Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Sausage

Ingredients

• The Potatoes: 2 lbs baby Yukon Gold or red potatoes, washed and cut into bite-sized chunks (no need to peel!)
• The Sausage: 1 lb smoked sausage or kielbasa, sliced into coins
• The Seasoning:
  • 1 packet (approx. 1 oz) dry ranch seasoning mix
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (or melted butter)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • A pinch of salt (adjust depending on how salty your sausage is)
• The Creamy Cheese Sauce & Topping:
  • 1/2 cup sour cream or heavy cream (adds incredible richness)
  • 2 cups freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese (or a cheddar-jack blend)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh chopped chives or green onions for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep and Roast the Potatoes & Sausage

1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Lightly grease a large baking sheet or a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, toss your potato chunks with the olive oil, half of the dry ranch seasoning packet, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt until evenly coated.
3. Spread the potatoes out in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet.
4. Scatter the sliced smoked sausage evenly among the potatoes.
5. Roast in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, tossing halfway through, until the potatoes are fork-tender and golden-brown on the edges and the sausage is caramelized.

2. Add the Creamy Ranch Touch

1. While the potatoes and sausage are roasting, whisk together the sour cream (or heavy cream) and the remaining half of the ranch packet in a small bowl.
2. Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Drizzle or dab the ranch-cream mixture over the warm potatoes and sausage, tossing gently to coat everything in that creamy flavor.

3. Melt the Cheese

1. Generously sprinkle the 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese all over the top of the potato and sausage mixture.
2. Return the pan to the oven for 5 to 8 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted, bubbly, and slightly golden around the edges.

4. Garnish and Serve

1. Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes so the cheese sets slightly.
2. Sprinkle with fresh chopped green onions or chives for a pop of color and fresh flavor before serving hot!

Pro-Tips for Success

• Cut Uniform Sizes: Try to cut your potato chunks into roughly the same size so they roast evenly and finish at the same time as the sausage.
• Make it a Complete Sheet Pan Meal: You can easily toss in some fresh broccoli florets or bell pepper chunks right alongside the potatoes and sausage for an all-in-one veggie boost.