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- 4 medium russet potatoes - 1 pound smoked sausage - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1 cup ranch dressing - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper - Chopped green onions - Fresh parsley Gather these simple ingredients for a tasty meal! The russet potatoes give a nice texture. The smoked sausage adds a rich flavor. The cheddar cheese brings that gooey goodness. You can use any sausage you like. Turkey, chicken, or beef all work well. Next, let's talk about seasoning. Ranch dressing makes this dish creamy and fun. Olive oil helps everything cook evenly. The garlic, paprika, and onion powder add great taste. Don’t forget salt and pepper! They really bring out the flavors. For garnish, chopped green onions and fresh parsley add color and freshness. They make the dish look pretty, too! This combination of ingredients makes cheesy ranch potatoes with sausage a savory delight. {{ingredient_image_2}} - Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). - Dice 4 medium russet potatoes into 1-inch cubes. - Slice 1 pound of smoked sausage into rounds. - In a large bowl, combine the diced potatoes and sliced sausage. - Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the mix. - Add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of paprika, ½ teaspoon of onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste. - Toss everything gently to coat each piece well. - Spread the mixture evenly on a large baking sheet. - Bake for 30-35 minutes, stirring halfway to ensure even cooking. - Remove the baking sheet from the oven and drizzle 1 cup of ranch dressing over the hot mix. - Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top. - Return the baking sheet to the oven for 5-7 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For even cooking, spread the potato and sausage mix in one layer. This helps them brown nicely. Stir the mixture halfway through cooking. This ensures all pieces get that perfect golden color. If you want to try a different method, use an air fryer. It can cook the potatoes quickly and give them a crispy texture. Set the air fryer to 380°F and cook for about 20 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through for even cooking. For a great presentation, serve the cheesy ranch potatoes in individual bowls. This makes the dish look special and inviting. You can top each bowl with extra ranch dressing. It adds flavor and makes the dish even more appealing. Pair these potatoes with a simple green salad or steamed veggies. A cold drink, like iced tea or lemonade, works well too. These sides balance the rich flavors of the dish and keep your meal light and fresh. Pro Tips Choose the Right Sausage: Opt for a sausage that complements the flavors of the ranch dressing and cheese. Turkey or chicken sausage will keep it lighter, while beef adds a robust flavor. Cut Potatoes Evenly: Ensure the potatoes are cut into uniform 1-inch cubes. This promotes even cooking and helps them become perfectly tender and golden brown. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs like parsley and green onions enhance the flavor and presentation of the dish. Always choose fresh over dried when possible for the best results. Experiment with Cheese: While cheddar is a classic choice, feel free to mix in other cheeses like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a unique twist and added flavor depth. {{image_4}} You can switch up the sausage in this dish. Try turkey sausage for a leaner choice. Chicken sausage adds a nice mild flavor. Beef sausage gives a hearty taste. Each type changes the dish in a fun way. Mix and match to find your favorite! Cheddar cheese is great, but you can try other options. Monterey Jack adds creaminess and a mild taste. Pepper Jack gives a spicy kick, perfect for heat lovers. For a rich flavor, consider using Gouda or a blend of cheeses. Experiment to find your favorite cheese combo! You can boost the flavor with more veggies or spices. Bell peppers add sweetness and color. Broccoli or spinach can pack in more nutrition. Try adding spices like cayenne for heat or smoked paprika for a deeper flavor. Don't be afraid to get creative! To keep your cheesy ranch potatoes fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place them in the fridge within two hours after cooking. They will stay good for about 3 to 5 days. If you want to enjoy them later, make sure to cool them down first. When you reheat the cheesy ranch potatoes, aim for the oven or a microwave. For the oven, set it to 350°F (175°C). Spread the potatoes on a baking sheet and heat for about 15 minutes. This helps keep the cheese nice and melty. If using a microwave, heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between. This method helps keep the flavors intact. If you want to freeze the dish, let it cool completely first. Then, place the potatoes in a freezer-safe container. They can last for up to three months in the freezer. To thaw, move them to the fridge overnight. When ready to eat, reheat them in the oven or microwave as mentioned above. Enjoy your tasty meal anytime! You can use several tasty options in place of ranch dressing. Some great choices are: - Greek yogurt: This adds creaminess with a tangy flavor. - Sour cream: It brings a rich texture and flavor. - Blue cheese dressing: For a bold taste, this is a fantastic swap. - Italian dressing: This will add a zesty twist to your dish. These substitutes keep the dish flavorful. Each one gives a different taste while still blending well with the potatoes and sausage. Yes, you can easily make this dish vegetarian! Here are some suggestions: - Swap sausage for plant-based sausage: This keeps the savory flavor. - Add more veggies: Try bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for extra taste. - Use vegetable broth: Instead of ranch, mix in some broth for moisture and flavor. These changes help keep the dish hearty and satisfying without meat. To check if the potatoes are cooked, look for these signs: - Fork-tender: Use a fork to pierce a potato. It should go in easily. - Golden brown: The edges should be crispy and slightly browned. - Even cooking: Stir halfway through cooking to ensure all pieces cook well. When you see these signs, your cheesy ranch potatoes are ready to enjoy! This dish combines russet potatoes, smoked sausage, and cheddar cheese for a tasty meal. You learned how to prepare and season it with ranch dressing and spices. Cooking tips help with even baking, and variations can suit any taste. Storing leftovers and reheating them keeps the flavor strong. Remember, you can swap ingredients to make it your own. Enjoy experimenting with this simple and delicious recipe!

Cheesy Ranch Potatoes with Sausage

A delicious dish of diced russet potatoes and smoked sausage, topped with ranch dressing and melted cheddar cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 medium russet potatoes, diced into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup ranch dressing
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
  • to taste fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), allowing it to thoroughly heat up while you prepare the ingredients.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced russet potatoes and sliced sausage, creating a hearty base for the dish.
  • Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the potato and sausage mixture. Then, sprinkle in the garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Toss everything gently but thoroughly to ensure every piece is coated in the oil and spices.
  • Spread the coated potato and sausage mixture evenly onto a large baking sheet, ensuring that the pieces are in a single layer for optimal cooking.
  • Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Halfway through, around the 15- to 20-minute mark, stir the mixture to promote even browning and cooking.
  • Once the potatoes are fork-tender and golden brown, carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. Drizzle the ranch dressing generously over the hot potato and sausage mixture.
  • Evenly sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese across the top of the mixture, then return the baking sheet to the oven for an additional 5-7 minutes. Bake until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
  • After taking it out of the oven, garnish the dish with chopped green onions and fresh parsley for a vibrant finish.
  • Serve hot and enjoy the delicious cheesy ranch potatoes paired with savory sausage!

Notes

For an attractive serving, dish the cheesy ranch potatoes into individual bowls, making sure to show off the melted cheese and garnishes. You can also drizzle a little extra ranch dressing on top for additional flavor and appeal.
Keyword baked, cheesy, potatoes, ranch, sausage