These Cheesy Ranch Potatoes are creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor! The combination of golden potatoes and smoked sausage makes for a cozy, tasty meal that everyone will love.
I’m a big fan of how easy these are to prepare. Just mix everything together, pop it in the oven, and relax while it cooks. The smell is almost as good as the taste! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Potatoes: Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes work well because they’re starchy and get nice and crispy. If you’re short on time, baby potatoes can be cut in halves for quicker cooking.
Smoked Sausage: I love using smoked sausage for its rich flavor. You can swap it out for turkey sausage or even chicken sausage to cut down on fat. Vegetarian options like tempeh or a mix of veggies can work too!
Cheeses: Cheddar and mozzarella create a great cheesy base. If you’re looking for a lower-fat option, part-skim cheese is a good choice. You can also try pepper jack for a little kick!
Ranch Seasoning: The ranch seasoning is key for flavor. If you don’t have a packet, mix together your own with dried herbs like dill, parsley, garlic powder, and onion powder.
How Can You Ensure Your Potatoes Are Cooked Perfectly?
Getting your potatoes just right is crucial for this dish! Start with a good dice size—aim for 1/2-inch cubes so they cook evenly. Roasting them initially helps to get that golden-brown exterior. Here’s how:
- Make sure to spread the potatoes out in a single layer on your baking sheet—this allows them to roast instead of steam.
- Flip them halfway through to promote even browning.
- Cook until they’re tender when pierced with a fork; this usually takes about 25-30 minutes.
This technique will give you deliciously crispy potatoes that complement the creamy goodness of the dish! Enjoy cooking!
Cheesy Ranch Potatoes with Smoked Sausage
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dish:
- 4 medium-sized potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet), diced into 1/2-inch cubes
- 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions or chives (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 15 minutes of prep time and around 45 minutes of cooking time, for a total of about 1 hour. You’ll spend a little time assembling the ingredients, but most of the time involves letting everything roast and bubble away in the oven. Perfect for weeknight dinners!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) so that it’s ready when you need to bake the potatoes.
2. Prepare the Potatoes:
In a large mixing bowl, toss the diced potatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper, and minced garlic. Mix it all up so the potatoes are well-coated with the oil and seasonings.
3. Roast the Potatoes:
Spread the potatoes out in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast them in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are tender and slightly golden.
4. Prepare the Sausage:
While the potatoes are roasting, slice the smoked sausage into rounds and set it aside for later.
5. Make the Ranch Sauce:
In a separate bowl, mix together the sour cream, mayonnaise, and ranch seasoning mix. This will be your delicious sauce!
6. Combine All Ingredients:
Once the potatoes are done roasting, lower the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C). In a baking dish, combine the roasted potatoes, smoked sausage, and ranch sauce mixture. Stir everything together well so that all the ingredients are nicely coated.
7. Add the Cheese:
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses over the potato and sausage mixture, covering it generously.
8. Bake and Melt:
Bake the dish uncovered for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, making your kitchen smell incredible!
9. Garnish and Serve:
Once out of the oven, sprinkle the dish with chopped green onions or chives and fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor if you like. Serve warm, either as a comforting main dish or as a hearty side. Enjoy your delicious cheesy ranch potatoes with smoked sausage!
FAQ for Cheesy Ranch Potatoes with Smoked Sausage
Can I Use Other Types of Potatoes?
Yes, you can! While Yukon Gold and Russet potatoes are ideal for their texture, you can also use red potatoes or baby potatoes. Just keep the size uniform for even cooking!
What If I Don’t Have Smoked Sausage?
No problem! You can substitute smoked sausage with turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or even a plant-based sausage. For a vegetarian option, consider adding more veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the microwave or in the oven until heated through. If the dish seems dry, you can add a splash of milk or cream to revive the creaminess!
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare everything up to the baking stage, cover it, and refrigerate for up to a day. When you’re ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated thoroughly.
