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- 4 medium russet potatoes - 2 cups smoked sausage - 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese - 1/2 cup ranch dressing - Olive oil - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt - Black pepper - Green onions The heart of this dish lies in its main ingredients. The russet potatoes are perfect for roasting. They turn golden and crisp. The smoked sausage adds a rich flavor that pairs well with the potatoes. And let’s not forget the sharp cheddar cheese. It melts beautifully on top, creating a gooey layer of goodness. You need to season these potatoes right. The ranch dressing gives a creamy twist. Olive oil helps everything roast well. Garlic and onion powders bring depth. Paprika adds a hint of smokiness. Salt and black pepper enhance all the flavors. Finally, green onions provide a fresh crunch. They brighten the dish and make it look pretty. This blend of ingredients makes Cheesy Ranch Potatoes with Smoked Sausage a hit every time. - Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). - Dice the potatoes into bite-sized pieces. - Slice the smoked sausage into rounds. First, I start by getting my oven ready. Preheating to 400°F makes sure everything cooks just right. Then, I dice the potatoes. I like them in bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly. Next, I slice the smoked sausage into rounds. This gives a nice bite and flavor to the dish. - Combine potatoes with olive oil and seasonings. In a large bowl, I mix the diced potatoes with olive oil. I also add garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. I use my hands or a spatula to toss everything together. I want each potato piece to be coated well with the seasonings. This step is key for flavor. - Spread potatoes on a baking sheet, bake for 20 minutes. - Add sausage to potatoes and bake additional time. - Drizzle ranch dressing and sprinkle cheese. Next, I line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This makes cleanup easy. I spread the seasoned potatoes in a single layer on the sheet. I bake them for 20 minutes. After that, I take the baking sheet out and add the sliced sausage. I toss it with the potatoes to mix the flavors. Then, I put it back in the oven for another 15 to 20 minutes. I want the potatoes golden brown and tender. Once done, I drizzle ranch dressing over the hot mixture. Finally, I sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese on top. I return it to the oven for about 5 minutes. This melts the cheese into a gooey layer. It’s the best part! To get golden brown and tender potatoes, start with the right type. I use russet potatoes. They have a high starch content, which helps achieve that crispy outside and soft inside. Here’s how to make them perfect: - Dice your potatoes into even, bite-sized pieces. This helps them cook evenly. - Toss the diced potatoes in olive oil and spices. Coat them well to ensure flavor. - Spread the potatoes in a single layer on the baking sheet. This allows hot air to circulate and crisp them. - Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes before adding sausage. This gives them a head start on cooking. Melting cheese can be tricky. You want it gooey, not burnt. Here are my tips: - Use freshly grated cheese, like sharp cheddar. Pre-packaged cheese has additives that prevent melting well. - Add the cheese towards the end of baking. Drizzle ranch dressing first, then sprinkle cheese. - Bake for just 5 minutes after adding cheese. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning. Want to kick up the flavor? Here are some easy ideas: - Add a dash of cayenne pepper for heat. - Mix in some chopped bell peppers or jalapeños for a fresh twist. - Try adding different spices like cumin, or Italian herbs for variety. - A squeeze of fresh lemon juice can brighten the dish right before serving. These tips will help you create the best Cheesy Ranch Potatoes with Smoked Sausage. Enjoy your cooking! {{image_4}} You can easily switch up the protein in this dish. Try using chicken or turkey sausage for a leaner choice. Both options add great flavor and still keep the meal hearty. If you want a vegetarian twist, consider using plant-based sausage. It gives you that same smoky flavor without meat. While sharp cheddar cheese is perfect for this recipe, other cheeses work great too. Mozzarella cheese melts well and adds a stretchy texture. You can also use pepper jack for a spicy kick. Experimenting with different cheeses can lead to fun and tasty results. If you need gluten-free options, make sure your sausage and ranch dressing are gluten-free. You can find many brands that offer gluten-free choices. For a dairy-free version, use dairy-free cheese and ranch dressing made from plant-based ingredients. This way, everyone can enjoy this dish! To store leftovers, let your Cheesy Ranch Potatoes with Smoked Sausage cool down first. Then, place them in an airtight container. This helps keep the dish fresh. You can store them in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. When reheating, use the oven for the best results. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the potatoes and sausage on a baking sheet. Heat for about 15 to 20 minutes. This method keeps the potatoes crispy and the cheese melty. You can also use the microwave, but this may make the potatoes soft. Yes, you can freeze Cheesy Ranch Potatoes with Smoked Sausage. After cooling, place them in a freezer-safe container. Make sure to use a layer of plastic wrap before sealing with a lid. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you are ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating. Yes, you can make parts of this dish ahead of time. Here are some tips: - Prep the Potatoes: Dice and season the potatoes the day before. Store them in a bowl covered with water in the fridge. This keeps them fresh. - Cook the Sausage: You can slice and cook the smoked sausage ahead. Just reheat it when you're ready to bake. - Mix the Dressing: Combine ranch dressing with your spices in a jar. Store it in the fridge until you need it. Doing this can save you time on busy days. Cheesy Ranch Potatoes with Smoked Sausage is filling, but here are some tasty sides: - Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli or green beans add color and nutrition. - Salad: A simple green salad with dressing balances the richness. - Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread pairs well with the creamy potatoes. - Coleslaw: The crunch of coleslaw adds texture to your meal. These sides make a complete and yummy dinner. If you want to tone down the heat, here are some options: - Skip the Paprika: This spice adds a bit of warmth, so leave it out. - Use Mild Sausage: Choose a mild smoked sausage instead of spicy ones. - Add More Cheese: Extra sharp cheddar cheese can mellow out the spice. - Serve with Extra Ranch: Drizzling more ranch dressing can cool the heat. These tips help you enjoy the dish without too much spice. This blog post covered a tasty Cheesy Ranch Potato dish. We explored key ingredients like russet potatoes, smoked sausage, and sharp cheddar. You learned how to season and prepare an easy, delicious recipe, plus tips for perfect potatoes and cheese. We also discussed variations and storage methods. Now, you can make this dish your own. Enjoy the cooking process and taste the results. Your kitchen adventures await!

Cheesy Ranch Potatoes with Smoked Sausage

Indulge in the deliciousness of Cheesy Ranch Potatoes with Smoked Sausage! This easy recipe combines tender russet potatoes, flavorful smoked sausage, and a mouthwatering layer of melted cheddar cheese, all brought together with creamy ranch dressing. Perfect for a family meal or a cozy gathering, this dish will please everyone at your table. Click through for the full recipe and make this delightful comfort food today!
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Ingredients
  

4 medium russet potatoes, diced into bite-sized pieces

2 cups smoked sausage, sliced into rounds

1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, finely grated

1/2 cup ranch dressing

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon paprika

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

2 green onions, finely sliced for garnish

Instructions
 

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C), ensuring it reaches the desired temperature before you place your dish inside.

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced potatoes with the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a spatula to toss the ingredients thoroughly until the potatoes are evenly coated with the seasonings.

      Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and spread the seasoned potatoes in a single layer across the pan. This ensures even cooking and crispiness. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.

        After 20 minutes, carefully take the baking sheet out of the oven. Add the sliced smoked sausage to the potatoes and toss them together to integrate the flavors.

          Return the baking sheet to the oven and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the potatoes are golden brown and tender when pierced with a fork.

            Once the potatoes are cooked through, remove the baking sheet from the oven again and immediately drizzle the ranch dressing over the hot potato and sausage mixture. Next, sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese evenly across the top.

              Place the baking sheet back in the oven for about 5 minutes, just long enough for the cheese to melt into a gooey, delicious layer.

                Finally, take the baking sheet out of the oven, garnish with the finely sliced green onions, and serve hot while the flavors are at their peak.

                  Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes | Servings: 4

                    - Presentation Tips: For an appealing presentation, serve the Cheesy Ranch Potatoes with Smoked Sausage in a large serving bowl and drizzle a little extra ranch dressing over the top just before garnishing with green onions. You can also add a sprinkle of paprika for a pop of color!