This cozy, one-pan Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage recipe brings together savory sausage, tender potatoes, and creamy ranch cheese sauce for a guaranteed family favorite.
Hey friend! There’s nothing I love more than a recipe that feels like a warm hug, and this one is at the top of my list. It’s a hearty, crowd-pleasing dish that I’ve been making for years, and it never fails to get rave reviews. We’re talking about combining smoky sausage with perfectly roasted potatoes, all smothered in a rich, cheesy ranch sauce. It’s the kind of simple, satisfying meal that makes any weeknight feel a little more special.
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Key Takeaways
- One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks together in one dish, which means cleanup is an absolute breeze. You’ve gotta love that!
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of zesty ranch, smoky sausage, and sharp cheddar is just out-of-this-world delicious.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for potlucks, game days, or a simple family dinner. Trust me, everyone will be asking for seconds. I often pair it with my One-Pot Chicken Dinner when feeding a bigger group.
- Super Versatile: You can easily swap ingredients based on what you have on hand.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage
I mean, besides the fact that it’s just plain delicious, here are a few more reasons this recipe will become a staple in your home:
- Ultimate Comfort Food: It’s like a hug in a bowl—warm, hearty, and incredibly satisfying.
- Crispy, Creamy Texture: You’ll love the contrast of the crispy potato edges with the creamy, cheesy center. It’s just divine.
- Weeknight Hero: With minimal prep and easy cleanup, it’s the perfect answer to the “what’s for dinner?” question on a busy night.
- Packed with Goodness: Potatoes are a fantastic source of potassium and fiber, making this dish as wholesome as it is tasty.
- Aroma for Days: Your kitchen will smell absolutely amazing while this bakes. The scent of roasted potatoes and sausage is pure comfort.
- Budget-Friendly: This recipe uses simple, affordable ingredients you might already have, making it a great meal that won’t break the bank. You can find more wallet-friendly ideas like these Iowa Party Bites in my appetizer collection.
Food or Cultural Background
I still remember the first time I made this Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage bake. It was a chilly fall evening, and the kids had just come in from playing outside, cheeks rosy and appetites roaring. I wanted something that would warm them up from the inside out, something that felt both special and incredibly simple. I rummaged through the pantry and fridge, and the idea just clicked: smoky sausage, potatoes, and that packet of ranch seasoning that I always keep on hand for emergencies.
It has deep roots in American home cooking—a true melting pot of flavors. It’s the kind of dish that shows up at family reunions, church potlucks, and cozy Sunday dinners across the country. It’s not fancy, and that’s the beauty of it. It’s honest-to-goodness comfort food that brings people together. It reminds me of the simple joy found in my recipe for Easy Baked Zucchini, another one of those sides that just feels like home.
Ingredients for Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage
Here’s what you’ll need to get started. Don’t be afraid to make swaps based on your preferences!
| Ingredient | Notes / Substitutes |
| 2 lbs Russet Potatoes | You can also use Yukon Gold or red potatoes. No need to peel if using thin-skinned potatoes! |
| 14 oz Smoked Sausage | Kielbasa or andouille work great. For a vegetarian option, use a plant-based sausage. |
| 1 (1-ounce) Packet Dry Ranch Dressing Mix | This is the secret flavor weapon! |
| 2 cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese | Sharp cheddar gives the best flavor. A Colby Jack or Monterey Jack blend would also be delicious. For dairy-free, use a good-quality vegan cheddar shred. |
| 1 cup Sour Cream | Full-fat gives the creamiest results. Plain Greek yogurt or a dairy-free sour cream alternative works too. |
| 2 tbsp Olive Oil | Or any neutral oil like avocado or canola oil. |
| ½ cup Green Onions, chopped | For a fresh, mild onion flavor. Chives are a great substitute. |
| Salt and Black Pepper | To taste. |
Looking for something sweet to follow this savory dish? My Pineapple Heaven Cake is the perfect finish!
Equipment Needed
You don’t need anything fancy for this recipe, which is another reason I love it.
- 9×13-inch Baking Dish: A large casserole dish is perfect.
- Large Mixing Bowl: For tossing all the ingredients together.
- Cutting Board & Knife: For prepping the potatoes and sausage.
- Spatula: For mixing and serving.
How to Make Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage Step-by-Step
Let’s get cooking! This comes together in just a few simple steps.
- Preheat and Prep: First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it’s heating up, chop your potatoes into 1-inch cubes and slice the smoked sausage into rounds.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, toss the potatoes and sausage with the olive oil, dry ranch seasoning mix, salt, and pepper. Make sure everything is evenly coated—this is where the flavor magic begins!
- First Bake: Spread the potato and sausage mixture in an even layer in your baking dish. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and starting to get those irresistible crispy, golden-brown edges. You’ll know they’re ready when a fork pierces them easily.
- Add the Creaminess: Remove the dish from the oven. In a separate small bowl, mix together the sour cream and half of the shredded cheese.
- Mix and Melt: Gently stir the sour cream and cheese mixture into the hot potatoes and sausage right in the baking dish. Spread it out evenly.
- Final Bake: Sprinkle the remaining cheese and the chopped green onions over the top. Pop it back in the oven for another 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and beautifully melted.
- Rest and Serve: Let it sit for a few minutes before serving. This helps the sauce set up a bit. Then, dig in! For another amazing dinner idea, take a peek at my Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites.
Expert Tips for the Best Results
Over the years, I’ve learned a few little tricks to make this dish absolutely perfect every time.
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: Make sure your potatoes are in a single layer. This is key to getting them crispy instead of steamy. If needed, use two smaller dishes.
- Get a Good Sear: For extra flavor, you can quickly sear the sausage slices in a skillet before adding them to the bake. It adds a lovely caramelized texture.
- Cheese Choice Matters: While pre-shredded cheese is convenient, shredding your own from a block results in a much creamier, smoother melt. It’s a game-changer!
- Parboil for Speed: If you’re short on time, you can boil the potato cubes for 5-7 minutes before baking. This will cut down the oven time significantly. Just be sure to drain them well. It’s a trick I also use in my Bruschetta Chicken Pasta Recipe.
What to Serve With Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage
This is practically a meal in itself, but if you want to round it out, here are a few simple ideas:
- A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette.
- Steamed green beans or roasted broccoli.
- Fluffy dinner rolls or crusty bread for soaking up that cheesy sauce. My Bruschetta Dip Recipe is a great starter to serve alongside it.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Leftovers are fantastic! Store any extra Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can microwave individual portions or bake the dish in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. Adding a splash of milk can help restore the creaminess of the sauce.
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: 1 of 8 servings
Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 545
Total Fat: 39g (50% DV)
Saturated Fat: 18g (90% DV)
Cholesterol: 95mg (32% DV)
Sodium: 1150mg (50% DV)
Total Carbohydrate: 29g (11% DV)
Dietary Fiber: 4g (14% DV)
Total Sugars: 3g
Protein: 21g (42% DV)
The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Disclaimer: Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods.
FAQs About Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage
What kind of sausage is best for this recipe?
Honestly, almost any smoked sausage works wonderfully. I love using a classic Polish Kielbasa, but andouille will add a nice spicy kick. This Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage recipe is super flexible, so feel free to use your favorite!
Can I make Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage in a crockpot?
Yes, you absolutely can! To adapt this for a slow cooker, combine all ingredients except for half the cheese and the green onions. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours, until potatoes are tender. Stir in the remaining cheese just before serving.
What are some good substitutions for ranch dressing?
If you’re out of ranch mix, you can create a similar flavor profile using a mix of garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill, and a pinch of paprika. Don’t be afraid to experiment with other seasoning blends for a different twist on this cheesy potatoes and sausage dish.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you and your family love this recipe as much as mine does. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a bowl of comfort that I know will bring smiles to your dinner table. I can’t wait to see your photos and hear how it turned out! Be sure to leave a comment and a rating below. And for more easy, family-friendly meals, check out my Grilled Chicken with Bruschetta.
Happy cooking!
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Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course, Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Description
This cozy, one-pan Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage recipe brings together savory sausage, tender potatoes, and a creamy ranch cheese sauce for a guaranteed family favorite. It’s the ultimate comfort food, perfect for any weeknight!
Ingredients
2 lbs Russet Potatoes, cubed
14 oz Smoked Sausage, sliced
1 (1-ounce) Packet Dry Ranch Dressing Mix
2 cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese, divided
1 cup Sour Cream
2 tbsp Olive Oil
1/2 cup Green Onions, chopped
Salt and Black Pepper to taste
Instructions
Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Chop potatoes into 1-inch cubes and slice the smoked sausage into rounds.
Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, toss the potatoes and sausage with the olive oil, dry ranch seasoning mix, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
First Bake: Spread the mixture in an even layer in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and starting to get golden-brown.
Add the Creaminess: In a separate small bowl, mix together the sour cream and half of the shredded cheese.
Mix and Melt: Gently stir the sour cream and cheese mixture into the hot potatoes and sausage. Spread evenly in the dish.
Final Bake: Sprinkle the remaining cheese and the chopped green onions over the top. Bake for another 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and melted.
Rest and Serve: Let it sit for a few minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set.
Notes
For the creamiest results, shred your own cheese from a block instead of using pre-shredded bags.
Ensure potatoes are in a single layer in the baking dish to get them crispy instead of steamy.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 of 8 servings
- Calories: 545
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 1150mg
- Fat: 39g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: cheesy ranch potatoes, smoked sausage recipe, potato and sausage casserole, one pan dinner