Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage
This comforting one-pan dish brings together tender, seasoned baby potatoes with savory, smoky sausage, all enveloped in a delightful blanket of melted cheddar cheese. It's an incredibly easy and flavorful meal perfect for a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend gathering, requiring minimal cleanup but delivering maximum taste. The vibrant ranch seasoning elevates simple ingredients into a truly satisfying culinary experience that the whole family will adore.
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
40-45 minutes
Total Time
55-60 minutes
Servings
4-6 servings
Keywords
Why This Recipe Delivers
- Incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy schedules.
- A full meal on one pan, significantly reducing cleanup time.
- Combines savory sausage, tender potatoes, and creamy cheese for ultimate comfort.
- Versatile and customizable with different cheeses or seasonings to suit your taste.
- A crowd-pleaser that satisfies even the pickiest eaters with its familiar, delicious flavors.
Ingredients
- 450 g (1 pound) smoked sausage (halal-certified, no pork)
- 600-700 g (about 4 cups) baby potatoes, halved or quartered
- 30 ml (2 tablespoons) olive oil
- 1 packet (approx. 28-30 g) ranch seasoning mix (ensure it’s halal-certified)
- 5 ml (1 teaspoon) garlic powder
- 5 ml (1 teaspoon) onion powder
- 2.5 ml (1/2 teaspoon) freshly ground black pepper
- 170 g (1 1/2 cups) shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of your favorite cheeses)
- 120 ml (1/2 cup) sour cream (optional, for serving)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients by gathering all your necessary components. This mise en place ensures a smooth and efficient cooking process, allowing you to move from one step to the next without interruption.
- Preheat the Oven to 200°C (400°F). A properly preheated oven is crucial for achieving beautifully roasted, crispy-edged potatoes, as it allows them to begin cooking immediately upon entering the heat.
- Prep the Potatoes by thoroughly washing the baby potatoes to remove any dirt. Depending on their size, cut them in half or quarters. Aim for roughly uniform pieces, about 2-3 cm (1 inch) in size, to ensure they cook evenly and quickly.
- Slice the Smoked Sausage into 0.6 cm (1/4-inch) thick rounds. This specific thickness allows the sausage to cook through perfectly, rendering slightly crispy edges and infusing its rich, smoky flavor throughout the dish.
- Mix the Seasoning and Oil by combining the ranch seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper in a small bowl. Whisk them together briefly to create a uniform spice blend.
- Coat the Potatoes by placing the prepared potatoes in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle them with the olive oil, ensuring each piece is lightly coated. Then, sprinkle half of the dry ranch seasoning mixture over the oiled potatoes and toss them vigorously until every potato piece is evenly covered. This initial seasoning is key to building flavor from the start.
- Prepare the Baking Sheet by lining a large, sturdy baking sheet with parchment paper. Alternatively, you can lightly grease the sheet. This step prevents sticking and makes cleanup significantly easier.
- Spread the Potatoes on the Sheet, arranging the seasoned potatoes in a single layer across the prepared baking sheet. It is important to avoid overcrowding, as this allows steam to escape and encourages roasting rather than steaming, resulting in crispy exteriors.
- Add the Sausage by scattering the sliced smoked sausage pieces evenly over and among the potatoes on the baking sheet. Distribute them well so that each piece has space to cook and brown.
- Roast in the Oven for 35-40 minutes. Place the baking sheet into the preheated oven. Halfway through the cooking time, approximately 18-20 minutes in, remove the sheet and gently stir the potatoes and sausage. This ensures even cooking, uniform browning, and prevents any pieces from sticking to the parchment paper. Continue roasting until the potatoes are golden brown and tender when pierced with a fork.
- Add the Cheese by removing the baking sheet from the oven. Evenly sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese (or your chosen cheese blend) over the hot potatoes and sausage. Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or just until the cheese is beautifully melted, bubbly, and slightly golden at the edges.
- Serve and Enjoy immediately. Once the cheese is perfectly melted, carefully remove the dish from the oven. For an added touch of freshness and color, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, if desired. Serve this hearty dish hot, with a generous dollop of cool sour cream on the side for a delightful creamy contrast.
Tools You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl
- Small mixing bowl
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Large baking sheet
- Parchment paper (optional, but recommended)
- Spatula or tongs for stirring
Essential Success Tips
- Do not overcrowd the baking sheet; if necessary, use two sheets to ensure potatoes roast and crisp rather than steam.
- For extra crispy potatoes, soak them in cold water for 20-30 minutes before patting them completely dry. This removes excess starch.
- Stirring halfway through cooking is crucial for even browning and to prevent sticking.
- Ensure your oven is fully preheated before adding the dish; this initial high heat helps create a good crust.
- Taste a small piece of potato before adding cheese to ensure it's tender and perfectly seasoned.
Professional Cooking Secrets
- To deepen the savory notes, lightly caramelize the sliced sausage in a skillet before adding it to the potatoes. This creates a more complex flavor profile.
- Infuse fresh herbs: Toss a few sprigs of fresh rosemary or thyme with the potatoes and olive oil before roasting for an aromatic boost.
- For an extra layer of flavor and texture, mix a tablespoon of finely grated Parmesan cheese into the cheddar before sprinkling it over the dish.
Notes
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
- Variations: Feel free to add chopped bell peppers, onions, or broccoli florets to the pan with the potatoes and sausage for added vegetables.
- Cheese: Experiment with different cheese blends like Monterey Jack, Colby, or a Mexican blend for varied flavor profiles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use any type of sausage?
While the recipe specifies smoked sausage for its distinct flavor, you can certainly experiment with other cooked sausages. Ensure it's fully cooked before adding it to the pan, as the cooking time is primarily for the potatoes. Always check for halal certification if needed.
How do I ensure my potatoes get crispy?
Key factors for crispy potatoes include not overcrowding the baking sheet, ensuring the potatoes are completely dry before seasoning, and preheating your oven to the correct temperature. Tossing them halfway through also aids in even browning and crisping.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
You can prep the potatoes (wash and cut) and slice the sausage a day in advance, storing them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. However, for the best texture, it's recommended to season and roast immediately before serving.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Calories: Approximately 480-550 per serving, Protein: 25-30g, Fat: 30-38g, Carbs: 30-35g (Estimates may vary based on exact ingredients and brands used).
Allergy Information
Contains dairy (cheese, sour cream). For a dairy-free version, use dairy-free shredded cheese and omit the sour cream. Always check labels for ranch seasoning as some brands may contain dairy or gluten. This recipe is naturally gluten-free if the ranch seasoning is certified gluten-free.
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