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