EASY CHEESY RANCH POTATOES AND SMOKED SAUSAGE

Craving a dinner that’s hearty, satisfying, and incredibly easy to throw together? Imagine tender potatoes mingling with savory smoked sausage, all coated in a creamy, cheesy ranch sauce. This Cheesy Ranch Potatoes And Smoked Sausage recipe is about to become your new go-to comfort food, and I promise you’ll be amazed at how simple it is to make!

Ingredients

For the Potatoes:

• 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Sausage:

• 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed, depending on the sausage)

For the Cheesy Ranch Sauce:

• 1 (1 ounce) package ranch dressing mix
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives or green onions (optional, for garnish)

Let’s Prep Those Potatoes!

First things first, let’s get those potatoes ready. I always prefer Yukon Golds because they have a naturally buttery flavor and creamy texture, but Russets will work just fine too. Just make sure you peel them (unless you really love the skins – no judgment here!) and cut them into roughly 1-inch cubes so they cook evenly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Getting Started:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss the cubed potatoes with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Make sure they’re evenly coated!

Cooking the Potatoes:

3. Spread the potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet. I like to use parchment paper for easy cleanup, but it’s not essential.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and slightly golden brown. Give them a toss halfway through to ensure even cooking.

Sautéing the Smoked Sausage:

5. While the potatoes are baking, prepare the smoked sausage. In a large skillet over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil if your sausage is lean. Some sausages release enough fat on their own!
6. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until browned on both sides. The browning adds tons of flavor, so don’t skip this step!
7. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.

Making the Cheesy Ranch Sauce:

8. In a medium bowl, whisk together the ranch dressing mix, sour cream, and milk until smooth. Make sure there are no lumps!
9. Stir in 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese. We’re saving the other 1/2 cup for topping.

Bringing It All Together:

10. Once the potatoes are cooked, transfer them to the skillet with the cooked sausage.
11. Pour the cheesy ranch sauce over the potatoes and sausage, and gently stir to combine, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
12. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top.

Finishing Touches:

13. Return the skillet to the oven and bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning!
14. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
15. Garnish with chopped fresh chives or green onions, if desired. They add a lovely pop of color and freshness.

Tips and Tricks for Cheesy Ranch Perfection

Okay, let’s talk about some ways to really knock this recipe out of the park. I’ve learned a few things over the years, and I’m happy to share!

• Don’t overcrowd the pan: When baking the potatoes, make sure they’re in a single layer on the baking sheet. Overcrowding will cause them to steam instead of roast, and you won’t get that nice golden-brown crust.
• Spice it up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cheesy ranch sauce. You could also use a spicy smoked sausage!
• Cheese variations: While cheddar is classic, feel free to experiment with other cheeses. Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or even a smoked Gouda would be delicious!
• Make it ahead: You can prep the potatoes and sausage ahead of time. Just store them separately in the refrigerator and assemble the dish right before baking.
• Leftovers: These Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage are even better the next day! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.

Variations to Make It Your Own

This recipe is a great starting point, but don’t be afraid to get creative and customize it to your liking! Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Add veggies: Toss in some chopped bell peppers, onions, or broccoli along with the potatoes for extra nutrients.
• Use different proteins: Instead of smoked sausage, try using kielbasa, Italian sausage, or even shredded chicken or bacon.
• Make it a casserole: Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish instead of using a skillet. This is a great option if you’re feeding a crowd.
• Add cream cheese: For an extra creamy sauce, stir in a couple of tablespoons of softened cream cheese to the cheesy ranch sauce.

Serving Suggestions

This Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage dish is hearty enough to be a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are a few of my favorites:

• A simple green salad
• Steamed green beans or asparagus
• Corn on the cob
• Garlic bread

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Seriously, what’s not to love? This Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage recipe is:

• Easy: Minimal prep work and simple steps make this a weeknight winner.
• Delicious: The combination of tender potatoes, savory sausage, and creamy, cheesy ranch sauce is irresistible.
• Versatile: You can easily customize this recipe to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Comforting: This is the perfect dish to warm you up on a cold day.
• Crowd-pleasing: Everyone will love this hearty and flavorful dish!

Other Delicious Recipes To Try

If you’re looking for more easy and delicious dinner ideas, be sure to check out these other recipes:

• Try this incredible Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken And Potatoes for an easy all-in-one meal.
• The Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole is another family-friendly favorite!
• For a budget-friendly and flavorful option, check out Black Beans And Rice With Sausage.
• If you love sweet and savory combinations, you’ll adore Sausage And Sweet Potatoes.
• And for an ultra-easy sheet pan dinner, give this Sheet Pan Sausage a try.
• For a simple baked potato dish, try this Ranchy Sausage Potato.

Enjoy Your Cheesy Ranch Potatoes And Smoked Sausage!

So there you have it! My foolproof recipe for Cheesy Ranch Potatoes And Smoked Sausage. I truly hope you give it a try. I just know it’s going to become a new favorite in your household. Happy cooking, friends!