy Ranch Potatoes?
This dish goes well with a fresh green salad, steamed vegetables, or even grilled corn on the cob. Pairing it with something light complements the richness of the cheesy potatoes and sausage perfectly!
