Cheesy Ranch Potatoes & Smoked Sausage

$To make Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage, you will need: - 1.5 lbs baby potatoes, halved - 12 oz smoked sausage, sliced into rounds - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1/2 cup ranch dressing - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh chopped parsley for garnish If you want to change things up, here are some great swaps: - Use sweet potatoes instead of baby potatoes for a sweeter taste. - Swap smoked sausage for turkey sausage or chicken sausage for a lighter dish. - Try different cheese like pepper jack or mozzarella for a new flavor. - Use Greek yogurt in place of ranch dressing for a tangy twist. - Fresh herbs like chives or cilantro can replace parsley for garnish. Each serving gives you a hearty meal with: - Calories: approximately 450 - Protein: 20g - Carbohydrates: 40g - Fat: 25g - Fiber: 4g - Sodium: 800mg This dish packs a punch of flavor while still being filling and satisfying. Enjoy every bite! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by gathering all your ingredients. You need 1.5 lbs of baby potatoes, 12 oz of smoked sausage, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Also, have 1/2 cup of ranch dressing, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder and onion powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of paprika. Don’t forget salt and pepper for taste. Halve the baby potatoes and slice the smoked sausage into rounds. This setup makes cooking easy and fun. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large bowl, toss the halved potatoes with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Ensure all the potatoes get coated well. Spread them out in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast them in the oven for 25 minutes. When done, the potatoes should be tender and start to turn golden brown. This step sets a great flavor base. While the potatoes roast, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage to the skillet. Cook the sausage for about 5-7 minutes, until it turns brown and is heated through. The sausage adds a nice smoky flavor to the dish. Stir it occasionally so it cooks evenly. After roasting the potatoes, take them out of the oven. Add the cooked smoked sausage right onto the baking sheet with the potatoes. Drizzle the ranch dressing over everything, making sure it covers well. Next, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top. Return the baking sheet to the oven. Bake for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Once it's done, let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy your flavorful Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage! To get the best roasted potatoes, always cut them evenly. I like to halve the baby potatoes. This way, they cook at the same rate. Toss them with olive oil and spices. Make sure they are well-coated. Spread them in a single layer on your baking sheet. This helps them crisp up nicely. If they are too crowded, they will steam instead of roast. For perfect melted cheese, use fresh shredded cheddar. Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents. These can prevent it from melting smoothly. Sprinkle the cheese on top of the dish just before finishing in the oven. This way, it melts beautifully and gets bubbly. If you want extra flavor, mix in some grated Parmesan with the cheddar. Here are some tools I find helpful when making this dish: - Large mixing bowl - Baking sheet - Skillet for browning sausage - Spatula or spoon for mixing - Knife and cutting board for chopping These tools make your cooking easier and keep your kitchen organized. Having the right tools can make a big difference! Pro Tips Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh chopped parsley adds a burst of flavor and color. You can also try using chives or cilantro for a different twist. Adjust Spice Levels: If you like it spicy, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix. Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of cheese such as Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a unique flavor profile. Perfectly Cooked Sausage: Make sure the smoked sausage is well-browned for added flavor. This step enhances the overall taste of the dish. {{image_2}} You can easily turn this dish into a vegetarian delight. Instead of smoked sausage, use your favorite plant-based protein. Options like seitan, tempeh, or even hearty mushrooms work well. For added flavor, season your protein with some smoked paprika. The key is to ensure the flavors balance well with the cheesy ranch sauce. Feel free to mix up the seasonings! Instead of garlic and onion powder, try using Italian herbs like oregano and basil. For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper. You can also top with different cheeses like pepper jack or mozzarella for a unique twist. Fresh herbs like chives or cilantro can brighten the dish. This dish is versatile for any season. In fall, serve it alongside a pumpkin soup for a cozy meal. In summer, pair it with a crisp salad and fresh tomatoes. For winter gatherings, add a warm bread basket for a comforting feast. You can also use holiday-themed serving dishes to make it festive! To store leftovers, let the dish cool down first. Then, transfer it to an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to cover it well to keep the flavors fresh. You can also separate the potatoes and sausage if you prefer. For the best taste, reheat in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftovers in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 15-20 minutes until warm. You can also use the microwave for quick reheating. Just heat in short bursts and stir in between. You can freeze this dish for later. First, let it cool completely. Then, place servings in freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. Label the bags with the date. It can stay fresh in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat as described above. To make Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage in a slow cooker, start by preparing the ingredients. Cut the baby potatoes in half and slice the smoked sausage into rounds. In the slow cooker, combine the potatoes, sausage, ranch dressing, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat everything. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. When done, sprinkle the cheese on top and cover until it melts. Yes, you can use any type of sausage you like. Chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or even veggie sausage work well. Each will give the dish a unique flavor. Just be sure to slice it into rounds for even cooking. Adjust cooking time if needed, based on the sausage type you choose. Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage pair well with many sides. Consider serving a fresh garden salad or steamed green beans for balance. Roasted vegetables like broccoli or carrots add color and nutrition. You can also serve cornbread or garlic bread for a hearty meal. To make this dish healthier, consider these tips: - Use less cheese or opt for a lower-fat cheese. - Substitute ranch dressing with a lighter version or Greek yogurt. - Add more vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrients. - Use leaner sausage options to reduce fat content. This blog covered key parts to make Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage. We listed ingredients, cooking steps, and helpful tips. I shared ways to adapt the dish and store leftovers. Remember, cooking is fun, and there are many ways to enjoy your meal. Try new flavors or swap ingredients to fit your taste. Enjoy your cooking journey and be proud of your tasty creations!$

Cheesy Ranch Potatoes & Smoked Sausage

A delicious and hearty dish featuring roasted baby potatoes, smoked sausage, and melted cheddar cheese, all drizzled with ranch dressing.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 35

Total Time 50

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Ingredients

1.5 lbs baby potatoes, halved
12 oz smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
0.5 cup ranch dressing
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
0.5 teaspoon paprika
to taste salt and pepper
for garnish fresh chopped parsley

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine the halved baby potatoes with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss until the potatoes are evenly coated.
Spread the seasoned potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until they start to get tender and golden.
While the potatoes are roasting, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook until browned and heated through, about 5-7 minutes.
After the potatoes have roasted for 25 minutes, remove them from the oven and add the cooked smoked sausage to the baking sheet. Drizzle ranch dressing over the top, ensuring an even distribution.
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the entire mix.
Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Once out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

Serve directly from the baking sheet for a rustic feel or transfer to a large serving platter. You can add a small bowl of extra ranch dressing on the side for dipping.

Keyword cheesy, potatoes, ranch, sausage