Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Sausage

This Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Sausage bake is a one-pan wonder — smoky sausage, crispy ranch-seasoned potatoes, caramelized onions, and gooey cheddar cheese all baked together until bubbly. Perfect for busy weeknights or hearty weekend brunch!

Ingredients

• 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced into ½-inch rounds

• 1 lb red potatoes, scrubbed and diced into bite-sized pieces

• 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (or 3 tbsp homemade ranch seasoning)

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar recommended)

• ½ cup onion, diced

• ¼ cup olive oil (or melted butter for a richer flavor)

• Salt & freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven:
   Set oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a large baking sheet or line with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

2. Mix Ingredients:
   In a large bowl, combine sausage, diced potatoes, onion, olive oil, ranch seasoning, salt, and pepper. Toss until everything is evenly coated.

3. Bake:
   Spread mixture in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 25–30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until potatoes are golden and fork-tender.

4. Add Cheese:
   Remove from oven, sprinkle with cheddar cheese, and return to oven for 5 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.

5. Serve:
   Garnish with fresh parsley (optional) and serve hot straight from the pan.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve as a main dish with a side salad or roasted veggies.

• Pair with scrambled eggs or fried eggs for a filling brunch.

• Drizzle with ranch dressing, BBQ sauce, or hot sauce just before serving for extra flavor.

• Serve with buttery biscuits or garlic bread to make it even more satisfying.

Recipe Variations

1. Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or use spicy andouille sausage.

2. Loaded Style: Top with sour cream, crumbled bacon, and green onions after baking.

3. Veggie Boost: Mix in diced bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms before baking.

4. Cheese Swap: Try Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.

5. Sheet Pan Dinner: Add chicken thighs or drumsticks alongside the potatoes for a complete meal.

6. Low-Carb Version: Swap red potatoes with cauliflower florets.

7. Breakfast Style: Top with fried eggs and a sprinkle of fresh chives before serving.

20 FAQs

1. Can I use another type of potato?
Yes, Yukon gold or russet potatoes work great, just dice evenly for even cooking.

2. Can I use turkey sausage?
Yes, turkey or chicken sausage is a leaner alternative.

3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, prep everything, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready.

4. Can I use homemade ranch seasoning?
Absolutely — just mix dried buttermilk, parsley, dill, onion powder, garlic powder, and salt.

5. Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, skip the cheese or use dairy-free shredded cheese.

6. Can I cook this on the stovetop?
Yes, use a large skillet and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally until potatoes are tender.

7. Can I use frozen potatoes?
Yes, frozen diced potatoes or hash browns work — no need to thaw first.

8. Can I use sweet potatoes?
Yes, it gives a slightly sweet and savory combo — adjust cook time if needed.

9. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, use two sheet pans so the potatoes roast evenly and don’t steam.

10. Can I use different cheese?
Yes, Colby Jack, mozzarella, or gouda melt beautifully too.

11. Can I add vegetables?
Yes, broccoli, bell peppers, or asparagus make this dish more colorful and nutritious.

12. Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes, omit sausage or replace it with vegetarian sausage.

13. Can I make it spicier?
Yes, add sliced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper.

14. How do I make it crispier?
Spread ingredients in a single layer and roast until edges brown. Broil for 2 minutes at the end.

15. Can I use butter instead of olive oil?
Yes, melted butter gives a richer flavor.

16. Can I air-fry this recipe?
Yes, air fry at 400°F for 15–20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

17. How long do leftovers last?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days.

18. How do I reheat leftovers?
Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes or heat in a skillet until warmed through.

19. Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, freeze after baking (without cheese). Reheat in oven and add cheese before serving.

20. Can I use pre-cooked sausage?
Yes, pre-cooked sausage is ideal and saves time.

20 Best Tips for Perfect Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Sausage

1. Use high-quality smoked sausage for maximum flavor.

2. Cut potatoes into even-sized pieces so they cook evenly.

3. Don’t overcrowd the pan — spread ingredients in a single layer.

4. Toss everything well with oil and seasoning for even coating.

5. Stir halfway through baking to promote even browning.

6. Use sharp cheddar for the best cheesy flavor.

7. Let the potatoes crisp up slightly before adding cheese.

8. Line the pan with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

9. Taste and adjust salt before baking — ranch seasoning can be salty.

10. Add extra garlic powder for a more robust flavor.

11. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for color.

12. Drizzle with ranch or hot sauce before serving for a flavor boost.

13. For extra crunch, sprinkle with crispy bacon bits before serving.

14. Use a cast-iron skillet for extra crispy edges.

15. If using russet potatoes, soak in cold water for 30 minutes before baking to remove excess starch.

16. Preheat the baking sheet for extra crispiness.

17. Make it a full meal by adding cooked chicken breast slices.

18. Double the cheese if you love extra gooeyness.

19. Broil for 1–2 minutes after adding cheese for a bubbly finish.

20. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor