Description
This Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage is a hearty, all-in-one meal that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Tender roasted potatoes and smoky sausage rounds are seasoned with zesty ranch spices and then smothered in a gooey layer of melted cheese. It is a comforting, family-friendly dinner that feels indulgent but comes together easily on a single sheet pan or baking dish.
Ingredients
The Base
- 2 pounds baby potatoes, washed and cut into 1-inch chunks
- 14 ounces smoked sausage (e.g., kielbasa, andouille), sliced into rounds
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
The Seasoning
- 1 packet dry ranch seasoning mix
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
The Topping
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Mozzarella or Colby Jack cheese
- Fresh chopped parsley or green onions (optional garnish)
Instructions
Preheat
Heat your oven to 400°F (205°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish or a large rimmed baking sheet.
Season Potatoes
In a large bowl, toss the potato chunks with the olive oil, the full packet of ranch seasoning, garlic powder, and black pepper. Toss until evenly coated. Spread them out in a single layer in the prepared dish.
Roast (Part 1)
Bake for 20 minutes. Why? Potatoes take longer to cook than sausage. Giving them a head start ensures everything finishes at the same time.
Add Sausage (Part 2)
Remove the dish from the oven. Stir in the sliced smoked sausage rounds, tossing them with the potatoes. Bake for another 15–20 minutes. Doneness Check: The potatoes should be fork-tender and the sausage browned on the edges.
Melt Cheese
Top the mixture evenly with the shredded Cheddar and Mozzarella. Bake for 5 more minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly.
Serve
Remove from the oven. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color. Serve hot.
Notes
Potato Size: Cut the potatoes into uniform, bite-sized pieces (approx. 1 inch). If they are too large, the sausage will burn before the potatoes are soft.
Don’t Overcrowd: Use a large enough pan so the ingredients aren’t piled too high. If crowded, the potatoes will steam and turn soft instead of roasting and getting crispy edges.
Crispy Cheese: For browned, bubbly cheese spots, switch the oven to Broil for the last 1–2 minutes. Watch closely to prevent burning!
Veggie Add-In: Want a complete meal? Toss broccoli florets or bell pepper chunks in with the sausage during step 4.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner / Sheet Pan Meal
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of Recipe
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 1150mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: cheesy potatoes and sausage, ranch potatoes recipe, sheet pan sausage dinner, roasted potatoes and sausage, easy family casserole, smoked sausage recipes, one pan meals