Hearty Cheesy Potato & Smoked Sausage Casserole Recipe

Comfort food reaches new heights with this irresistible cheesy potato & smoked sausage casserole that promises to warm every heart at the dinner table.

Layers of golden potatoes mingle with savory smoked sausage in a creamy, cheese-packed embrace.

Each forkful delivers a perfect balance of rich, hearty flavors that dance across your palate.

The combination of crispy edges and melted cheese creates a symphony of textures that’ll make mouths water.

Packed with protein and satisfying ingredients, this casserole transforms an ordinary meal into a celebration of home cooking.

Weekend gatherings or weeknight dinners will never be the same once you experience this crowd-pleasing dish.

Cheesy Potato Casserole – The Secret’s In The Sausage

• Whip Up Comfort Food: A hearty casserole that wraps you in warmth with its rich, creamy layers of potatoes, smoky sausage, and melted cheese.
• Simplify Weeknight Cooking: One-pan preparation makes this dish incredibly easy to assemble, with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor satisfaction.
• Crowd-Pleasing Meal: Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, this recipe offers a delicious combination that appeals to both kids and adults, guaranteeing clean plates and happy smiles.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or add extra vegetables to make this versatile dish your own, allowing personal creativity while maintaining its delicious core.

Everything You Need For Cheesy Potato Goodness

• Smoked Sausage: A flavorful meat that adds richness and depth to the casserole.

• Potatoes, Onions: Hearty potatoes create a satisfying base, while onions provide a subtle sweet and savory flavor.

• Butter, Milk, Cheese: Butter creates a smooth base for the sauce, milk helps create a creamy texture, and cheese adds a delicious melty topping.
• Salt, Pepper, Paprika: These seasonings enhance the overall flavor profile of the casserole, adding warmth and depth.

• Flour: Helps create a thick and creamy sauce that binds the ingredients together.

How To Nail This Potato Sausage Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Heat your oven to a toasty 375°F.

This sets the perfect temperature for creating a golden, bubbling casserole that will make your kitchen smell amazing.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

Grab a large skillet and cook the smoked sausage until it develops a beautiful caramel-colored crust.

Transfer the sausage to a plate, leaving behind those delicious flavor-packed drippings.

Step 3: Sauté the Onions

In the same skillet, melt butter and toss in chopped onions.

Let them dance around until they become soft and translucent, releasing their sweet aroma.

Step 4: Create a Creamy Sauce

• Flour
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Paprika

Slowly pour in milk, stirring constantly until the mixture transforms into a smooth, velvety sauce that coats the back of your spoon.

Step 5: Layer the Casserole

• First layer: Sliced potatoes
• Second layer: Browned sausage
• Third layer: Shredded cheese

Repeat these layers to create a mouthwatering stack of flavors.

Step 6: Pour and Spread the Sauce

Gently pour the creamy sauce over the layers, ensuring every nook and cranny gets covered.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for about an hour.

You’ll know it’s ready when the potatoes are tender and the top turns a gorgeous golden brown with crispy edges.

Kitchen Wisdom For A Cozy Casserole

• Cut smoked sausage into uniform, bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent flavor in every bite.
• Thinly slice potatoes (about 1/4 inch thick) to guarantee they cook evenly and become tender throughout the casserole.
• Whisk the milk sauce continuously while adding flour to prevent lumps and create a smooth, creamy base for the casserole.
• Use a blend of cheeses like sharp cheddar and mild mozzarella for a more complex and rich cheese flavor profile.
• Broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking to achieve a golden, crispy cheese crust that adds extra texture.

Cheesy Potato Casserole – Spin It Your Way

• Vegetarian Potato Casserole: Replace smoked sausage with plant-based sausage or diced mushrooms for a meat-free version that maintains rich flavor and texture.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Option: Swap potatoes with cauliflower florets to reduce carbohydrates while keeping the creamy, cheesy essence of the original recipe.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced green chilies, jalapeños, and swap paprika with chili powder to create a zesty southwestern-inspired casserole with bold flavors.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch instead of wheat flour, and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.

Serving Big Scoops Of Potato Sausage Joy

• Rustic Family Feast: Serve this hearty casserole as a complete meal with a simple side salad for fresh contrast.
• Cozy Comfort Plating: Scoop generous portions onto warm plates, garnishing with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and herbal freshness.
• Brunch Brilliance: Transform this dish into a weekend brunch star by pairing with scrambled eggs and crispy bacon for a satisfying morning spread.
• Potluck Champion: Transport this casserole in a covered dish to gatherings, knowing it will be a crowd-pleasing main course that stays warm and delicious.

Potatoes & Sausage: Leftover Storage That Works

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer casserole to freezer-safe container. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freezes well for up to 2 months.
• Place individual portion on microwave-safe plate. Cover with damp paper towel. Heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through for even warming.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover casserole with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated completely. Remove foil last 5 minutes to restore crispy top.

FAQs

• What type of potatoes work best for this casserole?

Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal because they hold their shape well and provide a creamy texture when baked.

• Can I use a different type of sausage?

Yes, you can substitute smoked sausage with kielbasa, andouille, or even chorizo for a different flavor profile.

• Is it necessary to pre-cook the potatoes?

No, the potatoes will cook directly in the casserole and become tender during the baking process, absorbing the creamy sauce.

• How can I make this dish lighter?

To reduce calories, use low-fat milk, reduced-fat cheese, and turkey sausage as healthier alternatives.

Cheesy Potato & Smoked Sausage Casserole Recipe

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4.5 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy cheesy potato & smoked sausage casserole brings comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen, blending hearty ingredients into a satisfying one-dish wonder. Melted cheese, tender potatoes, and smoky sausage create a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 1 pound (454 grams) smoked sausage (sliced)

Main Ingredients:

• 4 cups (960 milliliters) potatoes (diced)
• 2 cups (480 milliliters) cheddar cheese (shredded)
• 1 onion (chopped)

Seasoning and Liquid Ingredients:

• 2 cups (480 milliliters) milk
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 375°F, preparing a casserole dish with a light coating of cooking spray.
2. Cut smoked sausage into uniform bite-sized pieces and sauté in a skillet until edges turn crispy and golden brown.
3. Without cleaning the skillet, melt butter and sauté diced onions until they become soft and translucent, releasing their sweet aroma.
4. Sprinkle flour, salt, pepper, and paprika into the onion mixture, creating a fragrant roux that will thicken the sauce.
5. Gradually stream milk into the skillet, whisking continuously to prevent lumps and create a smooth, creamy sauce.
6. Arrange a layer of thinly sliced potatoes across the bottom of the greased baking dish, ensuring even coverage.
7. Distribute half the browned sausage pieces over the potato layer, followed by a generous sprinkling of shredded cheese.
8. Repeat the layering process with remaining potatoes, sausage, and cheese, creating a hearty, colorful casserole.
9. Carefully pour the prepared cream sauce evenly over the layered ingredients, ensuring complete coverage.
10. Transfer the casserole to the preheated oven and bake for approximately 1 hour, until potatoes are fork-tender and the top develops a rich, golden-brown crust.

Notes

• Customize the sausage type by swapping smoked sausage with chorizo, kielbasa, or turkey sausage for varied flavor profiles.
• Enhance nutrition by adding diced bell peppers or spinach between potato layers for extra vegetables and color.
• Create a gluten-free version by using cornstarch instead of flour and ensuring gluten-free sausage for those with dietary restrictions.
• Reduce cooking time by parboiling potatoes briefly before layering, which helps them cook faster and become more tender in the casserole.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 403 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 690 mg
• Fat: 26 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg