Baked Cheesy Potato & Smoked Sausage Casserole Recipe

Comfort food reaches new heights with this mouthwatering cheesy potato & smoked sausage casserole that promises pure culinary delight.

Every forkful delivers a symphony of rich, hearty flavors that dance across your palate.

Smoky sausage chunks nestle between creamy potato layers, creating a dish that’s both rustic and sophisticated.

Melted cheese blankets the entire casserole, adding a golden, irresistible crust that beckons you closer.

Sharp cheddar and tender potatoes combine with savory smoked sausage for a meal that feels like a warm embrace.

The blend of textures and robust seasonings transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary dinner experience.

This casserole stands ready to become your new go-to recipe for satisfying hunger and warming hearts.

Why Cheesy Potato & Smoked Sausage Casserole Works

• Comfort Food Champion: Dive into a hearty, satisfying meal that wraps you in warmth and nostalgia with every delicious bite.
• Super Simple Cooking: Whip up this crowd-pleaser with minimal kitchen skills, using basic ingredients and straightforward steps anyone can master.
• Family Dinner Winner: Packed with protein and cheesy goodness, this casserole guarantees clean plates and happy smiles around the dinner table.
• Versatile Meal Solution: Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or feeding a hungry crowd without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients for Cheesy Sausage Potato Casserole

• Smoked Sausage: A savory and flavorful meat that adds richness to the casserole.

• Potatoes: Hearty and comforting starch that forms the foundation of the dish.

• Half & Half, Velveeta, Shredded Cheese: Creamy ingredients that create a luxurious and melty sauce.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth sauce.

• Olive Oil: Helps with sautéing and preventing sticking.
• Flour: Thickens the sauce for a perfect consistency.
• Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the overall flavor.
• Non-Stick Cooking Spray: Ensures easy removal from the baking dish.

Making Cheesy Potato and Sausage Casserole

Step 1: Brown Smoky Sausage

Heat a large skillet over medium-low temperature.

Pour olive oil and sizzle sliced smoked sausage until edges turn golden and crispy.

The meat should develop delicious caramelized edges.

Step 2: Prepare Baking Vessel

Lightly coat a 9×13 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.

This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.

Step 3: Create Creamy Cheese Sauce

In the same skillet, melt butter and whisk in flour.

Cook the mixture for approximately one minute to eliminate raw flour taste.

Gradually pour half & half, continuously whisking until sauce thickens.

• Velveeta cheese
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir until sauce becomes silky smooth.

Step 4: Assemble Casserole

Transfer browned sausage into prepared baking dish.

Pour creamy cheese sauce evenly over the meat.

Sprinkle additional shredded cheese across the top for extra richness.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden

Place casserole in preheated oven at 350°F.

Bake for 35-45 minutes until top turns beautifully golden brown and cheese becomes bubbly and irresistible.

Tips for Cheesy Smoked Sausage Casserole

• Cut smoked sausage into uniform, bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent flavor distribution throughout the casserole.
• Par-boil potatoes before baking to reduce overall cooking time and create a creamy, tender texture that absorbs the cheesy sauce beautifully.
• Whisk the half & half gradually and continuously to prevent lumps, creating a silky-smooth cheese sauce that coats every ingredient perfectly.
• Use room temperature Velveeta and shredded cheese for more even melting and a luxurious, creamy consistency that blankets the entire dish.
• Swap smoked sausage with turkey sausage for a lighter option, or add diced bell peppers and onions for extra vegetable nutrition and flavor complexity.

Reheating and Storing Sausage Potato Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, the casserole stays fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label the container with the date for easy tracking.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover with foil to prevent drying out. Warm for 20-25 minutes until heated through.
• For quick reheating, place a single serving on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until temperature reaches 165°F.

Sides That Pair with Cheesy Sausage Potatoes

• Pair Hearty Red Wine: Choose a bold, full-bodied red like Cabernet Sauvignon or Zinfandel that complements the rich, smoky sausage and creamy cheese flavors.
• Create Fresh Green Salad: Toss a crisp mixed greens salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the casserole's heavy, comforting texture and cut through its richness.
• Select Tangy Pickled Side: Add a side of quick-pickled vegetables or classic dill pickles to provide a sharp, acidic contrast that helps cleanse the palate between bites.
• Serve Cold Craft Beer: Opt for a hoppy IPA or a malty amber ale that stands up to the dish's robust flavors and provides a refreshing counterpoint to the creamy potatoes.

Creative Twists on Smoked Sausage Casserole

• Gluten-Free Potato Casserole: Replace wheat flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend to create a celiac-friendly version. Use gluten-free smoked sausage and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower florets to reduce carbohydrate content. Use keto-friendly sausage and heavy cream instead of half & half for a lower-carb alternative.
• Vegetarian Protein Option: Replace smoked sausage with plant-based sausage or diced mushrooms. Use vegetable broth instead of meat-based liquids and add extra herbs for depth of flavor.
• Dairy-Free Modification: Swap Velveeta and shredded cheese with dairy-free cheese alternatives made from nuts or soy. Use coconut milk or almond milk in place of half & half to accommodate lactose-intolerant individuals.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients in this casserole?

The key ingredients are potatoes, smoked sausage, Velveeta cheese, half & half, shredded cheese, and seasonings like paprika, salt, and pepper.

• Can I use different types of sausage?

Yes, you can substitute smoked sausage with kielbasa, andouille, or your favorite breakfast sausage to customize the flavor.

• Is this dish considered a main course or side dish?

This cheesy potato and sausage casserole is hearty enough to serve as a main course, providing a complete meal with protein and carbohydrates.

• How can I make this recipe more budget-friendly?

Use regular cheddar cheese instead of Velveeta, choose less expensive sausage varieties, and look for potatoes on sale to keep costs down.

Cheesy Potato & Smoked Sausage Casserole Recipe

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4.5 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comforting cheesy potato & smoked sausage casserole brings hearty midwest warmth to dinner tables with its creamy layers and smoky flavors. Potatoes, sausage, and melted cheese combine in one satisfying dish perfect for family gatherings or casual weekend meals.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 cups russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 lb (454 grams) smoked sausage, thinly sliced
• 1/2 lb (227 grams) Velveeta cheese, cubed
• 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Dairy and Liquid Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 2 cups half & half or milk
• 4 tablespoons flour

Seasoning Ingredients:

• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika

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Instructions

1. Slice smoked sausage into bite-sized medallions and brown in a skillet with olive oil over medium heat until edges caramelize and develop a rich golden color.
2. Prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish with a light coating of non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
3. Melt butter in the same skillet used for sausage, creating a flavorful base for the sauce.
4. Whisk flour into melted butter, creating a roux that will help thicken the sauce and provide a velvety texture.
5. Gradually pour half & half into the roux, continuously whisking to prevent lumps and create a smooth, creamy consistency.
6. Add Velveeta cheese to the sauce, stirring until completely melted and integrated, creating a rich and silky cheese sauce.
7. Season the sauce with paprika, salt, and pepper to enhance the overall flavor profile.
8. Transfer browned sausage and potatoes into the prepared baking dish, ensuring even distribution.
9. Pour the creamy cheese sauce evenly over the sausage and potatoes, coating all ingredients thoroughly.
10. Sprinkle shredded cheese across the top of the casserole for an additional layer of cheesy goodness.
11. Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 35-45 minutes until the top turns a beautiful golden brown and the edges are bubbling.

Notes

• Optimize Sausage Flavor by choosing high-quality smoked sausage with robust smoky notes that complement the creamy potato base.
• Prevent Potato Sticking by ensuring potatoes are evenly coated with oil and spread out in the baking dish to achieve a crispy exterior.
• Create Gluten-Free Version by substituting regular flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend to maintain sauce thickness without compromising texture.
• Enhance Nutritional Profile by adding diced bell peppers or spinach for extra vegetables and increased nutritional value without altering the dish’s core flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 410
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 980 mg
• Fat: 26 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 16 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg