The Coziest Potato & Smoked Sausage Casserole Recipe Ever

Whipping up a hearty smoked sausage potato casserole promises pure comfort on chilly evenings.

Crispy golden edges and melted cheese create an irresistible combination that draws everyone to the table.

Robust flavors emerge from simple ingredients blended with care and creativity.

Home cooks appreciate straightforward dishes that deliver maximum satisfaction without complicated techniques.

Layers of tender potatoes intermingle with smoky sausage slices, promising a meal that fills hungry bellies.

Creamy textures and rich seasonings make this casserole a crowd-pleasing classic you’ll want to savor.

Dig in and experience a delicious dinner that transforms ordinary ingredients into something spectacular.

When Cheese, Potatoes & Sausage Get Cozy in a Casserole

• Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe by swapping sausage types or adding extra vegetables for personalized flavor profiles.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Kids and adults alike will love the creamy, cheesy goodness packed with protein and potatoes.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Prepare this delicious casserole in under an hour, making it perfect for busy households craving a filling meal.

Easy Cheesy Potato & Smoked Sausage Ingredients

• Potatoes: Starchy vegetables that form the hearty base of this comforting casserole.
• Smoked Sausage: Flavorful protein that adds a rich, smoky dimension to the dish.

• Velveeta Cheese: Creamy processed cheese that creates a smooth, velvety sauce.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Provides a tangy, sharp flavor and creates a golden, melted topping.

• Butter, Flour: Classic roux base that thickens the cheese sauce and adds richness.
• Half & Half or Milk: Creates a creamy liquid foundation for the cheese sauce.
• Salt, Black Pepper, Smoked Paprika: Seasonings that enhance and balance the overall flavor profile of the casserole.

Cooking Cheesy Potato Sausage Casserole

Step 1: Create Creamy Cheese Base

In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.

Sprinkle flour and whisk until a smooth roux forms.

Slowly pour in half & half or milk, continuing to whisk until the mixture thickens beautifully.

Step 2: Develop Rich Cheese Sauce

• Velveeta cheese cubes

Stir continuously until the cheese melts completely, creating a silky smooth sauce.

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Smoked paprika

Step 3: Combine Potato and Sausage Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, blend boiled potatoes with smoked sausage.

Pour the luxurious cheese sauce over the mixture and mix thoroughly, ensuring every bite is coated with cheesy goodness.

Step 4: Prepare for Baking

Transfer the creamy potato and sausage mixture to a greased baking dish.

Generously sprinkle shredded sharp cheddar cheese on top for an extra layer of cheesy deliciousness.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350F (175C).

Bake for 20-25 minutes until the top turns golden brown and the edges become delightfully bubbly.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving.

This allows the sauce to set and makes cutting and serving easier.

Dive into a comforting, cheesy masterpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Tips for Bubbling, Golden-Top Casseroles

• Use room temperature Velveeta for smoother, faster melting without lumps.
• Parboil potatoes until just tender to prevent mushy texture and maintain shape during baking.
• Choose high-quality smoked sausage with robust flavor for maximum taste impact.
• Whisk continuously while adding milk to prevent lumps and create silky cheese sauce.
• Broil for 2-3 minutes at the end for golden, crispy cheese crust that adds delightful texture.

Potato Sausage Casserole Variations

• Vegetarian Potato Casserole: Replace smoked sausage with plant-based sausage or cubed firm tofu, using vegetable broth instead of half & half for a meat-free version.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Alternative: Swap potatoes with cauliflower florets, reducing carbohydrate content while maintaining creamy cheese sauce texture.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour for roux and ensure all cheese products are certified gluten-free, maintaining the original recipe's rich flavor profile.
• Spicy Southwest Variation: Add diced green chilies, jalapeños, and replace smoked paprika with chipotle powder for a zesty southwestern-inspired casserole.

Ways to Serve Cheesy Potato Sausage Casserole

• Hearty Family Dinner Night: Serve this comforting casserole as a satisfying main course with a simple green salad on the side for balanced nutrition.
• Breakfast Brunch Delight: Pair slices of this cheesy potato casserole with scrambled eggs and crispy bacon for a weekend morning feast that everyone will love.
• Potluck Party Pleaser: Bring this crowd-pleasing dish to gatherings, keeping it warm in a slow cooker or insulated carrier to maintain its delicious cheesy texture and temperature.
• Game Day Crowd Fuel: Cut into smaller portions as a hearty appetizer during sports watching parties, serving alongside fresh veggie sticks and dipping sauces for extra enjoyment.

Storing Cheesy Potato Sausage Casserole

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain moisture and prevent odors from seeping in.
• Pack the cooled casserole in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Label with the date and store for up to 2-3 months. Avoid freezing for longer to prevent texture changes.
• Place a single serving in a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of milk to restore creaminess. Cover with a damp paper towel and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warm.

FAQs

• Can I use regular milk instead of half & half?

Yes, regular milk works perfectly fine. Half & half makes the sauce slightly richer, but whole milk is an excellent substitute that won’t significantly change the recipe’s texture.

• Is it necessary to use Velveeta cheese?

Velveeta provides a creamy, smooth texture, but you can substitute with other processed or American cheese. Just ensure the cheese melts easily and creates a smooth sauce.

• Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if cooking directly from the refrigerator.

Easy Cheesy Potato & Smoked Sausage Casserole Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Hearty comfort flows through this Potato & Smoked Sausage Casserole, blending creamy cheese and savory sausage into a satisfying one-dish meal. Midwest kitchen wisdom meets simple ingredients, promising warmth and deliciousness you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 3 cups russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 pound (454 grams) smoked sausage, thinly sliced
• 1/2 pound (227 grams) velveeta cheese, cubed
• 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Dairy and Sauce Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 tablespoons flour
• 2 cups half & half or milk

Seasoning Ingredients:

• salt to taste
• pepper to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the cheese base by melting butter in a skillet over medium heat, then whisk in flour until a smooth roux forms.
2. Slowly incorporate half & half or milk, continuously whisking to prevent lumps and create a creamy consistency.
3. Add Velveeta cheese cubes, stirring until completely melted and sauce becomes glossy and uniform.
4. Season the cheese sauce with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika to enhance the flavor profile.
5. Combine boiled potatoes and smoked sausage in a large mixing bowl, ensuring even distribution.
6. Pour the warm cheese sauce over the potato and sausage mixture, gently folding to coat all ingredients thoroughly.
7. Transfer the creamy mixture to a greased baking dish, spreading evenly to create a uniform layer.
8. Sprinkle shredded sharp cheddar cheese across the top for an additional cheesy crust.
9. Bake in a preheated 350F (175C) oven for 20-25 minutes until the top turns golden brown and the edges become bubbly.
10. Allow the casserole to rest for 5-7 minutes before serving to let the sauce set and flavors meld together.

Notes

• Create a velvety sauce by whisking flour and butter slowly to prevent lumps, ensuring a silky smooth base for your cheese sauce.
• Use room temperature cheese and milk to help them melt more evenly and create a consistent creamy texture throughout the casserole.
• Consider swapping smoked sausage with turkey sausage for a leaner protein option or use plant-based sausage for a vegetarian version.
• For added nutrition, mix in diced bell peppers or spinach to boost vegetable content without compromising the comforting flavor profile of the dish.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 781
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 1210 mg
• Fat: 59 g
• Saturated Fat: 33 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 23 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 145 mg