# Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage Recipe
Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage is a delightful one-pan meal that's bursting with flavor. This comforting dish combines tender potatoes, savory smoked sausage, and melted cheese, making it a perfect choice for family dinners or meal prep.
### Why Make This Recipe?
This recipe is not only delicious, but it also brings numerous benefits. It's simple to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings with friends. Plus, it features halal-certified ingredients, ensuring everyone can enjoy this hearty meal. You can serve it at potlucks or even as a side dish for a backyard barbecue!
### Ingredients:
- 1 pound smoked sausage (halal-certified, no pork)
- 4 cups baby potatoes, halved or quartered
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (halal-certified)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of your favorite cheeses)
- 1/2 cup sour cream (optional, for serving)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
### Directions to Make Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage
1. **Preheat the Oven:** Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for roasting.
2. **Prep the Potatoes:** Rinse and cut the baby potatoes in half or quarters for even cooking.
3. **Slice the Smoked Sausage:** Cut the smoked sausage into 1/4-inch thick rounds to help it infuse flavor into the potatoes.
4. **Combine the Seasonings:** In a small bowl, mix ranch seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
5. **Coat the Potatoes:** In a large bowl, toss the halved potatoes with olive oil and half of the seasoning mixture until well coated.
6. **Prepare the Baking Sheet:** Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
7. **Spread the Potatoes on the Sheet:** Arrange the seasoned potatoes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
8. **Add the Sausage:** Distribute the sliced sausage evenly over the potatoes.
9. **Roast in the Oven:** Bake for 35-40 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden brown and tender.
10. **Add the Cheese:** Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the mixture and bake for an additional 5 minutes until melted and bubbly.
11. **Garnish and Serve:** Remove from the oven, garnish with parsley, and serve with sour cream, if desired.
### How to Serve Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage
These Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage can be served as a main dish or as a side. It pairs wonderfully with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables. For larger gatherings, consider doubling the recipe and serving it on a buffet-style table.
### How to Store Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage
To store leftovers, let the dish cool and then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage. Reheat in the oven or microwave for a quick meal.
### Tips to Make Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage
- For extra flavor, consider adding bell peppers or onions to the roasting pan.
- Use different types of cheese like mozzarella or pepper jack for a tasty twist.
- For a creamy variation, mix in some sour cream before serving.
### Variations
Feel free to experiment with other ingredients! You could add vegetables like broccoli or carrots for extra nutrition and color, or try different seasoning blends like Italian herbs or Cajun spices.
### FAQs
**1. Can I use other types of sausage?**
Yes, you can use any type of halal-certified sausage, such as turkey or beef sausage, according to your preferences.
**2. Can I make this dish vegetarian?**
Yes! Simply omit the sausage and add more vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
**3. How do I make it spicier?**
You can add crushed red pepper flakes or use a spicy ranch seasoning mix for extra heat.
*Alt text: Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage served on a plate with fresh parsley.*
*Alt text: Preparing Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage in a baking sheet.*
For more delicious recipes, check out our [Easy Weeknight Dinners](https://www.wecookrecipe.com/easy-weeknight-dinners) and [Comfort Food Favorites](https://www.wecookrecipe.com/comfort-food-favorites).
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Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage
A delightful one-pan meal featuring tender potatoes, savory smoked sausage, and melted cheese, perfect for family dinners and meal prep.
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound smoked sausage (halal-certified, no pork) (Use any halal-certified sausage.)
- 4 cups baby potatoes, halved or quartered (Ensure even cooking by cutting potatoes evenly.)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (Preferably extra virgin for flavor.)
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (halal-certified)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (You can use a mix of your favorite cheeses.)
- 1/2 cup sour cream (optional, for serving)
- to taste fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for roasting.
- Rinse and cut the baby potatoes in half or quarters for even cooking.
- Cut the smoked sausage into 1/4-inch thick rounds to help it infuse flavor into the potatoes.
- In a small bowl, mix ranch seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
Assembly and Cooking
- In a large bowl, toss the halved potatoes with olive oil and half of the seasoning mixture until well coated.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Arrange the seasoned potatoes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Distribute the sliced sausage evenly over the potatoes.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden brown and tender.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the mixture and bake for an additional 5 minutes until melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven, garnish with parsley, and serve with sour cream, if desired.
For extra flavor, consider adding bell peppers or onions to the roasting pan. Use different types of cheese like mozzarella or pepper jack for a tasty twist. For a creamy variation, mix in some sour cream before serving.
