Introduction
Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Sausage is a comforting and hearty dish that brings together the bold flavors of smoked sausage, tender potatoes, melted cheese, and a tangy ranch seasoning. This dish is perfect for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner. With minimal prep work and simple ingredients, it is an easy meal that satisfies the whole family. Whether cooked in the oven, a slow cooker, or on the stovetop, this dish is a crowd-pleaser packed with deliciousness. Let’s dive into the details!
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds baby potatoes (red or Yukon gold), quartered
- 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 packet (1 ounce) ranch seasoning mix
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup whole milk or heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (optional, adjust based on preference)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon (optional, for extra flavor)
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a large baking dish or line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes and Sausage
Wash and quarter the baby potatoes. If using larger potatoes, dice them into bite-sized pieces. Slice the smoked sausage into 1/4-inch thick rounds.
Step 3: Make the Seasoning Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine melted butter, ranch seasoning mix, sour cream, mayonnaise, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir well until smooth and well blended.
Step 4: Coat the Potatoes and Sausage
Add the sliced potatoes and sausage into the bowl with the seasoning mixture. Toss everything together until the potatoes and sausage are evenly coated.
Step 5: Assemble in the Baking Dish
Transfer the seasoned potatoes and sausage to the prepared baking dish, spreading them out in an even layer.
Step 6: Bake the Dish
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 35-40 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Step 7: Add the Cheese
Remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese evenly over the dish. Return to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with chopped green onions, fresh parsley, and crumbled bacon if using. Serve warm and enjoy!
Variation
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper for an extra spicy touch.
- Different Cheese: Try using a mix of pepper jack, gouda, or Monterey Jack for a twist on the cheesy flavor.
- Extra Vegetables: Mix in bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for added nutrition.
- Slow Cooker Version: Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours. Add cheese in the last 20 minutes of cooking.
- Breakfast Option: Serve with fried or scrambled eggs for a hearty morning meal.
Cooking Notes:
- Ensure potatoes are evenly cut so they cook at the same rate.
- If you prefer crispy potatoes, broil for an extra 2-3 minutes after adding the cheese.
- Use fully cooked smoked sausage for the best flavor and texture.
- Stir halfway through baking to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
- For extra creaminess, add a dollop of sour cream on top before serving.
Serving Suggestions:
- With Eggs: Pair it with scrambled or fried eggs for a complete breakfast.
- Side of Vegetables: Serve alongside roasted green beans, asparagus, or a fresh garden salad.
- Dipping Sauces: Enjoy with a side of ranch dressing, barbecue sauce, or spicy sriracha mayo.
- Breads: Serve with warm dinner rolls, garlic bread, or a crusty baguette.
- Soup Pairing: Goes well with a bowl of creamy tomato soup or broccoli cheddar soup.
Tips:
- Use an oven-safe skillet (like cast iron) to cook everything in one pan for easy cleanup.
- Cut the sausage into smaller pieces if you want a more even distribution.
- If using frozen potatoes, thaw and pat dry before baking to avoid excess moisture.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes or microwave in 30-second intervals.
Prep Time:
15 minutes
Cooking Time:
50-55 minutes
Total Time:
1 hour 10 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Per serving, based on 6 servings)
- Calories: 480
- Protein: 21g
- Sodium: 1150mg
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of sausage?
Yes! You can use turkey sausage, chorizo, or even chicken sausage for a leaner alternative.
2. How do I make this dish vegetarian?
Skip the sausage and add mushrooms, bell peppers, and black beans for a hearty vegetarian version.
3. Can I use frozen potatoes?
Yes, but make sure to thaw and pat them dry to avoid excess moisture during baking.
4. How do I make it creamier?
Mix in a little extra sour cream or cream cheese before serving for added creaminess.
5. Can I meal prep this dish?
Absolutely! Assemble everything in a baking dish, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake when ready.
6. What’s the best cheese to use?
Cheddar and mozzarella work well, but Colby Jack, Gouda, or Monterey Jack also add great flavor.
7. Can I cook this in an air fryer?
Yes! Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Add cheese in the last 5 minutes.
8. How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
9. Can I freeze this dish?
Yes! Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
10. What side dishes go best with this meal?
This dish pairs well with a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or dinner rolls.
Conclusion
Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Sausage is a simple, flavorful, and satisfying meal perfect for any occasion. With its combination of cheesy goodness, smoky sausage, and ranch-seasoned potatoes, it’s a dish that will keep everyone coming back for more. Whether you bake it in the oven, cook it in a slow cooker, or try variations to suit your taste, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. Give it a try, and enjoy a comforting and delicious meal!
Print
Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Sausage
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Sausage is a comforting and hearty dish that brings together the bold flavors of smoked sausage, tender potatoes, melted cheese, and a tangy ranch seasoning. This dish is perfect for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner. With minimal prep work and simple ingredients, it is an easy meal that satisfies the whole family. Whether cooked in the oven, a slow cooker, or on the stovetop, this dish is a crowd-pleaser packed with deliciousness. Let’s dive into the details!
Ingredients
- 2 pounds baby potatoes (red or Yukon gold), quartered
- 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 packet (1 ounce) ranch seasoning mix
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup whole milk or heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (optional, adjust based on preference)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon (optional, for extra flavor)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a large baking dish or line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes and Sausage
Wash and quarter the baby potatoes. If using larger potatoes, dice them into bite-sized pieces. Slice the smoked sausage into 1/4-inch thick rounds.
Step 3: Make the Seasoning Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine melted butter, ranch seasoning mix, sour cream, mayonnaise, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir well until smooth and well blended.
Step 4: Coat the Potatoes and Sausage
Add the sliced potatoes and sausage into the bowl with the seasoning mixture. Toss everything together until the potatoes and sausage are evenly coated.
Step 5: Assemble in the Baking Dish
Transfer the seasoned potatoes and sausage to the prepared baking dish, spreading them out in an even layer.
Step 6: Bake the Dish
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 35-40 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Step 7: Add the Cheese
Remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese evenly over the dish. Return to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with chopped green onions, fresh parsley, and crumbled bacon if using. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Enhance the Introduction – Consider adding a personal anecdote or a cultural reference to make it more engaging. Maybe a brief mention of why this dish is so comforting and widely loved.
- Ingredient Substitutions – You could add a section on potential substitutions for dietary preferences, such as using turkey or chicken sausage, dairy-free cheese, or alternative seasonings.
- Additional Cooking Methods – The slow cooker and oven methods are great, but you might also want to include an Instant Pot version for quicker preparation.
- More Serving Suggestions – While the current ones are great, adding a few beverage pairings (like lemonade, iced tea, or even a mocktail) could elevate the dining experience.
- Expanded FAQ Section – Consider adding questions like:
- Can I add pasta or rice to this dish?
- What’s the best way to make this extra crispy?
- Can I prepare this in advance for a party?
- More Nutritional Details – If possible, breaking down the carbs, fats, and fiber in addition to calories, protein, and sodium would provide more value for health-conscious readers.
- Cooking Tips for Beginners – A short section on how to ensure the potatoes don’t end up undercooked or how to prevent the cheese from burning could be useful.
- Storage & Freezing Tips – Expanding on how best to freeze and reheat the dish without compromising texture and flavor could be helpful.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-55 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 1150mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 65mg