1. Gather all your ingredients, including 1.5 lbs of quartered baby potatoes, 1 lb of sliced smoked sausage, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup of ranch dressing, 1/4 cup of milk, and any seasonings or optional add-ins you prefer.
2. Prepare your ingredients by quartering the baby potatoes and slicing the smoked sausage.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the potatoes, sausage, ranch dressing, milk, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, and any additional seasonings or add-ins, like sour cream or cream of chicken soup. Mix well until everything is evenly coated.
4. Choose your preferred cooking method: crockpot or oven.
5. For the crockpot method, grease or line your crockpot, then pour in the potato mixture. Cook on low for 2.5 to 3 hours. Once done, sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese on top and cook for an additional 30 minutes to 1 hour until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. For the oven method, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread the mixture evenly into a greased 9 x 13 baking dish. Bake for 30 minutes. Afterward, top with the remaining cheese and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until the cheese is golden and the dish is fully cooked.
7. Remove from the crockpot or oven and let the dish cool slightly.
8. Serve as a main dish or hearty side dish. Pair with a light salad or enjoy on its own.
9. Experiment with variations like adding vegetables (e.g., bell peppers, mushrooms, or onions) or trying different types of cheese and sausage for new flavor combinations.
10. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently to maintain flavor and texture.