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 packet ranch seasoning mix (about 1 oz.); ½ teaspoon black pepper; 1 lb. smoked sausage (sliced into rounds); 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (optional, for garnish); ½ cup sour cream (optional, for serving); ¼ cup sliced green onions (optional, for garnish)

Jump to Recipe·5.2 from 27 reviews

If you’re looking for the ultimate crowd-pleasing comfort food, look no further than this Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Sausage Recipe. Picture golden roasted baby red potatoes mingling with smoky sausage, all lavishly coated in melty cheddar and a savory ranch twist. Whether you’re searching for a fuss-free family dinner or a filling brunch dish to share with friends, this recipe always brings big flavors and happy faces to the table. You won’t believe how little effort it takes to make something so hearty, bold, and downright irresistible!

Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Sausage Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of familiar ingredients, the Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Sausage Recipe comes together beautifully. Each element here plays a part in creating an irresistibly cheesy, flavorful, and visually appealing dish that’s pure comfort in every bite.

Baby red potatoes: Their creamy texture and rosy skin roast perfectly without peeling, adding color and heartiness.
Smoked sausage: Slice into rounds for bursts of smoky, meaty flavor that pair perfectly with roast potatoes.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into a gooey, golden blanket that brings a luscious cheesy bite to every forkful.
Ranch seasoning mix: The not-so-secret weapon, this blend infuses the whole dish with tangy, herby goodness.
Olive oil: Helps the potatoes crisp up while locking in all those savory spices and flavors.
Garlic powder: Gives a subtle garlicky depth that complements both the sausage and cheese.
Paprika: Adds warmth, a hint of gentle spice, and a lovely color to the roasted potatoes.
Black pepper: Freshly ground, it awakens all the flavors with just a bit of kick.
Fresh parsley (optional): For a bright, herbaceous finish and a fresh pop of color.
Sour cream (optional): Serve on the side so everyone can add a cool, creamy dollop.
Green onions (optional): Sliced thin, these bring sharpness and a crunchy bite to each serving.

How to Make Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Sausage Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by heating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high heat is key for giving the potatoes their signature crispy edges and ensuring everything cooks evenly. For the ultimate easy cleanup, line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil before you get started.

Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes

Add your washed and quartered baby red potatoes to a big mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle in the garlic powder, paprika, ranch seasoning, and black pepper. Toss everything together until each potato is glistening and every side is beautifully coated. This herby, smoky seasoning is exactly what gives the Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Sausage Recipe its irresistible flavor foundation.

Step 3: Arrange on the Baking Sheet

Spread the seasoned potatoes onto your prepared baking sheet in a single even layer. This step matters: don’t overcrowd. A single layer helps each potato chunk roast up golden and crisp, instead of steaming and turning soft. This attention to texture is what sets this recipe apart.

Step 4: Roast the Potatoes

Slide the tray into your hot oven and let those potatoes roast for about 25 to 30 minutes. Halfway through, give the potatoes a shake or a gentle toss with a spatula to flip and brown all sides. You’re looking for edges that are crisp and insides that are pillowy soft.

Step 5: Add the Sausage

When the potatoes have started turning golden and delicious, pull the baking sheet from the oven and scatter your sliced smoked sausage evenly over top. Toss everything together so that the sausage mixes in nicely and starts to pick up some of that seasoning and oil already on the tray.

Step 6: Add the Cheese

Top the sausage and potatoes with a lavish layer of shredded cheddar cheese. Return the tray to the oven for another 10 to 15 minutes, just until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden around the edges. The sausage will finish cooking and pick up a bit of color, while the cheese turns into gooey perfection.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Remove your baking sheet from the oven, and let the aroma tempt everyone within sniffing distance. Shower with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of sliced green onions for bright color and fresh flavor. Serve hot, with sour cream on the side for that cool, creamy finish that makes the Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Sausage Recipe something truly special.

How to Serve Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Sausage Recipe

Garnishes

Put the final touches on your Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Sausage Recipe with a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley and green onions. Not only do these add beautiful pops of green, but they bring a burst of freshness that complements the rich, cheesy goodness. For a finishing flourish, a dollop of cool sour cream on the side lets everyone customize their plate to perfection.

Side Dishes

This dish has enough flavor and heartiness to shine on its own, but pairing it thoughtfully takes things up a notch. Try serving alongside a tangy, crisp coleslaw or a simply dressed green salad to balance all the richness. Steamed green beans or roasted broccoli are other excellent options to round out the meal without overpowering those signature flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

While this recipe is fantastic family style, you can also turn it into individual servings by scooping portions into mini cast iron skillets or ramekins. For a fun brunch or potluck spread, allow everyone to top their potatoes with extra cheese, fresh herbs, or a spoonful of ranch dressing. These little touches highlight just how versatile and shareable the Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Sausage Recipe can be!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Sausage Recipe will keep for up to 3-4 days, retaining its flavor and texture surprisingly well. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, they’ll be just as comforting as when they first came out of the oven.

Freezing

This dish is freezer-friendly, too! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer portions to freezer-safe bags or containers. Tuck away for up to two months. For best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, which helps preserve the texture of the potatoes, sausage, and that gooey cheese topping.

Reheating

To reheat, pop leftovers in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through and the cheese is bubbly again, or microwave in short bursts if you’re in a hurry. If the potatoes seem a little dry, a sprinkle of extra cheese or a drizzle of olive oil before warming can bring everything back to delicious life. It’s a lifesaver for weeknight dinners or an on-the-fly weekend brunch.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of potato?

Absolutely! While baby red potatoes are especially creamy and hold their shape well, Yukon golds or even russets work beautifully. Just keep an eye on the roasting time, as cooking times can vary between varieties.

Is it possible to make this Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Sausage Recipe vegetarian?

You sure can! Swap the smoked sausage for vegetarian or vegan sausage links. There are great plant-based options out there that deliver smoky flavor and satisfying texture, so everyone can enjoy this hearty casserole.

Can I make this recipe in advance?

Yes, you can prep all the way through roasting the potatoes and sautéing the sausage. Just hold off on adding the cheese and final bake until right before serving. Refrigerate the prepped ingredients, then assemble and bake to melt the cheese when you’re ready to eat.

What other cheeses work in this recipe?

Cheddar is classic for a reason, but feel free to get creative. Monterey Jack, Colby, or a spicy Pepper Jack give a different twist while still keeping things lusciously melty.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It easily can be—just check that your ranch seasoning mix and sausage are certified gluten-free. Most of the other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this a wonderful option for a variety of diets.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Sausage Recipe is the kind of dish that turns an ordinary meal into a celebration. Every bite is packed with cozy, familiar flavors layered in a way that keeps everyone coming back for more. Gather your favorite people, give this recipe a try, and get ready to share some smiles around your table!