Craving a cozy, filling meal that’s packed with bold flavor and comes together with minimal fuss? Meet your new favorite: Cheesy Ranch Potatoes with Smoked Sausage. This dish is everything a comfort food lover dreams of—cheesy, creamy, herby, and loaded with savory sausage and golden roasted potatoes.
It’s perfect for busy weeknights, lazy Sundays, or anytime you want something hearty and satisfying with little effort and a whole lot of flavor.
Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple, real ingredients you probably already have
- Full of flavor—thanks to ranch seasoning, smoked sausage, and cheddar
- Family-friendly and picky-eater approved
- Great for meal prep or make-ahead meals
- Customizable for different diets and spice levels
Ingredients You’ll Need
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs baby potatoes, halved or quartered for quicker roasting
- 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced (kielbasa, andouille, or your favorite kind)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – sharp or mild, your choice
- 1 cup sour cream – adds tangy creaminess
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix – that signature herby punch
- 1 tbsp olive oil – for roasting the potatoes
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Optional Substitutions
- Cheese swap: Use mozzarella, Colby Jack, or pepper jack for a twist
- Lighter version: Use plain Greek yogurt instead of sour cream
- Vegetarian?: Use plant-based sausage or skip it entirely and add roasted veggies
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Preheating ensures even, crispy results when roasting.
2. Season the Potatoes
In a large bowl, toss the halved baby potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix until every piece is well-coated.
Pro Tip: Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet—spread them out for maximum crispiness.
3. Roast the Potatoes
Arrange the seasoned potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast for 25–30 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and fork-tender.
Flip halfway through to get that crispy-on-all-sides texture.
4. Prep the Sausage
While the potatoes roast, slice your smoked sausage into bite-sized pieces.
If you’re using pre-cooked sausage, you don’t need to cook it again—just slice and set aside.
5. Mix Everything Together
Once the potatoes are roasted, transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Add in:
- Sliced sausage
- Sour cream
- Ranch seasoning packet
Stir well until the potatoes and sausage are evenly coated.
Adjust to taste: Like it extra ranch-y? Add more seasoning!
6. Add Cheese & Transfer to a Baking Dish
Spread the mixture into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
Want it extra cheesy? Save a little extra cheese to sprinkle on after baking!
7. Bake Until Bubbly
Place the dish back into the oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
For that irresistible golden top, switch to broil for the last 2–3 minutes—but keep a close eye on it!
8. Garnish & Serve
Let it rest for a few minutes out of the oven, then top with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Serve warm and watch it disappear.
Tips for Best Results
- Make it spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or stir in some sliced jalapeños
- Cheese choices: Try pepper jack for a spicy edge, or smoked gouda for depth
- Meal prep tip: Assemble everything ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to bake
- Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Common Questions
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes! Assemble the entire dish (up to the cheese) and store it in the fridge. Bake when ready to eat.
Q: How can I make it spicier?
A: Add diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a few dashes of hot sauce to the sour cream mix.
Q: What’s the best sausage to use?
A: Any smoked sausage works—kielbasa, andouille, or even spicy Italian. Just make sure it’s fully cooked before adding to the dish.
Comfort in Every Bite
Cheesy Ranch Potatoes with Smoked Sausage is one of those recipes that hits the spot every time—no matter the season. It’s warm, cheesy, hearty, and totally stress-free. Whether you’re feeding a family or just treating yourself to a cozy night in, this dish delivers big flavor with minimal effort.
Now go grab your casserole dish and let the comfort food magic begin!
