Name: Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Sausage Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lbs. baby red potatoes, washed and quartered; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (about 1 oz.); ½ teaspoon black pepper; 1 lb. smoked sausage, sliced into rounds; 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped; ½ cup sour cream; ¼ cup sliced green onions

If you’re craving a comforting and utterly satisfying dish, this is the Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Sausage Recipe you didn’t know you needed. In one pan, crispy roasted potatoes, golden brown sausage, and bubbly cheese come together, all wrapped up in the bold zest of ranch seasoning. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser: hearty enough for family dinners, perfect for potluck triumphs, and an instant classic for busy weeknights. Every bite bursts with creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors—and with so little prep, you’ll want this on repeat.

Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Sausage Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

It’s amazing how a handful of humble ingredients transform into something everyone raves about. Each element in this Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Sausage Recipe brings out new flavors and irresistible textures—from the creamy potatoes to the sharp cheddar and smoky sausage.

Baby red potatoes: Their naturally buttery texture crisps up beautifully and holds shape well after roasting—no stodgy bites here!
Smoked sausage: Choose a favorite sausage with a good snap; it adds smoky, meaty depth that ties the dish together.
Shredded cheddar cheese: The cheese melts luxuriously over the potatoes for ooey-gooey comfort in every forkful.
Ranch seasoning mix: This tangy, herby blend instantly infuses the whole dish with classic ranch flavor, no need for measuring dozens of spices.
Olive oil: Just enough to help everything crisp and roast perfectly without sticking.
Garlic powder: Brings a mellow, savory accent that works with both potatoes and sausage.
Paprika: Adds subtle smokiness and vibrant color for a beautiful finished dish.
Black pepper: Just a hint of sharpness to balance out the richness of the cheese and sausage.
Fresh parsley (optional): A sprinkle at the end brightens the flavors and adds a fresh pop of color.
Sour cream (optional): Perfect for swirling in a little creamy tang just before serving.
Sliced green onions (optional): For a slightly sharp, fresh crunch that’s perfect as a finishing touch.

How to Make Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Sausage Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by heating your oven to 400°F (200°C). For simple cleanup later, line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. This little trick makes sure nothing sticks, and you can spend more time enjoying your Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Sausage Recipe—less time scrubbing pans!

Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes

Quarter the washed baby red potatoes and toss them in a large mixing bowl. Pour in the olive oil, sprinkle over the garlic powder, paprika, ranch seasoning, and black pepper. Give everything a really good stir so those potatoes are coated in flavor from edge to edge.

Step 3: Arrange on the Baking Sheet

Spread your seasoned potatoes evenly across the prepared baking sheet. Make sure they’re in a single layer—this helps every piece get golden and crisp, rather than steaming under the pile. Trust me, that golden crunch is worth a little extra attention here!

Step 4: Roast the Potatoes

Slide the tray into your preheated oven and roast for 25–30 minutes. Halfway through, give the tray a gentle shake or use a spatula to toss the potatoes, so they brown evenly on all sides. The aroma will be irresistible already!

Step 5: Add the Sausage

Once the potatoes are just about fork-tender and starting to crisp, pull the tray out briefly. Scatter the sliced smoked sausage all over the potatoes and give it all a stir so the sausage gets some direct contact with the hot pan—it’ll soak up flavor and caramelize beautifully.

Step 6: Add the Cheese

Now for the magic! Sprinkle the cheddar cheese generously over the top. Pop the tray back in the oven for another 10–15 minutes, until the cheese melts into gooey ribbons and the sausage gets beautifully browned.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Once everything is golden, bubbly, and just begging to be eaten, remove the tray from the oven. If you like, shower with freshly chopped parsley and sliced green onions. Serve straight from the pan with a dollop of sour cream if you’re feeling extra indulgent!

How to Serve Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Sausage Recipe

Garnishes

A finishing touch truly makes this dish feel special. Sprinkle over a handful of fresh parsley or sliced green onions for brightness and a pop of green. If you’re a fan of a little creamy contrast, offer sour cream on the side for dolloping—guests will love customizing their servings!

Side Dishes

This Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Sausage Recipe is a meal all on its own, but it also plays well with others. Try pairing it with a crisp green salad, roasted broccoli, or buttered sweet corn. Even a simple fruit salad adds a refreshing, light contrast to every rich forkful.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn this dish into the star of your brunch table by serving in a large cast-iron skillet—talk about rustic charm! For gatherings, portion it into ramekins or small bowls for a shareable, family-style feast. If you want to get playful, serve it over a bed of sautéed spinach or stir in roasted bell peppers for extra color and nutrition.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftovers from your Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Sausage Recipe will hold up beautifully in the fridge. Simply transfer to an airtight container and store for up to 4 days. The flavors keep developing, making tomorrow’s lunch just as delicious as tonight’s dinner!

Freezing

While the cheesy potatoes freeze fairly well, keep in mind the texture may soften slightly upon reheating. Cool the dish completely, divide portions into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. It’s a great meal prep option for busy weeks!

Reheating

For best results, reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through and bubbly—about 15–20 minutes. A quick zap in the microwave works too, especially if you’re short on time, just be sure not to overdo it so the cheese doesn’t separate.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of sausage in this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap in kielbasa, andouille, or even a spicy Italian sausage to give your Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Sausage Recipe a different personality each time you make it. Just pick a cooked sausage for easiest prep.

Is it okay to use pre-shredded cheese?

Definitely—pre-shredded cheese makes life easier and melts just fine in this recipe. For best melt, though, give it a little toss to break up any clumps before adding it to the potatoes and sausage.

Can I add other vegetables?

Yes! Bell peppers, onions, or even zucchini are delicious additions. Just cut them into similar bite-sized pieces so they roast evenly alongside the potatoes and sausage.

Is this recipe gluten free?

It can be, as long as your ranch seasoning mix and sausage are labeled gluten free. Always double-check your packets and labels to be sure!

What’s the best way to serve leftovers?

Leftovers of the Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Sausage Recipe make a fantastic breakfast or quick lunch—just reheat and top with a fried egg for a whole new meal.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a new go-to weeknight dinner or the hero of your next potluck, look no further than this Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Sausage Recipe. It’s easy, big on flavor, and guaranteed to bring smiles to the table. Give it a try and make it your family’s next favorite comfort food!