Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage (Easy One-Pan Dinner That Hits Every Note)
Derek
This cheesy ranch potatoes and smoked sausage recipe is the ultimate one-pan comfort food dinner. It’s packed with golden roasted potatoes, smoky sausage slices, gooey melted cheddar, and zesty ranch seasoning. Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or game day crowds, this easy skillet dish comes together in under an hour with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 45 minutes mins
Total Time 55 minutes mins
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine Comfort Fusion, Southern-Inspired
Servings 4 servings
Calories 540 kcal
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs baby potatoes halved
- 14 oz smoked sausage kielbasa, andouille, or your favorite
- 1.5 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Optional Add-Ins
- Chopped broccoli bell peppers, or jalapeños
- Green onions for garnish
Preheat and PrepPreheat oven to 400°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or large sheet pan. Mix the BaseIn a large bowl, toss potatoes and sliced sausage with olive oil, sour cream, ranch seasoning, and half the shredded cheese. Bake CoveredTransfer mixture to the baking dish. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes until the potatoes are just fork-tender. Uncover and FinishRemove foil, stir gently, and top with remaining cheese. Bake uncovered for 12–15 more minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden. Garnish and ServeSprinkle with chopped green onions and serve hot. Leftovers? Even better the next day.
Secret Tips for Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage
1. Sear the Sausage First for Extra Flavor: Before tossing everything into the baking dish or skillet, sear the sliced smoked sausage in a hot pan for 2–3 minutes per side. This step adds a caramelized edge and locks in that smoky, savory bite that takes your skillet dinner from good to ridiculously good.
2. Parboil the Potatoes for Perfect Texture: For ultra-tender potatoes that don’t dry out, parboil them for 5 minutes before tossing them with the ranch seasoning and sausage. This ensures even cooking and that signature creamy texture inside with crispy edges on the outside.
3. Use a Blend of Cheeses: Don’t stop at cheddar. Mix in some Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even pepper jack for meltier, bolder flavor. The blend creates layers of gooeyness and complements the smoky richness of the sausage.
4. Go Fresh with the Ranch Flavor: If you’ve got the time, skip the packet and use a homemade ranch seasoning blend with dried dill, garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, and a pinch of buttermilk powder. The flavor pops brighter and balances the saltiness better.
5. Finish Under the Broiler: For that Instagram-worthy golden cheese top, place your skillet or casserole under the broiler for 2–3 minutes at the end. Keep a close eye—this will give you those bubbly, slightly crispy cheese pockets everyone loves.
6. Add Crunch with a Topping: Right before serving, sprinkle crushed buttery crackers, toasted breadcrumbs, or crispy onions over the top. This texture contrast plays beautifully against the soft potatoes and gooey cheese.
7. Let It Rest Before Serving: After pulling it from the oven, let it rest uncovered for 5 minutes. This gives the cheese a chance to settle, prevents burns from molten bites, and helps the flavors marry even more.
8. Customize Heat with Spices: Want it spicy? Stir in diced jalapeños, smoked paprika, or a dash of cayenne into the ranch mix. It’ll add a subtle kick that works wonders without overpowering the dish.Keyword cheesy ranch potatoes and sausage, creamy ranch potato bake, easy sausage potato casserole, one pan smoked sausage recipe, ranch flavored potato skillet, sausage and cheese oven bake, smoked sausage dinner skillet
