If you are craving a comforting, hearty dish that brings melty cheese, tender potatoes, and smoky sausage all together in one incredible ensemble, you have to try this Cheese Potato and Smoked Sausage Casserole Recipe. It’s a soul-warming bake that feels like a cozy hug on a plate, perfect for family dinners or sharing with friends. Easy to prepare yet packed with flavors that dance between creamy, savory, and smoky, this casserole is sure to become one of your kitchen favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this casserole lies in its simple, essential ingredients. Each one plays a special role, whether it’s the buttery richness of the sauce, the smoky bite of the sausage, or the tender, creamy potatoes that soak it all in. Getting these right will set you up for success!
- 1½ pounds Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes: These potatoes thinly sliced create the creamy and tender bed of the casserole.
- 12 ounces smoked sausage: Adds a wonderfully smoky and meaty flavor that pairs perfectly with the cheese and potatoes.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: The base for the roux that thickens the cheese sauce beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Helps create a smooth and velvety cheese sauce by thickening the milk.
- 1½ cups whole milk: Provides the creamy liquid that blends all the flavors into a luscious sauce.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Brings sharpness and depth, melting into the sauce for rich flavor.
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Offers gooey meltiness and mild creaminess to balance the cheddar.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Gives a subtle savory hint that brightens the casserole.
- ½ teaspoon onion powder: Adds warmth and complexity without overpowering the dish.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors harmoniously.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: A little gentle heat to round out the seasoning.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional): For a fresh, vibrant garnish that complements the rich casserole.
- Nonstick cooking spray: Ensures your casserole doesn’t stick and comes out cleanly from the baking dish.
How to Make Cheese Potato and Smoked Sausage Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Brown the Sausage
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray. While your oven warms up, place the sliced smoked sausage in a hot skillet over medium heat and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes, letting the edges get beautifully browned and caramelized. This step deepens the flavor and adds that irresistible smoky crispness you’ll love. Once browned, remove the sausage slices and set them aside for layering later.
Step 2: Make the Cheesy Sauce
Using the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and whisk continuously for 1 to 2 minutes to cook off the raw flour taste and form a smooth roux. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking constantly, and let the mixture simmer until it thickens, which takes about 3 to 4 minutes. Then, stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses along with the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Keep stirring until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes silky and smooth. This homemade cheese sauce is the heart of the casserole, marrying all the textures and flavors together.
Step 3: Layer the Casserole
Now it’s time to assemble your dish! Place half of the thinly sliced potatoes evenly in the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Spread half of the browned sausage over the potatoes and then pour half of the cheese sauce on top. Repeat these layers with the remaining potatoes, sausage, and cheese sauce. This classic layering technique ensures every bite is packed with creamy, smoky, cheesy goodness.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Cover your casserole tightly with foil to keep the moisture in and bake it for 40 minutes. After this time, remove the foil and bake it uncovered for an additional 20 to 25 minutes. This step allows the top to turn golden brown and bubbling, with the potatoes tender enough to pierce easily with a fork. When the timer goes off, let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving—this helps everything set beautifully and intensifies the flavors.
How to Serve Cheese Potato and Smoked Sausage Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling freshly chopped parsley over your baked casserole adds an inviting pop of color and a fresh note that complements the rich and smoky layers beneath. If you like, a little extra cracked black pepper or even a light dusting of smoked paprika can elevate the presentation and flavor.
Side Dishes
This Cheese Potato and Smoked Sausage Casserole Recipe is a complete meal on its own but pairs beautifully with simple sides like a crisp green salad, steamed green beans, or roasted Brussels sprouts. These lighter options balance the richness and keep your plate vibrant and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this casserole in individual ramekins for personal portions that wow guests or family. You can also top each serving with a dollop of sour cream or a spoonful of tangy salsa to add a little zing and variation. This casserole also makes a fantastic filling for baked potato bar nights!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cheese Potato and Smoked Sausage Casserole Recipe keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to meld, making the next-day meal even tastier.
Freezing
You can freeze this casserole before baking for up to 2 months. Just assemble it as instructed, cover tightly with foil, and freeze. When ready, bake it from frozen by adding an extra 15 to 20 minutes to the baking time for a delicious, hassle-free meal later on.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and warm it in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, microwave individual portions on medium power until hot for a quick, satisfying lunch or dinner.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage in this casserole?
Absolutely! Kielbasa, turkey sausage, or even sliced smoked chicken sausage all work beautifully and can add unique flavors to tailor the dish to your tastes or dietary preferences.
Is it better to peel the potatoes for this recipe?
Peeling ensures a smoother texture throughout the casserole, but if you enjoy extra texture and nutrients, leaving the skins on the Yukon Gold potatoes is a tasty and handsome option.
Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Yes, swap the smoked sausage for your favorite plant-based sausage or hearty vegetables like mushrooms and bell peppers for a satisfying vegetarian twist on this classic comfort food.
What can I do to add some spice to the dish?
Try stirring in a pinch of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce into the cheese sauce to give your casserole a subtle kick that’ll warm you up from the inside out.
How do I know when the potatoes are fully cooked?
The potatoes are done when they are fork-tender and easily pierced all the way through. Baking covered helps steam and cook them gently before crisping the top uncovered.
Final Thoughts
This Cheese Potato and Smoked Sausage Casserole Recipe is the kind of dish that feels like a special treat yet is so easy to make, it can become a regular in your meal rotation. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just craving comfort on a cold night, it hits all the right notes with gooey cheese, smoky sausage, and creamy potatoes. Give it a try—you might just find your new go-to casserole!
Print
Cheese Potato and Smoked Sausage Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Nut-Free
Description
This Cheese Potato and Smoked Sausage Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish perfect for family dinners. Featuring tender Yukon Gold potatoes layered with flavorful smoked sausage and a rich, creamy cheese sauce, it combines savory spices and gooey cheddar and mozzarella cheeses baked to golden perfection. Easy to prepare and full of satisfying flavors, this casserole offers a delicious way to enjoy classic American comfort food.
Ingredients
Potatoes and Sausage
- 1½ pounds Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 12 ounces smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
Cheese Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups whole milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Other
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
- Nonstick cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare dish: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the smoked sausage slices for 4 to 5 minutes until browned and slightly crisp. Remove and set aside.
- Make roux and cheese sauce: In the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes while stirring constantly to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the whole milk and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes until the mixture thickens. Stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until the sauce is smooth and cheese melted.
- Assemble casserole: Layer half of the thinly sliced potatoes evenly in the prepared baking dish. Spread half of the browned sausage over the potatoes, then pour half of the cheese sauce on top. Repeat the layering with the remaining potatoes, sausage, and cheese sauce.
- Bake covered: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes. This will allow the potatoes to start cooking and absorb flavors.
- Bake uncovered: Remove the foil and continue to bake for another 20 to 25 minutes, or until the potatoes are fully tender and the top of the casserole is golden brown and bubbling.
- Rest and garnish: Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired for a fresh, colorful finish.
Notes
- You can substitute kielbasa or turkey sausage if preferred for a different flavor profile or lower fat option.
- For a spicy variation, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the cheese sauce.
- This casserole reheats well and makes great leftovers, perfect for meal prep.
