There’s something magical about melted cheese, crispy potatoes, and smoky sausage all mingling together in one pan. This cheesy ranch potatoes and smoked sausage recipe is a total weeknight win — quick, comforting, and bursting with savory flavor in every bite.
If you’re already a fan of hearty skillet meals like this slow cooker creamy sausage tortellini, this one is going to steal your dinner-loving heart.
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The Ultimate One-Pan Comfort Meal
Imagine tender potatoes roasted until golden, smoky sausage sizzling alongside, and all of it coated in cheesy ranch goodness. That’s this dish in a nutshell. It’s perfect when you need dinner fast, or when the fridge feels uninspiring but you still want something that tastes like a hug. Best part? Minimal cleanup and endless options to make it your own.
Ingredients You’ll Need
1 ½ pounds baby potatoes, halved or quartered
12 oz smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 packet ranch seasoning mix
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons chopped parsley, optional for garnish
Want to make it even heartier? Add chopped bell peppers or red onions like we do in this Sausage Potato Soup for extra flavor and color.
How to Make Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage
Prep Your Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. Scrub your potatoes and chop them into bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly. Slice the sausage into thick rounds for that perfect golden sear.
Toss with Flavor
In a big bowl, toss the potatoes and sausage with olive oil, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Everything should be well coated in that tangy, herby goodness.
Bake to Crispy Perfection
Spread the mixture out on your baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, flipping once halfway through so everything gets golden and caramelized.
Add the Cheese and Serve
Pull the pan out and sprinkle on the shredded cheddar. Slide it back into the oven for 5 to 7 minutes until everything is melted and bubbly. Top with parsley if you like a pop of green.
Looking for something equally cheesy but a bit more indulgent? Don’t miss this chili cheese tater tot casserole recipe that’s basically a hug in a baking dish.
Tips for Best Results
Cut the potatoes evenly so they roast at the same pace
Don’t crowd the pan or things will steam instead of crisp
Add a little cayenne if you love heat
Use a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack for extra creaminess
Try turkey or kielbasa sausage for a leaner option
Variations to Try
Swap sausage for vegetarian links and add mushrooms
Use sweet potatoes for a slightly sweet and colorful twist
Drizzle with barbecue sauce before baking for a smoky, bold flavor
Sprinkle taco seasoning instead of ranch for a Tex-Mex vibe
Top with green onions and sour cream for a loaded potato feel
How to Store or Freeze It
Let the leftovers cool before transferring to an airtight container
Store in the fridge up to 3 days
Freeze for up to 2 months
Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best texture
Microwave works too if you’re in a rush
What to Serve With It
A fresh green salad with ranch or vinaigrette
Cornbread or garlic toast
A glass of sweet tea or lemonade
Or serve alongside a cozy starter like our chicken soup for a full-on comfort meal
FAQ
Can I use frozen potatoes instead of fresh?
Yes, just thaw and pat them dry first to help them crisp.
What’s the best sausage for this recipe?
Fully cooked smoked sausage like kielbasa or turkey sausage works great.
Can I make this dairy-free?
You can. Use plant-based cheese and skip the sour cream garnish.
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Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage
Equipment
- baking sheet For roasting potatoes and sausage.
- Large bowl To mix ingredients evenly.
- Parchment paper or foil For easy cleanup and crisp edges.
- Spatula or tongs To flip ingredients halfway through baking.
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds baby potatoes, halved or quartered
- 12 oz smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- to taste salt and black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley, optional for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
- Scrub and chop the potatoes into bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly. Slice the sausage into thick rounds.
- In a large bowl, toss the potatoes and sausage with olive oil, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well coated.
- Spread the mixture on the baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 35–40 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese. Return to oven for 5–7 minutes until melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with parsley and serve warm.