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Cheesy Ranch Potatoes & Sausage Bake

Cheesy Ranch Potatoes & Sausage Bake

Cheesy Ranch Potatoes & Sausage Bake is a comforting, crowd-pleasing one-pan dish combining crispy baby potatoes, savory Italian sausage, tangy ranch seasoning, and melty shredded cheddar cheese. Perfect for easy weeknight dinners or gatherings, it offers a hearty, flavorful meal with minimal prep and effortless baking that pleases both kids and adults.

Ingredients

Scale

Potatoes

  • pounds baby potatoes (small or medium-sized, halved)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Sausage

  • 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casing removed)

Seasoning and Cheese

  • 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning mix
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided

Instructions

  1. Prep the Potatoes: Wash and halve the baby potatoes to ensure even cooking. Toss them in olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to coat thoroughly, establishing a flavorful base.
  2. Cook the Sausage: Remove the sausage from its casing and brown it in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked, breaking it into bite-sized pieces to add savory richness to the dish.
  3. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the seasoned potatoes, cooked sausage, ranch seasoning mix, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix gently to blend all flavors evenly.
  4. Bake to Perfection: Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish and sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  5. Rest and Serve: Let the bake cool for 5 minutes before serving. This resting time allows the cheese to set slightly, making slicing easier and enhancing the flavor.

Notes

  • Parboil potatoes for 5 minutes before seasoning to achieve extra crispy outsides.
  • Use sharp cheddar cheese for its excellent melting quality and tangy flavor that complements ranch seasoning.
  • Avoid overcrowding the baking dish to ensure the potatoes roast properly instead of steaming.
  • Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or dill after baking for a fresh, bright flavor.
  • Ensure sausage is fully cooked before mixing to avoid undercooked meat in the bake.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheesy ranch potatoes, sausage bake, one-pan dinner, comfort food, family dinner, easy recipe, baked potatoes, ranch seasoning, cheddar cheese