Description
Cheesy Potato & Smoked Sausage Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish combining tender potatoes, smoky sausage, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce. Perfect for family dinners or cozy nights, this bake offers a satisfying blend of flavors and textures that’s easy to prepare and customizable to fit various dietary preferences.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups thinly sliced medium-starch potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet)
- 12 oz smoked sausage, sliced into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (plus additional for topping)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cups milk or cream
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour/cornstarch for gluten-free option)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prep the Ingredients: Peel and thinly slice the potatoes to ensure even cooking and good flavor absorption. Slice the smoked sausage into bite-sized pieces. Finely chop the onion to prepare for sautéing.
- Cook the Onion and Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the chopped onion until translucent and fragrant. Add the smoked sausage and cook until it just starts to brown and releases its smoky aroma, building the flavor base for the casserole.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to form a roux and cook for about 1-2 minutes. Gradually add the milk or cream while whisking constantly until the sauce thickens. Reduce heat to low, then stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Season with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Assemble the Casserole: Butter a baking dish and layer half of the sliced potatoes evenly on the bottom. Spread the sausage and onion mixture over the potatoes, then pour half of the cheese sauce on top. Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes and cheese sauce, finishing with a generous layer of cheese sauce on top to create a golden crust while baking.
- Bake Until Golden and Bubbling: Cover the casserole with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbling. Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and to make serving easier.
Notes
- Thinly slice potatoes to ensure even cooking and a soft texture without raw centers.
- Let the casserole rest after baking to help it set and improve serving consistency.
- Use good-quality smoked sausage for the best smoky flavor.
- Grate cheese yourself instead of using pre-shredded varieties for better melting quality.
- Cover the casserole while baking to keep moisture in and prevent potatoes from drying out.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximate)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg