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