Description
Hearty “cheesy ranch potatoes and smoked sausage” delivers comfort in one skillet, blending zesty ranch with rich, melted cheese. Home cooks savor this simple, satisfying meal that combines smoky sausage and creamy potatoes for a quick family favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450 g) smoked sausage, sliced into ½-inch pieces
- 1.5 lbs (680 g) baby potatoes (red or yellow), quartered
- 2 cups (200 g) shredded cheddar cheese
Seasoning and Flavoring:
- 1 packet (1 oz / 28 g) dry ranch seasoning mix
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
Finishing Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons butter, cut into small cubes
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400F (200C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by lightly greasing or lining with parchment paper to ensure effortless cleanup.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, combine sliced smoked sausage, quartered potatoes, olive oil, dry ranch seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and freshly ground black pepper.
- Thoroughly toss the ingredients until each piece is uniformly coated with the seasoning mixture, ensuring maximum flavor distribution.
- Transfer the seasoned sausage and potato blend into the prepared baking dish, spreading the mixture evenly to promote consistent cooking.
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, using a spatula to gently stir the contents midway through cooking to guarantee even browning and tenderness.
- Once potatoes reach a golden hue and become fork-tender, remove the dish and generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the surface.
- If desired, scatter crumbled bacon over the cheese layer for additional flavor and texture.
- Return the dish to the oven for 5-10 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt completely and become delightfully bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley and sliced green onions to add a vibrant, fresh touch.
- Serve immediately while hot, savoring the rich blend of smoky, cheesy, and herbal flavors.
Notes
- Select potatoes that are firm and waxy like Yukon Gold or red potatoes for better texture and even cooking.
- Cut potatoes into uniform sizes to ensure they cook at the same rate and prevent some pieces from burning while others remain undercooked.
- Use freshly grated cheese instead of pre-shredded for a smoother, more creamy melting experience.
- Swap smoked sausage with turkey sausage or plant-based sausage for lighter protein options without compromising flavor.
- Pat potatoes dry after cutting to help them crisp up and prevent excess moisture during roasting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 568
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 1130 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg