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To make Cheesy Ranch Potatoes with Sausage, you need some simple ingredients. Here’s the list: - 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 - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish) - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Each ingredient plays a role in creating the dish's rich flavor. The russet potatoes give a nice texture, while the sausage adds a savory kick. The cheddar cheese melts into gooey goodness, and the ranch dressing brings everything together with its creamy tang. Don't forget the spices! Garlic powder and paprika enhance the taste, while onion powder adds depth. The salt and pepper finish the flavor balance. Finally, the green onions and parsley add a fresh touch, making the dish look beautiful. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by setting your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is key to getting your potatoes crispy and golden. In a large bowl, combine 4 diced russet potatoes and 1 pound of sliced smoked sausage. I like to use turkey, chicken, or beef sausage. Next, drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the mixture. Add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of paprika, and ½ teaspoon of onion powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss everything together until well coated. Spread the potato and sausage mixture evenly on a large baking sheet. Make sure there is enough space for even cooking. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Stir halfway through to ensure even browning and tenderness. - Drizzle Ranch Dressing and Add Cheese Once the potatoes are tender and golden, take the baking sheet out of the oven. Drizzle 1 cup of ranch dressing over the hot mixture. Then, sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top. - Final Baking to Melt Cheese Return the baking sheet to the oven. Bake for an additional 5 to 7 minutes. This will melt the cheese and make it bubbly. - Garnish and Serve After baking, remove the sheet from the oven. Garnish with chopped green onions and fresh parsley for a touch of color. Serve hot and enjoy your cheesy ranch potatoes with sausage! Choose medium russet potatoes for this dish. They have a great texture. Russets are starchy and turn soft and fluffy when cooked. Look for potatoes that are firm and free from spots or blemishes. This ensures they will cook well and taste great. To boost the cheese flavor, use a blend of cheeses. Cheddar is fantastic, but you can mix in mozzarella or pepper jack for a twist. Try adding more cheese than the recipe calls for. It will make your dish extra gooey and delicious. To get even cooking, cut your potatoes into 1-inch cubes. Uniform size helps them cook at the same rate. Spread the mixture out on the baking sheet. Make sure the pieces do not touch. This allows hot air to flow around them. - How to Avoid Soggy Potatoes To keep potatoes crispy, don’t cover them while baking. Use a high oven temperature, around 400°F (200°C). Stir the mixture halfway through cooking to promote browning. The olive oil helps crisp the edges, so don’t skip it! Pro Tips Choose the Right Sausage: Opt for a smoked sausage that complements the flavors of ranch and cheese; turkey or chicken sausage can be a lighter alternative. Perfect Potato Preparation: Ensure your potato cubes are uniform in size for even cooking; dicing them into 1-inch cubes helps them cook through perfectly. Layering Flavors: For an extra kick, consider adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or your favorite hot sauce to the ranch dressing before drizzling it over the dish. Garnish Wisely: Fresh herbs like parsley or chives not only add color but also enhance the freshness of the dish; don’t skip this step! {{image_2}} You can easily make Cheesy Ranch Potatoes healthier. Swap smoked sausage with turkey sausage. Turkey sausage has less fat and fewer calories. You can also use low-fat ranch dressing. This gives you the same creamy taste without the extra calories. These small changes can help you enjoy this dish while keeping it lighter. Want to spice things up? Add some heat with cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños. Both will give your dish a nice kick. You can also mix up the cheese. Try pepper jack for a spicy twist, or mozzarella for a milder flavor. Each cheese brings a different taste to your Cheesy Ranch Potatoes. You can get creative with add-ins. Bell peppers, broccoli, or corn work well. Just chop them into small pieces and mix them in. They add color and nutrition. For toppings, consider crispy bacon bits or crushed tortilla chips for crunch. A sprinkle of smoked paprika can also enhance the flavor. Each addition makes the dish more fun and tasty. To keep your cheesy ranch potatoes with sausage fresh, place them in an airtight container. Let them cool before sealing. Store the container in the fridge. They will last for 3 to 4 days. When ready to eat your leftovers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the potatoes and sausage on a baking sheet. Heat for about 15-20 minutes until warm. You can also use a microwave. Heat in a microwave-safe dish for 2-3 minutes. Stir halfway for even heating. If you want to freeze this dish, place it in a freezer-safe container. It will stay good for up to 3 months. To thaw, move the container to the fridge for a day before cooking. Reheat in the oven or microwave as mentioned above. Enjoy your cheesy delight even after freezing! Yes, you can make Cheesy Ranch Potatoes without sausage. Just skip the sausage and add more veggies. Try bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor. You can also add beans for protein. The ranch dressing and cheese will still make it delicious! If you need a ranch dressing substitute, use plain yogurt mixed with herbs. Combine yogurt with garlic powder, dill, and a splash of lemon juice. You can also use blue cheese dressing or Italian dressing. Each option adds a different taste, but will still be tasty. Baking time changes with potato size. If you use smaller cubes, check for doneness at 25 minutes. Larger cubes may need up to 40 minutes. Always poke a potato with a fork to see if it’s soft. Adjust as needed to ensure they cook through. Yes, you can prepare Cheesy Ranch Potatoes in advance. Cut the potatoes and sausage, and mix them with the seasoning. Store them in the fridge for up to a day. When ready, bake them as usual. Just remember to adjust the baking time if they are cold. In this article, we explored how to create delicious Cheesy Ranch Potatoes. We covered the key ingredients, simple step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips for perfect results. Plus, you learned about tasty variations and smart storage tips. These cheesy potatoes are easy to make and fun to share. Feel free to mix in your favorite ingredients. Enjoy this dish at your next gathering and impress your friends and family!

Cheesy Ranch Potatoes with Sausage

A delicious and savory dish featuring diced potatoes, smoked sausage, and melted cheddar cheese, drizzled with ranch dressing.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4

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
  • 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 2 green onions chopped (for garnish)
  • to taste fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced potatoes and sliced sausage.
  • Drizzle the olive oil over the potatoes and sausage, then add garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Toss everything to ensure the potatoes and sausage are evenly coated.
  • Spread the potato and sausage mixture onto a large baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring there’s enough space for even cooking.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and golden brown, stirring halfway through to promote even browning.
  • Remove the baking sheet from the oven and drizzle ranch dressing over the hot potato and sausage mixture.
  • Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top and return to the oven for an additional 5-7 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  • Once out of the oven, garnish with chopped green onions and parsley for a fresh touch.
  • Serve hot and enjoy your cheesy, savory ranch potatoes!

Notes

Feel free to use your favorite type of smoked sausage.
Keyword baked, cheesy, potatoes, ranch, sausage