Smoked Sausage & Bacon Loaded Potato Salad

2 lbs Red Yukon potatoes (red potatoes or Yukon Gold potatoes)

1 package ranch dip - or 1 ½ Tbsp. from the canister

1 tsp. coarsely ground black pepper (freshly ground preferred)

1 tsp. dried dill

½ tsp. smoked paprika

½ tsp. powdered garlic

1 lbs bacon

10 oz fully cooked beef smoked sausage (I use the skinless one from Eckrich-it is excellent!)

2 Tbsp. minced chives

3/4 cup sour cream

3/4 cup good quality mayonnaise

¼ cup milk

1 Tbsp. bacon drippings

2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (grated)