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.
- Author: Elena
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Potatoes
- 1½ 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/6 of recipe)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: cheesy ranch potatoes, sausage bake, one-pan dinner, comfort food, family dinner, easy recipe, baked potatoes, ranch seasoning, cheddar cheese