Kielbasa Sausage Cheesy Potato Casserole Recipe

Cozy Kielbasa Sausage Cheesy Potato Casserole Recipe for Fall

Hearty comfort arrives with this kielbasa sausage cheesy potato casserole that promises warmth in every delectable bite.

Savory Polish sausage mingles perfectly with creamy potatoes and melted cheese.

Crisp edges and rich flavors create a satisfying meal for any evening.

Rustic ingredients combine into a delightful dish that feels like a culinary hug.

Families gather around this casserole, enjoying its incredible depth of flavor and simple preparation.

Layers of cheese, potatoes, and smoky kielbasa promise a memorable dining experience.

You won’t want to miss this incredible one-pan wonder that transforms ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary.

Why Kielbasa Sausage Cheesy Potato Casserole Works

  • Savor Hearty Comfort: A delightful one-pan meal packed with rich, satisfying flavors that warm your soul and bring instant happiness to the dinner table.
  • Master Easy Cooking: Minimal prep work and simple layering technique make this recipe perfect for home cooks of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned chefs.
  • Perfect for Gathering Crowds: Generous casserole serves multiple people, making it ideal for family dinners, potlucks, and weekend get-togethers where everyone craves a filling, delicious dish.
  • Quick Weeknight Wonder: Straightforward ingredients and uncomplicated steps transform ordinary potatoes and kielbasa into a mouthwatering meal that comes together faster than ordering takeout.

What’s Needed For Kielbasa Sausage Cheesy Potato Casserole

For the Main Proteins:
  • Kielbasa Sausage: A flavorful Polish sausage that adds smoky and savory notes to the casserole.
For the Starch:
  • Potatoes: Hearty, starchy vegetables that create a comforting base for the casserole and absorb the creamy sauce.
For the Dairy and Cream Components:
  • Heavy Cream, Sour Cream: Create a rich and velvety sauce that coats the ingredients with luxurious creaminess.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Provides a sharp, melty topping that adds depth and creates a golden, crispy surface.
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, silky cream mixture.
For the Seasonings:
  • Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Enhance the overall flavor profile with aromatic and savory undertones.
  • Black Pepper, Salt: Essential seasonings that balance and elevate the taste of the entire dish.
For the Baking Accessories:
  • Aluminum Foil: Helps retain moisture and control the cooking process during baking.

Easy Directions For Kielbasa Sausage Cheesy Potato Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Fire up your oven to 375°F and generously coat a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Sizzle The Sausage

Grab a large skillet and brown the kielbasa sausage over medium-high heat. Let those edges get crispy and develop a beautiful caramelized color, which should take about 5-7 minutes.

Step 3: Prepare Potato Cubes

Thoroughly wash the potatoes and dice them into uniform cubes. This ensures every bite cooks evenly and delivers consistent texture throughout the casserole.

Step 4: Whip Up The Creamy Sauce

Combine the following ingredients in a mixing bowl:
  • Heavy cream
  • Sour cream
  • Melted butter
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Black pepper
  • Salt

Whisk everything until the sauce becomes smooth and perfectly blended.

Step 5: Create First Layer

Spread half of the diced potatoes across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating an even base.

Step 6: Add Sausage Layer

Distribute the browned kielbasa sausage generously over the potato layer.

Step 7: Pour First Cream Layer

Drizzle half of the cream mixture over the potatoes and sausage, making sure it seeps between all the delicious ingredients.

Step 8: Sprinkle Cheese

Generously scatter shredded cheddar cheese across this first layer, creating a rich and melty foundation.

Step 9: Repeat Layering

Repeat the entire layering process with remaining potatoes, sausage, cream mixture, and top with the rest of the cheese.

Step 10: Bake And Cover

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and slide it into the preheated oven. Bake for 45 minutes, allowing potatoes to become tender and flavors to mingle.

Step 11: Crisp The Cheese

Remove the foil during the final 15 minutes of baking. This allows the cheese to turn golden and develop a slightly crispy top.

Step 12: Rest And Serve

After removing from the oven, let the casserole rest for 10 minutes. This allows the sauce to set and flavors to intensify before serving up this mouthwatering dish.

Helpful Tips For Kielbasa Sausage Cheesy Potato Casserole

  • Grease Smartly: Use cooking spray or butter generously to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving of the casserole.
  • Brown Sausage Perfectly: Achieve crispy edges by cooking kielbasa over medium-high heat, developing deep caramelized flavors that enhance the overall dish.
  • Potato Prep Matters: Cut potatoes into uniform cubes to guarantee even cooking and consistent texture throughout the casserole.
  • Sauce Secrets: Whisk cream mixture thoroughly to create a smooth, well-blended sauce that coats every ingredient evenly and adds rich, creamy flavor.
  • Cheese Topping Trick: Layer cheese generously between and on top of ingredients to create a golden, crispy, and indulgent finish that melts beautifully.

Fun Twists On Kielbasa Sausage Cheesy Potato Casserole

  • Veggie-Packed Potato Kielbasa Casserole: Replace half the potatoes with cauliflower or sweet potato for added nutrition and different flavor profiles.
  • Low-Carb Friendly Version: Substitute potatoes with turnips or radishes, maintaining the creamy texture while reducing carbohydrate content.
  • Spicy Southwestern Remix: Add diced green chiles, swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese, and sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes for a zesty kick.
  • Herb-Infused Gourmet Edition: Mix fresh chopped rosemary, thyme, and parsley into the cream sauce, creating a more sophisticated and aromatic casserole experience.

What Goes Well With Kielbasa Sausage Cheesy Potato Casserole

  • Pair with Bold Red Wine: Select a robust Zinfandel or Syrah that matches the hearty kielbasa's rich, smoky flavors and cuts through the creamy cheese.
  • Complement with Crisp Side Salad: Create a tangy green salad with mixed herbs, lemon vinaigrette, and fresh arugula to balance the casserole's heavy, creamy texture.
  • Match with Refreshing Beer: Choose a German-style wheat beer or crisp pilsner that provides a light, carbonated contrast to the dense, cheesy potato dish.
  • Enhance with Pickled Accompaniment: Serve with quick-pickled cucumber or tangy sauerkraut to add bright acidity and cut through the richness of the casserole.

Storing Kielbasa Sausage Cheesy Potato Casserole Properly

  • Transfer cooled casserole to an airtight container, seal tightly, and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover with plastic wrap or lid to prevent moisture loss and absorbing other food odors.
  • Wrap the casserole securely in plastic wrap, then add a layer of aluminum foil. Label with date and contents. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Avoid freezing for longer to maintain best texture and flavor.
  • Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Check temperature to ensure even warming.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F.

Kielbasa Sausage Cheesy Potato Casserole FAQs Answered

  • Can I use a different type of sausage?

Yes, you can substitute kielbasa with smoked sausage, andouille, or Polish sausage for similar flavor profiles.

  • Is this dish considered spicy?

No, this casserole is mild and savory. If you want heat, add red pepper flakes or use a spicy sausage variety.

  • Can I make this recipe lower in calories?

Reduce calories by using low-fat cheese, Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, and using milk instead of heavy cream.

  • How do I know when the potatoes are fully cooked?

Potatoes are done when they’re fork-tender and easily pierced without resistance, typically after 45-60 minutes of baking.

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Kielbasa Sausage Cheesy Potato Casserole Recipe

Kielbasa Sausage Cheesy Potato Casserole Recipe


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4.5 from 12 reviews

  • Total Time: 80 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Comfort meets Polish-American cuisine in this hearty Kielbasa Sausage Cheesy Potato Casserole, blending smoky sausage with creamy potatoes. Rich layers of melted cheese and savory kielbasa create a satisfying meal you’ll crave during chilly nights.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 4 medium kielbasa sausage, sliced
  • 6 large potatoes, diced
  • 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded

Dairy and Seasonings:

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 2 tbsp butter

Herbs and Spices:

  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and generously grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
  2. In a large skillet, brown the kielbasa sausage over medium-high heat until edges are crispy and slightly caramelized, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Wash and dice potatoes into uniform cubes, ensuring even cooking and consistent texture throughout the casserole.
  4. Create a creamy sauce by whisking together heavy cream, sour cream, melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt until smooth and well-combined.
  5. Layer half of the diced potatoes in the prepared baking dish, followed by a generous layer of browned kielbasa sausage.
  6. Pour half of the cream mixture over the first layer, ensuring even distribution and allowing the sauce to seep between potato and sausage pieces.
  7. Sprinkle a substantial amount of shredded cheddar cheese over the first layer, creating a rich and gooey foundation.
  8. Repeat the layering process with remaining potatoes, kielbasa, cream mixture, and top with the rest of the cheese.
  9. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes, ensuring potatoes become tender and flavors meld together.
  10. Remove foil during the last 15 minutes of baking to allow the cheese to become golden and slightly crispy on top.
  11. Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes after removing from the oven to allow the sauce to set and flavors to intensify before serving.

Notes

  • Achieve perfectly crispy kielbasa by ensuring the skillet is hot before adding sausage, creating delicious caramelized edges that boost overall flavor.
  • Prevent potato discoloration by rinsing diced potatoes in cold water and patting completely dry before layering, which helps maintain a beautiful appearance and crisp texture.
  • Customize the dish for dietary needs by substituting heavy cream with low-fat milk or non-dairy alternatives, and using plant-based cheese for a lighter or lactose-free version.
  • Enhance meal prep efficiency by preparing the casserole ahead of time and refrigerating, allowing flavors to develop further and reducing day-of cooking stress.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 60 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Polish-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 520
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 820 mg
  • Fat: 34 g
  • Saturated Fat: 18 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 17 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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