If you’re looking for a satisfying dish that’s both flavorful and easy to make, Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage is the perfect choice. This delightful recipe combines tender baby potatoes, savory smoked sausage, and a creamy cheese topping that will have everyone at the table coming back for more. It’s a one-pan meal that’s packed with deliciousness and comfort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: You can whip this up in just over an hour.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses everyday items you likely already have at home.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for weeknight dinners or gatherings.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Kids and adults alike will love the cheesy, savory flavors.
- Comfort Food: A hearty dish that brings warmth and satisfaction.
This recipe stands out because it beautifully balances the flavors of smoky sausage, herby ranch seasoning, and gooey, melted cheese. It’s comfort food at its finest!
Ingredients Needed
- For the Base:
- 1 pound smoked sausage (halal-certified, no pork)
- 4 cups baby potatoes, halved or quartered
- For the Seasonings:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (ensure it’s halal-certified)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- For the Topping:
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of your favorite cheeses)
- For Serving:
- 1/2 cup sour cream (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
How to Make Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will help the potatoes roast to perfection.
- Prep the Potatoes: Rinse the baby potatoes thoroughly. Cut them in half or quarters based on their size for even cooking.
- Slice the Smoked Sausage: Cut the smoked sausage into 1/4-inch thick rounds. This allows them to cook evenly and infuse their smoky flavor into the potatoes.
- Combine the Seasonings: In a small bowl, stir together the ranch seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
- Coat the Potatoes: In a large mixing bowl, add the halved potatoes. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with half of the ranch seasoning mixture. Toss well until all potatoes are coated.
- Prepare the Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or spray it to prevent sticking.
- Spread the Potatoes: Lay the seasoned potatoes on the baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
- Add the Sausage: Scatter the sliced smoked sausage evenly over the potatoes.
- Roast in the Oven: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, stirring halfway through. Look for golden-brown potatoes that are tender.
- Add the Cheese: After roasting, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top. Return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Take the dish out of the oven, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a colorful touch, and serve hot. Add a dollop of sour cream on top if you like!
How to Serve Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage
This dish is best served hot straight from the oven. Pair it with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. The sour cream adds a nice tangy flavor that complements the dish.
How to Store Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. You can also use the microwave, but oven reheating helps maintain the crispy texture.
Tips to Make Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage
- Cut Uniformly: Ensure potatoes and sausage are cut to similar sizes for even cooking.
- Mix Cheeses: Feel free to use a combination of cheeses like mozzarella or Monterey Jack for different flavors.
- Adjust Spices: Tailor your seasoning based on taste. If you like heat, adding a pinch of cayenne pepper could spice things up!
Variations
- Vegetarian Version: Substitute the smoked sausage with your favorite vegetable sausage or omit it altogether for a veggie-loaded dish.
- Different Seasonings: Try experimenting with different seasoning blends like Italian or taco seasoning if ranch isn’t your style.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Yes! You can use any halal-certified sausage you prefer, like turkey or beef.
How do I make this gluten-free?
Make sure your ranch seasoning is gluten-free, and you can enjoy this dish without worry.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled dish before baking. Just make sure to bake it thoroughly after thawing it in the fridge overnight.
Conclusion
Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage is a fantastic choice for a comforting, flavorful meal without much fuss. It’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings and will leave everyone satisfied. If you tried this recipe, please leave a comment and a star rating! Share your creations on social media and let us know what variations you tried below!
Print
Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A satisfying one-pan meal featuring tender baby potatoes, savory smoked sausage, and a creamy cheese topping.
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 (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 favorite cheeses)
- 1/2 cup sour cream (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Rinse the baby potatoes thoroughly and cut them in half or quarters.
- Slice the smoked sausage into 1/4-inch thick rounds.
- In a small bowl, stir together the ranch seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
- In a large mixing bowl, add the halved potatoes, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with half of the ranch seasoning mixture; toss until well coated.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Lay the seasoned potatoes on the baking sheet in a single layer.
- Scatter the sliced smoked sausage evenly over the potatoes.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- After roasting, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top and return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot, optionally with sour cream.
Notes
Cut potatoes and sausage uniformly for even cooking. Use a mix of cheeses for different flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 60mg