This Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Sausage dish is a hearty, comforting meal packed with savory flavors, cheesy goodness, and a hint of tangy ranch seasoning. It’s the ultimate easy dinner or side dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or as a crowd-pleasing addition to potlucks.
Why You’ll Love It
- Quick Prep: Minimal chopping and easy layering make this dish a breeze to assemble.
- One-Pan Wonder: Fewer dishes, more flavor!
- Customizable: Add veggies or swap out the sausage to make it your own.
Ingredients
For the Base:
- 1½ lbs baby red or Yukon Gold potatoes, diced into bite-sized pieces
- 1 lb smoked sausage or kielbasa, sliced into rounds
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Optional Toppings:
- Chopped fresh parsley or green onions
- Additional shredded cheese for topping
- Crumbled cooked bacon
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a large 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes and Sausage
- In a large bowl, toss the diced potatoes and sausage slices with olive oil and ranch seasoning mix until evenly coated.
- Spread the mixture in an even layer in the prepared baking dish.
Step 3: Make the Cheesy Sauce
- In a medium saucepan over low heat, whisk together heavy cream, cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper until smooth.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until melted and creamy.
Step 4: Combine and Bake
- Pour the cheesy sauce evenly over the potatoes and sausage in the baking dish.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Remove the foil, sprinkle additional cheese on top (if desired), and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes to melt and brown the cheese slightly.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Let the dish cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley, green onions, or crumbled bacon for extra flavor.
Tips for Success
- Cut Evenly: Make sure the potatoes are cut into even sizes for consistent cooking.
- Parboil Potatoes: If you’re short on time, parboil the potatoes for 5 minutes before baking to speed up cooking.
- Add Veggies: Throw in some diced bell peppers, broccoli florets, or mushrooms for added texture and nutrients.
- Swap Sausage: Use turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or even diced ham for a different protein option.
Variations
Spicy Kick
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for some heat.
Low-Carb Option
- Swap the potatoes for cauliflower florets to make this dish keto-friendly.
Extra Smoky Flavor
- Use smoked gouda or smoked cheddar in place of regular cheddar for a rich, smoky twist.
Storage & Reheating
- Store: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Warm in the microwave or oven at 350°F until heated through.
FAQs
1. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Layer the potatoes, sausage, and cheese sauce in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 5–6 hours or high for 2–3 hours until the potatoes are tender.
2. Can I use frozen potatoes?
Absolutely! Frozen diced potatoes or hash browns work well and cut down on prep time.
3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed, adding 5–10 minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
4. What cheese works best?
Sharp cheddar adds the best flavor, but feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack, Colby, or even Pepper Jack for some spice.
This Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Sausage dish is the perfect marriage of comfort and convenience. With tender potatoes, smoky sausage, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce, it’s guaranteed to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Serve it as a main dish with a side salad or as a hearty side for a family dinner. Either way, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again!
Enjoy this cheesy, savory masterpiece with your loved ones tonight!
