Hearty Cheesy Potato & Smoked Sausage Casserole Recipe

Comfort food finds its ultimate expression in this cheesy potato and smoked sausage casserole that promises pure culinary bliss.

Hearty ingredients meld together in a symphony of flavors guaranteed to warm your soul.

Rustic and satisfying, each bite delivers a perfect balance of creamy potatoes and smoky sausage.

Crispy edges and melted cheese create a golden-brown crust that beckons you closer.

Home cooking doesn’t get more delicious than this classic combination of simple, wholesome ingredients.

Rich, indulgent, and packed with flavor, this casserole becomes an instant favorite at any dinner table.

Dive into a meal that feels like a warm hug from your kitchen.

Cheesy Potato & Smoked Sausage Casserole—So Good, It Needs A Re-Run

• Quick Comfort Meal: Dive into a hearty, satisfying dish that delivers maximum flavor with minimal kitchen effort, perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
• One-Pan Wonder: Simplify your cooking process with this single-dish recipe that combines potatoes, sausage, and cheese into a mouthwatering casserole, minimizing cleanup and maximizing deliciousness.
• Crowd-Pleasing Potential: Guaranteed to win over family and friends with its rich, creamy texture, smoky sausage, and golden cheesy top that appeals to all ages and taste preferences.
• Versatile Crowd-Solver: Easily adaptable for potlucks, family gatherings, or casual dinner parties, this dish scales beautifully and transports well, making it a go-to recipe for any social occasion.

Here’s What You Need For Cheesy Potato & Smoked Sausage Casserole

• Russet Potatoes: Large starchy potatoes perfect for creating a hearty and satisfying casserole base.
• Smoked Sausage: Flavorful meat that adds a rich, smoky taste and protein to the dish.

• Heavy Cream, Milk: Creamy liquids that create a rich, smooth sauce for the casserole.
• Cheddar Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Sharp and aged cheeses that provide a deep, savory flavor and melty texture.

• Olive Oil, Salt, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder: Essential seasonings that build depth and enhance the overall taste of the dish.
• Onion: Aromatic vegetable that adds a subtle sweetness and complexity to the casserole.
• Parsley: Fresh herb that provides a bright, green garnish and light herbal note.

• Aluminum Foil: Helps retain moisture and control browning during baking.

Bake It Up: Cheesy Potato & Smoked Sausage Casserole Edition

Step 1: Prepare Baking Environment

Warm the oven to 375°F and generously coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Slice Potatoes

Carefully wash russet potatoes and remove the skin. Cut potatoes into thin, uniform rounds approximately 1/4-inch thick to guarantee consistent cooking.

Step 3: Prepare Additional Ingredients

• Dice onions into small, consistent pieces
• Slice smoked sausage into half-moon shaped bite-sized segments

Step 4: Create Initial Mixture

Gently combine sliced potatoes, diced onions, and sausage pieces in a large mixing bowl, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.

Step 5: Develop Cream Mixture

• Heavy cream
• Whole milk
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder

Step 6: Combine and Layer Ingredients

Pour cream mixture over potato combination, thoroughly coating all ingredients. Transfer half the mixture into the prepared baking dish.

Step 7: Add First Cheese Layer

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Parmesan cheese

Step 8: Complete Layering

Add remaining potato mixture on top, creating an even second layer.

Step 9: Final Cheese Topping

Cover entire casserole surface with additional shredded cheddar and parmesan cheeses.

Step 10: Initial Baking

Cover baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes to maintain moisture and ensure even cooking.

Step 11: Final Browning

Remove foil and continue baking 20-25 minutes until top turns golden brown and potatoes become tender.

Step 12: Rest and Garnish

Remove from oven and let casserole rest 10 minutes. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for vibrant color and fresh flavor before serving.

Insider Tips For Cheesy Potato & Smoked Sausage Casserole Bliss

• Slice Potatoes Precisely: Use a mandoline or sharp knife to create uniform 1/4-inch thick potato rounds, ensuring consistent cooking and texture throughout the dish.
• Prevent Cheese Burning: Cover the casserole with foil during initial baking to protect the cheese from scorching while allowing potatoes to cook thoroughly.
• Boost Flavor Depth: Replace regular milk with half-and-half or add a splash of white wine to the cream mixture for a more complex, rich taste profile.
• Keep Sausage Juicy: Briefly sauté sausage slices before mixing with potatoes to lock in moisture and enhance the overall caramelized flavor of the casserole.
• Customize Dietary Needs: Swap smoked sausage with turkey sausage or plant-based sausage alternatives for lighter or vegetarian versions of the recipe.

Try These Tasty Twists On Cheesy Potato & Smoked Sausage Casserole

• Vegetarian Potato Bake: Replace smoked sausage with roasted bell peppers, zucchini, and plant-based sausage crumbles for a meat-free version that maintains robust flavor profiles.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Swap russet potatoes with cauliflower florets or turnip slices, reducing carbohydrate content while preserving the creamy, cheesy texture of the original recipe.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Incorporate diced jalapeños, green chiles, and swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese to create a zesty, southwestern-inspired casserole with added heat and complexity.
• Mediterranean Style: Use chorizo instead of smoked sausage, add sun-dried tomatoes, sprinkle feta cheese, and finish with fresh oregano for a Mediterranean-inspired potato bake with bright, tangy flavors.

What Goes Great With Cheesy Potato & Smoked Sausage Casserole

• Pair Sausage Potato Casserole with Zesty Red Wine: Choose a medium-bodied red like Côtes du Rhône that complements the rich, smoky flavors of the dish without overpowering its creamy texture.
• Create a Crisp Green Salad Companion: Toss mixed greens with a light vinaigrette featuring dijon mustard and apple cider vinegar to cut through the casserole's richness and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Boost the Meal with Tangy Pickled Vegetables: Add quick-pickled cucumber or cornichons on the side to introduce a bright, acidic element that balances the dish's creamy and hearty profile.

Keep Cheesy Potato & Smoked Sausage Casserole Fresh For Seconds

• Transfer cooled casserole to an airtight container or cover tightly with plastic wrap. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days, maintaining best flavor and texture.
• Wrap the casserole securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Store in freezer-safe container for maximum 2 months. Label with date to track freshness.
• Place individual portions on microwave-safe plate. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to distribute heat evenly. Add splash of milk to prevent dryness.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover casserole with foil to prevent burning. Warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.

All Your Cheesy Potato & Smoked Sausage Casserole FAQs In One Place

• Can I use different types of potatoes?

Russet potatoes work best due to their starchy texture and ability to hold shape during baking. Yukon gold or red potatoes can be substituted, but might result in slightly different consistency.

• Is smoked sausage mandatory for this recipe?

Smoked sausage provides a rich, smoky flavor, but you can replace it with kielbasa, andouille, or chorizo for similar taste profiles.

• How do I ensure my potatoes cook evenly?

Slice potatoes uniformly at 1/4-inch thickness and layer them carefully. This helps guarantee consistent cooking and prevents undercooked or overcooked sections.

Cheesy Potato & Smoked Sausage Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Hearty “cheesy potato & smoked sausage casserole” delivers comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen. Creamy potatoes and smoky sausage meld into a satisfying meal that warms you from the inside out.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Potatoes:

• 4 lbs russet potatoes
• 1 large onion

Meat and Cheese:

• 1 lb smoked sausage
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Thoroughly wash and peel the russet potatoes, then slice them into uniform thin rounds, approximately 1/4-inch thick to ensure even cooking.
3. Dice the onion into small, consistent pieces to distribute flavor evenly throughout the casserole.
4. Cut the smoked sausage into half-moon slices, creating bite-sized pieces that will blend seamlessly with the potatoes.
5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced potatoes, diced onions, and sausage pieces, tossing them gently to distribute ingredients.
6. Whisk together heavy cream, milk, olive oil, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder in a separate bowl, creating a rich, seasoned liquid mixture.
7. Pour the cream mixture over the potato and sausage combination, carefully coating all ingredients to ensure maximum flavor absorption.
8. Layer half of the potato mixture into the prepared baking dish, creating an even base.
9. Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese over the first potato layer, followed by a light dusting of parmesan cheese.
10. Add the remaining potato mixture on top, creating a second even layer.
11. Cover the casserole with shredded cheddar and parmesan cheeses, ensuring complete surface coverage.
12. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes, maintaining moisture and even cooking.
13. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 20-25 minutes until the top turns golden brown and potatoes become tender.
14. Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and settle.
15. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley just before serving, adding a burst of color and fresh herbaceous flavor.

Notes

• Slice potatoes uniformly to guarantee consistent cooking and prevent uneven texture in the casserole.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like Gruyère or smoked Gouda for enhanced flavor complexity and richness.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or low-fat milk to reduce overall calorie content while maintaining creamy consistency.
• Consider adding diced bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition and vibrant color, transforming the dish into a more nutritionally balanced meal.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 460
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 17 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg