Easy Cheesy Potato & Smoked Sausage Casserole Recipe

Looking for a hearty and delicious meal that's easy to prepare? This Easy Cheesy Potato & Smoked Sausage Casserole is the perfect solution. With layers of creamy potatoes, savory smoked sausage, and melted cheese, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Ideal for busy weeknights, potlucks, or a comforting family dinner, this casserole is simple to make and packed with flavor. Read on to discover how to create this delectable dish!

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What is Easy Cheesy Potato & Smoked Sausage Casserole?

Easy Cheesy Potato & Smoked Sausage Casserole is a rich and satisfying dish made by combining sliced potatoes and smoked sausage with a creamy cheese sauce, then baking until bubbly and golden. This dish brings together the smokiness of the sausage, the creaminess of the cheese, and the heartiness of the potatoes, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures. It’s an all-in-one meal that’s sure to become a favorite.

Ingredients List for Easy Cheesy Potato & Smoked Sausage Casserole

Main Ingredients:

• 6 medium russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
• 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• ¼ cup unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Substitutions and Variations

This recipe is flexible and can be adjusted to suit your preferences:

• Cheese Varieties: Swap the cheddar cheese for mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Gruyère for different flavors.
• Healthier Options: Use light cream and milk, and reduce the amount of cheese.
• Vegetarian: Replace the smoked sausage with a vegetarian sausage or additional vegetables like bell peppers and mushrooms.
• Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or use spicy smoked sausage for a bit of heat.
• Gluten-Free: Ensure all ingredients, including the smoked sausage, are gluten-free.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Preparing the Ingredients:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare Potatoes: Peel and thinly slice the potatoes, ideally using a mandoline for uniform thickness.
3. Prepare Sausage: Slice the smoked sausage into rounds.
4. Chop Onion and Garlic: Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic.

Making the Cheese Sauce:

1. Cook Onion and Garlic: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic and cook until soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
2. Add Cream and Milk: Stir in the heavy cream and milk. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Heat until just simmering, then remove from heat.
3. Add Cheese: Stir in 1 ½ cups of the shredded cheddar cheese and the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.

Assembling the Casserole:

1. Layer Potatoes and Sausage: In a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, arrange half of the sliced potatoes in an even layer. Top with half of the sliced smoked sausage.
2. Pour Sauce: Pour half of the cheese sauce over the potatoes and sausage. Repeat with the remaining potatoes, sausage, and cheese sauce.
3. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top.

Baking the Casserole:

1. Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden and the potatoes are tender.
2. Cool Slightly: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving to let the sauce thicken.

How to Cook Easy Cheesy Potato & Smoked Sausage Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Gather Ingredients: Ensure all ingredients are prepped and ready to go.
2. Prepare and Slice Potatoes: Peel, slice, and set aside the potatoes.
3. Slice Sausage: Slice the smoked sausage into rounds.
4. Make Cheese Sauce: Cook onion and garlic, add cream and milk, then stir in cheese to create the sauce.
5. Layer and Assemble: Layer potatoes and sausage in a greased baking dish, pour over cheese sauce, and top with more cheese.
6. Bake: Cover with foil and bake, then uncover to finish browning.
7. Cool and Serve: Let the casserole cool slightly before garnishing and serving.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Uneven Potato Slices: Use a mandoline for evenly sliced potatoes to ensure uniform cooking.
2. Overcooking the Sausage: Pre-cooked smoked sausage doesn’t need much cooking time, so be careful not to overcook it before baking.
3. Underseasoning: Taste the cheese sauce before assembling the casserole and adjust the seasonings as needed.
4. Skipping the Cooling Time: Allow the dish to cool slightly to let the sauce set and thicken.

Serving and Presentation Tips

For a visually appealing presentation, garnish the casserole with freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot alongside a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Use a large spoon to scoop servings, ensuring each portion includes a generous amount of potatoes, sausage, and cheese sauce.

How to Serve Easy Cheesy Potato & Smoked Sausage Casserole

This casserole is best served hot, straight from the oven. It pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes, including steamed vegetables, a crisp green salad, or garlic bread. Use a large spoon or spatula to serve, ensuring each portion has a bit of everything.

Presentation Ideas for Easy Cheesy Potato & Smoked Sausage Casserole

To enhance the presentation, use a decorative baking dish and sprinkle the top with fresh herbs just before serving. A drizzle of melted butter or a light sprinkle of paprika can also add a pop of color and flavor.

Easy Cheesy Potato & Smoked Sausage Casserole Recipe Tips

1. Prep Ahead: Assemble the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.
2. Double the Recipe: For larger gatherings, simply double the ingredients and use a larger baking dish.
3. Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use frozen potatoes?
A: Yes, you can use frozen diced potatoes. Thaw them first and drain any excess moisture.

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the casserole and store it in the refrigerator overnight. Bake it just before serving.

Q: What can I use instead of smoked sausage?
A: You can substitute with other types of sausage, like Italian or andouille, or use cooked chicken or ham.

Q: How can I make this dish lighter?
A: Use light cream and milk, and reduce the amount of cheese. You can also use turkey sausage instead of pork sausage.

Q: Can I freeze the leftovers?
A: Yes, you can freeze the leftovers. Store in an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Conclusion

This Easy Cheesy Potato & Smoked Sausage Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish that combines the flavors of creamy potatoes, smoky sausage, and rich cheese. Perfect for any occasion, it’s easy to prepare and sure to satisfy. Follow these simple steps to create a delicious casserole that your family and friends will love. Enjoy the rich flavors and comforting textures of this fantastic recipe!

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