Description
A simple, comforting dish featuring tender baked potatoes seasoned with ranch, combined with smoky sausage, and topped with melted cheddar and mozzarella cheese for a flavorful, easy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Potatoes and Seasoning
- 4 cups potatoes, diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons ranch seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Sausage and Toppings
- 12 ounces smoked sausage, sliced
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare the baking dish: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a large baking dish to prevent sticking and promote even cooking.
- Toss potatoes with seasoning: In a large bowl, combine the diced potatoes with olive oil, ranch seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Toss well to coat all pieces evenly.
- Initial baking of potatoes: Spread the seasoned potatoes evenly in the prepared baking dish and bake uncovered for 25 minutes, allowing the potatoes to start cooking and crisping up slightly.
- Add smoked sausage and continue baking: Remove the dish from the oven, add the smoked sausage slices, stir gently to mix, and return to the oven to bake for another 15 minutes or until the potatoes are fully tender.
- Add cheese and melt: Sprinkle shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the sausage and potatoes. Bake for an additional 5–7 minutes until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from oven, garnish with sliced green onions and chopped fresh parsley, then serve hot for a cheesy, comforting meal.
Notes
- You can use red or Yukon gold potatoes for the best texture.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika along with the ranch seasoning.
- Leftovers reheat well in the oven or microwave.
- For a lower-fat variation, use reduced-fat cheese and turkey sausage.
- Make sure to slice the sausage evenly for uniform cooking.
