Indulge in the delightful harmony of creamy, cheesy potatoes and savory smoked sausage with this elegant and comforting Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage recipe. Crafted with the utmost care and attention to detail, this dish celebrates the art of refined comfort food, inviting you to savor the rich, satisfying flavors that will warm your soul.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage
Prepare to be captivated by the luscious, decadent combination of tender, flavorful potatoes, melted gooey cheese, and the irresistible smokiness of the sausage. This elegant dish strikes the perfect balance between comfort and sophistication, making it the ultimate indulgence for any occasion. With its vibrant colors, enticing aromas, and sumptuous textures, this recipe is sure to delight your senses and leave you feeling wholly satisfied.
Ingredients
Elevate your culinary experience with the carefully curated ingredients that make up this Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage masterpiece. From the creamy, buttery potatoes to the robust smoked sausage, each component has been thoughtfully selected to create a harmonious and gourmet-level dish.
- 3 lbs – Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 cup – heavy cream
- 1 cup – shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tbsp – dried parsley
- 1 lb – smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
Ingredient Substitutions
- Potatoes: Russet or red potatoes work equally well, offering slight variations in texture and flavor.
- Cheese: Swap in Monterey Jack, Gouda, or a blend of cheeses for a unique twist on the classic cheddar.
How to Make Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage
Embark on a culinary journey as you follow these step-by-step instructions to create this refined and cozy dish. Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and aromas that will transport you to a world of culinary bliss.
Step 1 — Prepare the Potatoes
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Peel and dice the Yukon Gold potatoes into 1-inch cubes, ensuring they are evenly sized for even cooking. Rinse the diced potatoes in cold water to remove any excess starch, then pat them dry with paper towels.
Step 2 — Assemble the Casserole
In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced potatoes, heavy cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and dried parsley. Toss the ingredients together until the potatoes are evenly coated. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread it out in an even layer.
Step 3 — Add the Sausage
Arrange the sliced smoked sausage pieces over the top of the potato mixture, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
Step 4 — Bake to Perfection
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove the foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking to allow the top to develop a golden-brown crust.
Chef Tips & Variations
- Crispy Topping: For an extra layer of texture, top the casserole with a mixture of panko breadcrumbs and melted butter before baking.
- Veggie Add-Ins: Sauté diced bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms and mix them into the potato mixture for a boost of flavor and nutrition.
- Bacon Crumble: Sprinkle crispy bacon crumbles over the top of the casserole for a delightful salty-smoky contrast.
- Spice it Up: Stir in a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a pinch of cayenne pepper to add a subtle kick of heat.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: A fresh green salad, roasted asparagus, or crusty bread to soak up the creamy, cheesy goodness.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. For longer storage, the casserole can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheat: To reheat, thaw the frozen casserole in the refrigerator overnight, then bake at 350°F until heated through. Leftover portions can be reheated in the microwave or oven.
Make-Ahead: This dish can be assembled and refrigerated a day in advance, then baked just before serving for a stress-free meal.
Nutrition Information
Nourish your body and soul with the balanced, wholesome ingredients that make up this refined and flavorful recipe. Delight in the comforting, yet healthful aspects of this Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage dish.
- Serving Size: 1/8 of the casserole
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Protein: 18 g
- Carbs: 35 g
- Fat: 26 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely! This recipe is incredibly versatile, and you can swap in your favorite type of smoked or cooked sausage. Italian sausage, kielbasa, or even spicy andouille would all work beautifully in this dish.
How can I make this dish ahead of time?
This Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage casserole is perfect for making in advance. You can assemble the entire dish, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to serve, simply pop it in the oven and bake as directed.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can easily customize the cheese in this recipe to suit your tastes. Cheddar is a classic choice, but you could also try Monterey Jack, Gouda, or a blend of your favorite melty cheeses.
How do I reheat leftovers?
Leftovers can be reheated in the oven at 350°F until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, stirring occasionally, until warmed to your liking.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make this a vegetarian dish, simply omit the smoked sausage and consider adding sautéed mushrooms, diced bell peppers, or other roasted vegetables to the potato mixture for a delicious meatless option.
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Irresistible Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage
- Total Time: 65 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the creamy, savory delight of Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage. This dish combines tender potatoes, flavorful sausage, and a rich ranch cheese sauce for a refined yet comforting dinner experience.
Ingredients
4 medium potatoes, diced
1 pound smoked sausage, sliced
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup ranch dressing
1/2 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
2. In a large bowl, combine the diced potatoes, smoked sausage, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread the mixture in a greased baking dish.
4. In a separate bowl, mix the ranch dressing and sour cream, then pour over the potato and sausage mixture.
5. Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
6. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is bubbly.
7. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Notes
For an extra kick, add some diced jalapeños to the mixture. This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 50mg