Scrumptious Cheesy Potato & Smoked Sausage Casserole Recipe

Bubbling with comfort and flavor, this cheesy potato & smoked sausage casserole brings warm memories to your kitchen table.

Potatoes nestle perfectly alongside savory sausage slices in a creamy landscape of melted goodness.

Bold cheese creates a golden crust that promises irresistible moments of pure satisfaction.

Hearty ingredients combine to craft a meal that feels like a culinary hug.

Weeknight dinners suddenly become special when you pull this casserole from the oven.

Crispy edges and melted cheese beckon everyone to gather around and enjoy.

You won’t be able to resist diving into this delicious one-pan wonder that turns simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

What Pairs Well With Cheesy Potato & Smoked Sausage Casserole

• Select Robust Red Wine: Zinfandel or Syrah's spicy undertones perfectly complement the smoky sausage and rich cheese, cutting through the creamy texture while enhancing the dish's depth.
• Serve Crisp Green Salad: Create a fresh arugula salad with tangy vinaigrette to balance the casserole's richness, providing a light counterpoint that refreshes the palate between hearty bites.
• Match Craft Beer Companion: Choose a medium-bodied amber ale or porter with malty characteristics that echo the smoky sausage flavors, creating a harmonious taste experience that elevates the entire meal.

How To Store Cheesy Potato & Smoked Sausage Casserole

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring the casserole remains sealed to maintain freshness and prevent odor absorption.
• Wrap the cooled casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months, labeling the container with the date to track storage time.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming and prevent dryness.

FAQs For Cheesy Potato & Smoked Sausage Casserole

• Can I use different types of sausage?

Yes, you can substitute smoked sausage with kielbasa, andouille, or chorizo for varied flavor profiles.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

No, the optional breadcrumbs contain gluten. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or omit them to make the dish gluten-free.

• How do I ensure the potatoes cook evenly?

Slice potatoes uniformly and thinly, about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick, to guarantee consistent cooking throughout the casserole.

• Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate before baking. Add 10-15 minutes to baking time if cooking directly from the refrigerator.

Why Cheesy Potato & Smoked Sausage Casserole Is A Cozy Classic

• Conquer Weeknight Dinners: Tackle a hearty, satisfying meal that comes together with minimal prep and maximum flavor, perfect for busy families seeking a delicious solution.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients, add personal touches, or experiment with different cheeses and proteins to make this recipe uniquely yours without complicated modifications.
• Comfort Food Champion: Deliver a crowd-pleasing dish that brings warmth and joy to the table, combining creamy potatoes, smoky sausage, and melted cheese in every mouthwatering bite.
• One-Dish Wonder: Minimize kitchen cleanup with a single baking dish that combines protein, vegetables, and rich, creamy goodness into a complete meal that keeps everyone happy.

Everything You’ll Need For Cheesy Potato & Smoked Sausage Casserole

• Potatoes: Starchy vegetables that form the hearty base of the casserole.
• Smoked Sausage: Flavorful meat that adds protein and rich smoky taste to the dish.
• Heavy Cream: Provides a rich and creamy texture to bind the casserole together.
• Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and contributes to the creamy consistency.

• Garlic, Green Onions, Diced Onions: Ingredients that bring depth and aromatic complexity to the casserole.

• Cheddar Cheese: Melts to create a golden, gooey surface with sharp flavor.
• Breadcrumbs: Optional topping that provides a crispy textural contrast.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth cream mixture.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste profile.
• Aluminum Foil: Used for initial baking to prevent excessive browning.

How To Cook Cheesy Potato & Smoked Sausage Casserole

Step 1: Prepare Baking Environment

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

Step 2: Slice Potatoes

Rinse potatoes thoroughly and cut into thin, uniform rounds to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.

Step 3: Prepare Sausage and Aromatics

• Chop smoked sausage into bite-sized pieces
• Mince fresh garlic
• Dice green onions
• Chop regular onions

Step 4: Create Creamy Sauce

• Heavy cream
• Sour cream
• Melted butter
• Salt
• Black pepper

Blend until the mixture becomes smooth and well-combined.

Step 5: Build First Layer

Spread half of the potato slices across the bottom of the baking dish, creating a solid base for the casserole.

Step 6: Add First Layer of Toppings

• Half of the diced sausage
• Minced garlic
• Green onions
• Diced onions

Step 7: Pour First Cream Layer

Drizzle half of the cream mixture over the first layer, allowing it to seep between potatoes and sausage.

Step 8: Create Second Layer

• Potato slices
• Sausage
• Garlic
• Green onions
• Diced onions

Step 9: Add Final Cream Layer

Pour the remaining cream mixture, ensuring complete coverage and maximum flavor infusion.

Step 10: Cheese and Optional Topping

Sprinkle generously with shredded cheddar cheese. Optional: Add a layer of breadcrumbs for extra crunch.

Step 11: Initial Baking

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes to tenderize the potatoes.

Step 12: Final Browning

Remove foil and continue baking for 15-20 minutes until the cheese turns golden brown and bubbly.

Step 13: Rest and Serve

Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes after removing from the oven. This allows flavors to meld and sauce to set before serving.

Tips That Help With Cheesy Potato & Smoked Sausage Casserole

• Slice Potatoes Precisely: Use a mandoline or sharp knife to create uniform potato rounds, ensuring even cooking and consistent texture throughout the casserole.
• Layer with Care: Build layers methodically, distributing sausage, garlic, and onions evenly to guarantee flavor in every bite.
• Prevent Soggy Bottom: Pat potato slices dry with paper towels before layering to reduce excess moisture and maintain a crisp texture.
• Cheese Melting Trick: Let cheese reach room temperature before sprinkling to help it melt more smoothly and create a perfectly golden top.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate, allowing flavors to develop more intensely before baking.

Flavorful Twists On Cheesy Potato & Smoked Sausage Casserole

• Vegetarian Potato Bake: Replace smoked sausage with roasted mushrooms or plant-based protein like tempeh, maintaining the creamy texture and layered structure while offering a meat-free alternative.
• Spicy Southwestern Casserole: Swap green onions for jalapeños, add diced bell peppers, incorporate pepper jack cheese, and include a sprinkle of chili powder to create a zesty regional variation.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Version: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower florets, reducing carbohydrate content while preserving the rich, creamy essence of the original recipe and keeping the same cooking technique.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs, ensure all dairy products are certified gluten-free, and carefully select ingredients to make the casserole safe for individuals with gluten sensitivities.

Cheesy Potato & Smoked Sausage Casserole Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Hearty “cheesy potato & smoked sausage casserole” brings comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen, blending smoky sausage with creamy potato goodness. Comfort arrives quickly with this simple, satisfying dish perfect for weekend family dinners.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 4 medium potatoes
• 1 lb smoked sausage
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Dairy & Seasoning:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Additional Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup chopped green onions
• 1/4 cup diced onions
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Wash and thinly slice potatoes into uniform rounds, ensuring even cooking and consistent texture throughout the casserole.
3. Dice the smoked sausage into bite-sized pieces, creating manageable portions that will distribute evenly in the dish.
4. Mince garlic and chop green onions and diced onions, preparing the aromatic ingredients that will enhance the overall flavor profile.
5. In a large mixing bowl, combine heavy cream, sour cream, melted butter, salt, and black pepper, whisking until the mixture becomes smooth and well-integrated.
6. Layer half of the sliced potatoes across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating a solid foundation for the casserole.
7. Sprinkle half of the diced sausage, minced garlic, green onions, and diced onions over the potato layer, ensuring even distribution.
8. Pour half of the cream mixture over the first layer, allowing it to seep between the potatoes and sausage.
9. Repeat the layering process with remaining potatoes, sausage, garlic, green onions, and diced onions.
10. Drench the second layer with the remaining cream mixture, guaranteeing complete coverage and maximum flavor infusion.
11. Generously top the casserole with shredded cheddar cheese, creating a rich and golden melted surface.
12. Optional: Sprinkle breadcrumbs over the cheese for an additional crispy texture.
13. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes, ensuring potatoes become tender.
14. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes until the cheese turns golden brown and bubbly.
15. Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes after removing from the oven, enabling flavors to meld and sauce to set before serving.

Notes

• Slice potatoes uniformly to guarantee even cooking and prevent undercooked or overcooked sections.
• Ensure heavy cream and sour cream are at room temperature for smoother blending and better sauce consistency.
• Use high-quality smoked sausage for deeper flavor complexity and more robust taste profile.
• Optional breadcrumb topping adds delightful crunch and textural contrast to creamy casserole base.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like Gruyère or pepper jack for unique flavor variations.
• Consider using turkey sausage or vegetarian sausage alternative for lighter protein options.
• Let casserole rest exactly 10 minutes after baking to allow sauce to stabilize and flavors to intensify.
• Refrigerate leftovers in airtight container up to 3-4 days, reheating gently to maintain original texture.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 570
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 1100 mg
• Fat: 40 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg