There's nothing quite like a pan of Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Sausage sizzling in the oven, filling the kitchen with the savory aroma of garlic, herbs, and melting cheddar. This recipe brings together golden roasted potatoes, flavorful smoked sausage, and plenty of cheese into one mouthwatering dish that hits all the right comfort food notes.
I first threw this together on a chilly evening with what I had in my fridge—and it instantly became a keeper. It’s cozy, family-friendly, budget-conscious, and best of all, made in just one pan for easy cleanup. Let’s dive in and see why this dish deserves a spot in your regular rotation.
Why You’ll Love This One Pan Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Sausage
Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite weeknight comfort food. This One Pan Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Sausage recipe brings everything you want in a meal—flavor, ease, and satisfaction.
First, it’s a total time-saver. With just a bit of chopping and tossing, everything cooks together in the oven, freeing you up to unwind, catch up on your favorite show, or help the kids with homework.
It's also incredibly affordable. Potatoes and smoked sausage are staples that won’t strain your grocery budget, and you likely have the rest of the ingredients—like shredded cheese and ranch seasoning—already on hand.
This dish is a hit with all ages. Kids love the cheesy goodness, and adults appreciate the hearty, satisfying combination. Even picky eaters can’t resist it.
Lastly, it’s easily adaptable. Swap out ingredients, spice it up, or add extra veggies based on what’s in your fridge. No matter what, you’ll end up with something delicious.
Once you make this once, you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again. Let’s take a closer look at what goes into this simple yet satisfying recipe.
Ingredients Notes

The magic of this One Pan Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Sausage recipe lies in the balance between hearty ingredients and bold flavors. Each one has a key role to play in making this dish a knockout.
Baby red potatoes are ideal for this dish. They roast up beautifully with a crispy outside and creamy interior. If you don’t have red potatoes, Yukon Golds or russets work just fine—just make sure to cut them into evenly sized chunks so they cook uniformly.
Smoked sausage brings all the flavor with none of the hassle. Whether you use pork, beef, or a turkey version, its savory, spiced profile holds its own against the bold ranch seasoning and gooey cheese. Slice it into thick coins so it gets nicely browned in the oven.
Cheddar cheese melts into a gooey, golden layer that holds everything together. I prefer sharp cheddar for its bite, but feel free to use Monterey Jack or Colby if you prefer a milder flavor. Adding a bit of mozzarella makes it extra stretchy and indulgent.
Ranch seasoning is the flavor bomb here. It brings in herbs, garlic, onion, and a touch of tangy creaminess. Use a store-bought packet or make your own ranch mix at home for a fresher take.
You’ll just need a large rimmed baking sheet or oven-safe skillet to bring it all together. Lining it with foil or parchment makes cleanup a breeze—because no one likes scrubbing baked-on cheese!
How To Make This One Pan Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Sausage

Bringing this cozy, cheesy dish to life is as simple as mix, roast, and melt. Here’s how to make it step-by-step.
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it heats, chop your potatoes into bite-sized chunks and toss them into a large mixing bowl. Drizzle them with olive oil and sprinkle over the ranch seasoning, tossing well to coat every piece.
Slice your smoked sausage into thick rounds—about ½-inch thick is ideal. Add those to the bowl with the seasoned potatoes, then stir everything together again so the sausage gets a little seasoning love too.
Pour the entire mixture onto a lined baking sheet and spread it out into an even layer. You want everything to touch the pan for maximum browning. Roast in the oven for 30-35 minutes, flipping halfway through so the potatoes crisp up on all sides and the sausage caramelizes.
Once everything is golden and fragrant, pull the pan out and sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Slide it back into the oven for another 5-7 minutes, just until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
For an extra golden top, you can broil it for 1-2 minutes—but watch closely so it doesn’t burn. Serve hot, right from the pan, with a sprinkle of fresh parsley if you’re feeling fancy.
From start to finish, you’re looking at about 45 minutes, most of which is hands-off time. The result? A crispy, cheesy, flavorful meal all in one pan.
Storage Options
This dish stores wonderfully, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers the next day. Let the cheesy sausage and potatoes cool completely before transferring to an airtight container.
In the fridge, it will keep well for up to 4 days. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, so it might even taste better the next day.
For longer storage, you can freeze it—though the texture of the potatoes may soften a bit upon thawing. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
To reheat, pop individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, or reheat larger portions in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. You can even add a fresh sprinkle of cheese before heating to bring back that melty goodness.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best parts of this recipe is how easy it is to customize. It’s a great base for all kinds of spins and swaps.
Swap the sausage for bacon, diced ham, or even grilled chicken. Any cooked protein will work well here and pick up the flavor of the ranch seasoning and cheese.
Want more veggies? Toss in chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or broccoli florets in the last 15 minutes of roasting. They’ll add color, texture, and nutrition without extra work.
Make it spicy with a dash of cayenne pepper, a few sliced jalapeños, or a drizzle of hot sauce over the cheese. The creaminess of the cheese balances the heat beautifully.
No ranch seasoning on hand? You can mix your own with dried parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, dill, salt, and pepper. A touch of powdered buttermilk (if you have it) completes the flavor.
Go dairy-free by using vegan cheese and skipping the ranch in favor of your favorite spice mix. The potatoes and sausage still shine through with their bold, roasted flavor.
Don’t be afraid to play with what you have in your fridge or pantry. This is the kind of forgiving, adaptable recipe that welcomes creativity.
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One Pan Cheesy Ranch Potatoes And Sausage Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This One Pan Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Sausage recipe delivers ultimate comfort with tender roasted potatoes, savory sausage, and gooey melted cheese—all seasoned with tangy ranch and baked to perfection in a single pan. Ideal for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings, this hearty dish is easy to make, clean up, and customize to your taste.
Ingredients
1 ½ pounds baby red potatoes, quartered
14 oz smoked sausage, sliced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon dry ranch seasoning
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a large bowl, toss the quartered potatoes with olive oil and ranch seasoning.
Spread potatoes evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Bake for 20 minutes.
Remove from oven and add sliced sausage. Toss everything together and return to the oven for another 15-20 minutes until potatoes are tender.
Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top and bake for another 5 minutes until cheese melts.
Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Notes
Swap cheddar for pepper jack or mozzarella for a twist.
Add vegetables like bell peppers or onions for extra flavor and nutrition.
Use turkey sausage or chicken sausage for a leaner option.
Can be made ahead and reheated—great for meal prep.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Dish
- Method: Baking, Sheet Pan
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 425
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 890mg
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