Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage is a delicious dish that’s perfect for gatherings, weeknight dinners, or simply indulging in something comforting. The combination of tender baby potatoes and savory smoked sausage, all smothered in creamy cheese and ranch flavor, makes for a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe is straightforward, quick to prepare, and brings together familiar flavors in a way that’s both hearty and unforgettable.
What Goes into This Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage
To whip up this delightful dish, you’ll need the following 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 (make sure it’s 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 your favorite cheeses)
- 1/2 cup sour cream (optional, for serving)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Smoked sausage brings a smoky, savory flavor that elevates this dish, while baby potatoes are the perfect choice because they cook quickly and have a tender texture. The ranch seasoning adds a tangy note that ties all the flavors together, and melted cheddar cheese creates that deliciously rich finishing touch.
How to Make Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage
Follow these simple steps to create your mouthwatering meal:
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Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures an even roast for the potatoes.
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Prep the Potatoes: Wash the baby potatoes thoroughly. Cut them in half or quarters, depending on their size, to help them cook evenly.
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Slice the Smoked Sausage: Slice the smoked sausage into 1/4-inch thick rounds. This allows them to cook properly and infuse their flavor into the potatoes.
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Combine the Seasonings: In a small bowl, mix together the ranch seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
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Coat the Potatoes: Place the halved potatoes in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with half of the ranch seasoning mixture. Toss everything together until the potatoes are well coated.
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Prepare the Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. This will help prevent sticking.
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Spread the Potatoes on the Sheet: Evenly spread the seasoned potatoes on the baking sheet in a single layer. Make sure they have some space between them for proper roasting.
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Add the Sausage: Scatter the sliced smoked sausage pieces over the potatoes, ensuring they are distributed evenly.
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Roast in the Oven: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Roast for 35-40 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden brown and tender. Stir halfway through to promote even cooking.
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Add the Cheese: After roasting, remove the baking sheet from the oven and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the potatoes and sausage. Return it to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Garnish and Serve: Once the cheese is melted, pull the dish from the oven. Garnish with fresh parsley for a touch of color. Serve hot, with a dollop of sour cream if desired.
Serving Suggestions for Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage
This dish is perfect as a main course or a hearty side. Serve it warm straight from the oven, allowing each person to help themselves. You can pair it with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, add a side of garlic bread or some crusty rolls to soak up all the cheesy goodness!
Expert Tips for Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage
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Customize the Cheese: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheeses! Switch out the cheddar for mozzarella, pepper jack, or Monterey Jack to add your personal touch to this dish.
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Season the Sausage: For an extra flavor boost, you can sear the smoked sausage in a skillet before adding it to the baking sheet. This will create a nice crust and enhance the smokiness in the final dish.
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Vegetable Additions: Want to sneak in some veggies? Toss in some bell peppers or onions alongside the potatoes and sausage for added color and nutrition!
Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage FAQs
1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep the potatoes and sausage, combine the seasonings, and refrigerate everything until you’re ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if baking from cold.
2. What other seasonings can I use?
Feel free to add extra spices like paprika or chili powder for a little kick, or fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for a more aromatic touch.
3. Can I use other types of potatoes?
Absolutely! While baby potatoes are perfect for this dish, you can also use russet potatoes. Just remember to cut them into smaller pieces for even cooking.
Give this Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage recipe a try, and watch it become a new favorite in your home! The blend of flavors and textures will surely please everyone at the dinner table. Enjoy every cheesy, savory bite!
Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures an even roast for the potatoes.
- Wash the baby potatoes thoroughly. Cut them in half or quarters, depending on their size, to help them cook evenly.
- Slice the smoked sausage into 1/4-inch thick rounds to allow them to cook properly and infuse their flavor into the potatoes.
- In a small bowl, mix together the ranch seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
- Place the halved potatoes in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with half of the ranch seasoning mixture. Toss everything together until the potatoes are well coated.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Evenly spread the seasoned potatoes on the baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring they have space between them for proper roasting.
- Scatter the sliced smoked sausage pieces over the potatoes, ensuring they are distributed evenly.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 35-40 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden brown and tender. Stir halfway through to promote even cooking.
- After roasting, remove the baking sheet from the oven and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the potatoes and sausage. Return it to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Once the cheese is melted, pull the dish from the oven. Garnish with fresh parsley for a touch of color. Serve hot, with a dollop of sour cream if desired.