Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage

Why Make This Recipe

Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for any dinner. Its rich flavors and creamy texture make it a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s easy to make with just a few ingredients, making it great for weeknight meals or casual get-togethers. The combination of smoky sausage, tender potatoes, and melted cheese is simply irresistible!

How to Make Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage

Ingredients

1 pound smoked sausage (halal-certified, no pork)
4 cups baby potatoes, halved or quartered
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 packet ranch seasoning mix (make sure it’s halal-certified)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of your favorite cheeses)
1/2 cup sour cream (optional, for serving)
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Key Ingredients

Smoked Sausage: This key ingredient adds a savory, smoky flavor to the dish. When choosing, make sure it’s halal-certified to keep it pork-free.
Baby Potatoes: Baby potatoes are perfect because they cook quickly and stay tender. You can use russet potatoes, but baby potatoes are easier to manage.
Ranch Seasoning: This packet brings in tangy and herby notes that enhance the overall flavor. It’s a quick way to add taste without needing too many ingredients.
Cheddar Cheese: The melted cheddar gives a rich, creamy finish to the dish. Feel free to use other cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack for a fun twist.

Directions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) so the potatoes roast well.
Prep the Potatoes: Wash the baby potatoes and cut them in half or quarters to help them cook evenly.
Slice the Smoked Sausage: Cut the sausage into 1/4-inch thick rounds for even cooking and better flavor infusion.
Combine the Seasonings: In a small bowl, mix the ranch seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
Coat the Potatoes: Place the halved potatoes in a large bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with half of the ranch seasoning mixture. Toss until they are coated.
Prepare the Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or grease it lightly to prevent sticking.
Spread the Potatoes on the Sheet: Arrange the seasoned potatoes on the baking sheet in a single layer for even roasting.
Add the Sausage: Scatter the sliced sausage over the potatoes, making sure they are well distributed.
Roast in the Oven: Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the potatoes are golden and tender. Stir halfway through to ensure they cook evenly.
Add the Cheese: Remove from the oven, sprinkle cheddar cheese over the mixture, and return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
Garnish and Serve: Once melted, remove from the oven. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot, optionally with sour cream on the side.

How to Serve Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage

Serve this dish hot right from the oven. It’s best enjoyed as a main dish, paired with a simple salad or some steamed veggies on the side. The optional sour cream adds a nice creamy contrast that complements the dish beautifully.

How to Store Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or in the oven until warmed through.

Tips to Make Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage

Make sure the potatoes are cut into uniform sizes for even cooking.
Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet; this helps them roast better and get crispy.
Experiment with different cheese varieties to suit your taste.
For extra flavor, add vegetables like bell peppers or onions.

Variation

You can make this dish vegetarian by swapping out the smoked sausage for a plant-based sausage or omitting it altogether. You can also add different veggies like broccoli or sweet corn for a twist.

FAQs

Can I use other types of potatoes?
Yes! You can use russet or Yukon Gold potatoes. Just cut them into smaller pieces to ensure they cook evenly.

What if I don’t have ranch seasoning?
You can make a homemade ranch blend using dried herbs like dill, parsley, garlic powder, and onion powder mixed with mayonnaise or Greek yogurt.

Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, but it’s best to freeze without the cheese. Freeze the cooked potatoes and sausage in airtight containers, and add fresh cheese after reheating for the best texture.