Cheesy Ranch Potatoes & Smoked Sausage Delight

$- 1 lb baby potatoes, halved - 12 oz smoked sausage, sliced - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1/2 cup ranch dressing - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh chives, chopped To make Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage, gather these key ingredients. Baby potatoes give a nice texture. Smoked sausage adds a smoky flavor. Cheddar cheese melts beautifully, making everything rich. Next, you'll need some pantry staples. Olive oil helps everything cook and adds flavor. Ranch dressing brings a creamy tang. Garlic powder and onion powder boost flavor without extra work. Don’t forget salt and pepper to taste! Finally, fresh chives add a pop of color. They also enhance the dish's flavor. Now you have all the ingredients to make this delightful recipe! {{ingredient_image_1}} - Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). The heat makes everything crisp and tasty. - Gather your ingredients. You need 1 pound of baby potatoes, 12 ounces of smoked sausage, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, and 1/2 cup of ranch dressing. Don’t forget the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Fresh chives will add a nice touch at the end. - In a large bowl, toss the halved baby potatoes and sliced smoked sausage. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over them. Make sure everything gets coated well. - Add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix it all together until the flavors blend. - Spread this mixture on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure to spread it in a single layer for even cooking. - Roast in the oven for 25-30 minutes. Stir halfway through to help them cook evenly. Look for tender potatoes and a light golden color. - Once cooked, take the baking sheet out of the oven. Drizzle 1/2 cup of ranch dressing over the hot potatoes and sausage. Toss gently to mix. - Top everything with 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Return the sheet to the oven for 5-7 minutes. You want the cheese to melt and bubble. - When done, remove from the oven. Let it cool slightly, then sprinkle fresh chives on top for a burst of color. - Serve the dish hot in a large bowl or on a platter. Garnish with extra chives for a bright look. - Pair with your favorite dips, like ranch or a spicy sauce, to enhance the flavors. Enjoy every bite! To ensure even cooking, cut the baby potatoes in half. This helps them cook at the same rate as the smoked sausage. Spread them out on the baking sheet. Give them space so they roast, not steam. Stir halfway through to check for doneness. This way, all sides get a nice golden color. To avoid soggy potatoes, make sure to drain any excess moisture. Rinse them before cooking and dry well. Using parchment paper prevents sticking and keeps the potatoes crisp. Don't crowd the baking sheet; it’s key for that perfect crunch. For added flavor, think about spices and herbs. Try paprika or cayenne for a little heat. Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme can add a nice touch too. Mix the spices right into the olive oil before tossing with the potatoes and sausage. It spreads the flavors evenly. Choosing the right sausage matters. Look for smoked sausage that has good spices. Andouille or kielbasa can add a nice kick. You want a sausage that holds up well in the oven and adds great flavor. The perfect serving temperature is hot, right from the oven. Let it cool for just a moment; then serve it up. This dish is best when the cheese is melted and bubbly. Pairing with sides can elevate your meal. A fresh green salad works well, balancing the richness of the dish. You could also serve it with garlic bread or a creamy dip. These add fun textures and flavors to your plate. Pro Tips Tip Title: Choose the Right Sausage: Opt for a quality smoked sausage to enhance the flavor of the dish. Andouille or kielbasa work great! Tip Title: Perfectly Roasted Potatoes: Make sure the potatoes are cut into even halves for uniform cooking. This ensures they cook through at the same rate. Tip Title: Cheese Melting: For a gooey cheese layer, use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-shredded, as it melts better. Tip Title: Add a Kick: For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or your favorite hot sauce to the ranch dressing. {{image_2}} You can change up the cheese in this dish. Try gouda or mozzarella for a new twist. Each cheese brings its own flavor. You can also swap the baby potatoes for sweet potatoes. They add a nice sweetness and color. For a veggie boost, toss in bell peppers or broccoli. These options keep the meal fresh and fun. This recipe can fit different diets easily. For gluten-free options, check the ranch dressing label. Many brands offer gluten-free choices. You can also choose turkey sausage or chicken sausage to cut fat. These swaps keep the dish tasty without losing flavor. Want some heat? Add sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. This gives your dish a spicy kick. For herb lovers, mix in fresh parsley or thyme. You can also add garlic for more depth. These options let you customize the flavor to fit your taste. Store leftovers in airtight containers. I prefer glass or BPA-free plastic. These keep food fresh. Your Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage will last 3 to 4 days in the fridge. For reheating, use the oven for best results. Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place your dish in a safe oven pan. Heat for about 10-15 minutes. This keeps the texture crispy. You can also use a microwave. Heat for 1-2 minutes, checking often. To freeze, let the dish cool completely. Then, pack it in freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible. Your dish can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you want to eat it, thaw overnight in the fridge. This helps keep the taste fresh. It takes about 45 minutes to make Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage. You spend 10 minutes on prep and 25-30 minutes roasting in the oven. This means you can enjoy a tasty meal without spending too much time cooking! Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Prepare everything up to the roasting step, then store it in the fridge for a day. When ready to eat, just roast it in the oven. This helps save time during busy days. You can serve this dish with many sides. Fresh salads work well, or you can pair it with veggies for a complete meal. Dipping sauces like ranch or barbecue add extra flavor, too! Absolutely! You can use any sausage you like. Try chicken sausage for a lighter option, or go for spicy sausage if you want some heat. Just make sure to slice it thin for even cooking. Yes, this recipe is great for meal prep. You can store the cooked dish in airtight containers. It stays fresh for about 3-4 days in the fridge. Just reheat it in the microwave or oven for a quick meal! In this post, we explored a tasty recipe for Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage. We covered the key ingredients, from baby potatoes to cheddar cheese. Step-by-step, I guided you through preparation, cooking, and serving tips. I also shared helpful tricks, variations, and storage info. Feel confident to create this meal at home. It’s simple and delicious. Enjoy the fun and flavor it brings to your table.$

Cheesy Ranch Potatoes & Smoked Sausage Delight

A delicious combination of roasted baby potatoes and smoked sausage, topped with ranch dressing and melted cheddar cheese.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 35

Total Time 45

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb baby potatoes, halved
12 oz smoked sausage, sliced
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup ranch dressing
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
to taste salt and pepper
to taste fresh chives, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine the halved baby potatoes and sliced smoked sausage. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat evenly.
Sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper over the potatoes and sausage. Mix until everything is well-seasoned.
Spread the mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper in a single layer.
Roast in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and lightly golden brown, stirring halfway through.
Remove the baking sheet from the oven and drizzle the ranch dressing over the roasted potatoes and sausage. Toss gently to combine.
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top and return to the oven for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Once done, remove from the oven and let cool slightly before garnishing with freshly chopped chives.

Notes

Serve hot in a large bowl or on a platter, garnished with extra chives for a pop of color. Enjoy with a side of your favorite dipping sauce if desired!

Keyword baked, cheesy, potatoes, ranch, sausage