Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage is the kind of dish that instantly becomes a family favourite. It’s hearty, cheesy, full of flavour, and incredibly simple to prepare. The ranch seasoning adds zesty depth, the smoked sausage brings savoury richness, and the potatoes soak up all that creamy goodness. It works well as a weeknight dinner, potluck dish, or holiday side because it’s both filling and irresistibly comforting. When I tested a variation of this recipe, I thinned the sauce slightly with almond milk to make it creamier without feeling too heavy, and it still baked beautifully. This is a reliable, flavour-packed recipe perfect for busy cooks who still want big, satisfying results.
Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage: A Creamy, Hearty, Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Dish
- Total Time: 50 mins
- Yield: 4–6 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage is a hearty, flavorful dish made with tender roasted potatoes, smoky sausage slices, ranch seasoning, and melted cheese—perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or potluck side.
Ingredients
- 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
- 2 lbs potatoes, diced into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley or green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet or grease a casserole dish.
- Toss diced potatoes with olive oil, ranch seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Spread potatoes evenly on the baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes.
- Add sliced smoked sausage on top of the potatoes and continue baking for another 15–20 minutes until potatoes are tender and slightly crispy.
- Sprinkle cheddar and mozzarella cheeses over the top and bake for an additional 5 minutes until melted.
- Garnish with parsley or green onions and serve warm.
Notes
- Use baby potatoes for quicker prep.
- For extra crispiness, broil for 2 minutes after adding the cheese.
- This dish pairs well with a simple green salad.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 40 mins
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Potatoes
Diced into bite-sized cubes, they become tender and absorb the creamy ranch and cheese mixture during baking.
Smoked sausage
Adds savoury, smoky depth and pairs perfectly with the rich potatoes.
Cheddar cheese
Melts beautifully for that gooey, creamy finish every comfort dish deserves.
Ranch seasoning mix
Brings tangy, zesty flavour that seasons the entire dish effortlessly.
Sour cream
Adds cool, creamy richness and blends into the cheesy sauce.
Cream of chicken or mushroom soup
Creates a smooth, flavourful base that holds everything together.
Butter
Enhances richness and helps the potatoes cook evenly.
Green onions or chives
Provide brightness and colour, balancing the richness of the dish.
Salt and pepper
Adjust as needed to bring everything into perfect harmony.
Directions
Preheat your oven to a moderate baking temperature. Lightly grease a baking dish. In a large bowl, combine sour cream, cream soup, melted butter, ranch seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir to create a smooth, creamy mixture.
Add diced potatoes and sliced smoked sausage into the bowl and mix until everything is well coated. Transfer the mixture to the baking dish and spread evenly. Cover with foil and bake until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Remove the foil, top generously with cheddar cheese, and return to the oven until the cheese melts and turns golden around the edges. Let the dish rest briefly before serving. Garnish with sliced green onions or chives for fresh flavour.
Equipment needed :
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 6–8 people as a main or hearty side. Prep time is about 10 minutes, and baking takes 45–60 minutes depending on potato size.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat in the oven for best texture or microwave for convenience. Add a splash of milk if needed to loosen the sauce. This dish can also be assembled ahead and baked later.
Variations and Customizations
Spicy Cheesy Ranch Potatoes
Add diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes for a kick.
Bacon & Ranch Potato Bake
Incorporate cooked bacon pieces for smoky richness.
Loaded Potato Style
Top with sour cream, green onions, and extra cheese after baking.
Veggie-Packed Version
Add bell peppers, broccoli, or corn for colour and added nutrients.
Different Cheese Options
Swap cheddar for pepper jack, Colby, or a blend for new flavours.
Chicken & Sausage Combo
Add cooked chicken pieces for more protein.
Creamy Ranch Alfredo Twist
Add a splash of cream or milk for an extra saucy finish.
Crispier Top Option
Sprinkle crushed crackers or breadcrumbs over the cheese before baking.
Smoked Gouda Version
Use smoked Gouda for even deeper, smoky notes.
Lightened-Up Variation
Use Greek yogurt in place of sour cream and reduced-fat cheese.
FAQs
Can I use frozen potatoes instead of fresh?
Do I need to peel the potatoes?
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Will turkey sausage work instead of smoked sausage?
How do I prevent the potatoes from drying out?
Can I substitute homemade ranch seasoning?
Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
Can I cook this in a slow cooker?
What sides pair well with this dish?
How do I keep the cheese from becoming greasy?
Conclusion
Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage is a comforting, flavour-packed dish that’s easy to assemble and guaranteed to satisfy a crowd. With creamy ranch sauce, melty cheese, tender potatoes, and savoury sausage, it delivers the perfect balance of comfort and convenience. Customisable and versatile, this recipe works beautifully for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep. Once you try it, it will become a regular rotation in your kitchen—warm, filling, and endlessly delicious.
Hungry for more? Visit our website for full recipes and follow us on Pinterest for daily foodie inspo you’ll love to pin!