If you’re looking for the ultimate one-pan, crowd-pleasing comfort food that’s equal parts cheesy, smoky, crispy, and downright addictive, Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage is your new go-to. We’re talking golden roasted potatoes tossed with ranch seasoning, thick slices of smoky sausage, and enough gooey melted cheese to make your heart happy. It’s the perfect throw-it-in-the-oven dinner for busy nights, lazy weekends, potlucks, or any time you need something hearty and satisfying without a lot of effort. Honestly? It’s comfort food royalty, and the leftovers (if you have any) are just as epic.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One pan = minimal cleanup.
Golden, crispy potatoes + smoky sausage + melty cheese = perfection.
Ranch seasoning brings big flavor without extra work.
Totally customizable—add veggies, switch the cheese, change the sausage.
Great for family dinners, meal prep, or casual gatherings.
Ready in under an hour, hands-off and easy.
The Good Stuff You’ll Need
For the Main Dish:
2 lbs baby potatoes (halved or quartered if large)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 packet ranch seasoning mix (or 3 tbsp homemade)
14 oz smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or Colby Jack)
Salt + pepper to taste
Optional Add-Ins:
1 bell pepper, diced
1 small onion, sliced
Chopped parsley or green onions for garnish
For Dipping (Optional but Fun):
Ranch dressing
BBQ sauce
Hot sauce
Let’s Do This
Step 1: Prep the Potatoes
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Toss the halved potatoes with olive oil, ranch seasoning, salt, and pepper right on a large baking sheet. Spread them out in an even layer.
Step 2: Roast Round One
Roast the potatoes for about 25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re starting to crisp and brown.
Step 3: Add the Sausage
Scatter sliced smoked sausage over the potatoes (and any optional veggies you’re using).
Return to the oven for another 10–12 minutes until the sausage is sizzling and the potatoes are tender.
Step 4: Cheese It Up
Sprinkle shredded cheese all over the top.
Pop it back in the oven for 3–5 minutes until the cheese is melty and bubbly.
Step 5: Serve and Watch It Disappear
Garnish with fresh herbs if you’re feeling fancy.
Serve hot with dipping sauces on the side if you like.
Serving Suggestions
Pair with a crisp green salad or steamed veggies for balance.
Serve with crusty bread or garlic toast for a full meal.
Perfect with iced tea, lemonade, or your favorite cold drink.
Switch It Up
Veggie Boost: Add broccoli, mushrooms, or zucchini.
Spicy Kick: Use spicy smoked sausage or add hot sauce.
Different Cheese: Try pepper jack, gouda, or mozzarella.
Low-Carb: Swap potatoes for cauliflower florets.
Make-Ahead Tips
Chop the potatoes and sausage ahead—store separately until ready to bake.
Leftovers keep 3–4 days in the fridge and reheat beautifully in the oven or air fryer.
You can even freeze portions for quick future meals—just reheat from frozen.
Questions People Actually Ask
Q: Can I use turkey or chicken sausage instead?
A: Absolutely—any smoked sausage works here.
Q: Can I make this in the air fryer?
A: Yes! Cook the potatoes in batches at 400°F, add sausage, and melt cheese at the end.
Q: What kind of potatoes are best?
A: Baby gold or red potatoes roast beautifully, but you can use russets or sweet potatoes too.
Q: Is the ranch seasoning homemade or store-bought?
A: Either works! Store-bought is easy, but you can mix your own with dried dill, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Description
If you’re looking for the ultimate one-pan, crowd-pleasing comfort food that’s equal parts cheesy, smoky, crispy, and downright addictive, Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage is your new go-to. We’re talking golden roasted potatoes tossed with ranch seasoning, thick slices of smoky sausage, and enough gooey melted cheese to make your heart happy. It’s the perfect throw-it-in-the-oven dinner for busy nights, lazy weekends, potlucks, or any time you need something hearty and satisfying without a lot of effort. Honestly? It’s comfort food royalty, and the leftovers (if you have any) are just as epic.
Ingredients
For the Main Dish:
2 lbs baby potatoes (halved or quartered if large)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 packet ranch seasoning mix (or 3 tbsp homemade)
14 oz smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or Colby Jack)
Salt + pepper to taste
Optional Add-Ins:
1 bell pepper, diced
1 small onion, sliced
Chopped parsley or green onions for garnish
For Dipping (Optional but Fun):
Ranch dressing
BBQ sauce
Hot sauce
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Toss the halved potatoes with olive oil, ranch seasoning, salt, and pepper right on a large baking sheet. Spread them out in an even layer.
Roast the potatoes for about 25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re starting to crisp and brown.
Scatter sliced smoked sausage over the potatoes (and any optional veggies you’re using).
Return to the oven for another 10–12 minutes until the sausage is sizzling and the potatoes are tender.
Sprinkle shredded cheese all over the top.
Pop it back in the oven for 3–5 minutes until the cheese is melty and bubbly.
Garnish with fresh herbs if you’re feeling fancy.
Serve hot with dipping sauces on the side if you like.
Notes
Pair with a crisp green salad or steamed veggies for balance.
Serve with crusty bread or garlic toast for a full meal.
Perfect with iced tea, lemonade, or your favorite cold drink.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: ~480 kcal
- Fat: ~32g
- Carbohydrates: ~25g
- Protein: ~20g