Get ready to fall in love with our comforting, delicious Cheesy Potatoes with Smoked Sausage! This dish effortlessly marries creamy, cheesy potatoes with the savory depth of smoked sausage, creating a one-pan wonder that’s both heartwarming and soul-satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect Comfort Food: This dish combines creamy, cheesy goodness with hearty smoked sausage.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses basic pantry staples like potatoes, cheese, and sausage.
- One-pan Dish: Fewer dishes to wash and more time to enjoy the meal!
- Family Approved: A kid-friendly meal that’s sure to please even the picky eaters.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Cheesy Potatoes with Smoked Sausage lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient brings its unique flair to the dish, creating layers of flavors and textures that are hard to resist.
- Russet Potatoes: These are perfect for baking, providing a fluffy texture that soaks up all that cheesy goodness.
- Smoked Sausage: Adds a smoky, robust flavor that complements the creamy cheese sauce beautifully.
- Velveeta and Cheddar Cheese: For the ultimate melty, gooey experience, these cheeses create a luscious sauce.
- Half-and-Half: Ensures the sauce is creamy and smooth, binding all the elements together.
- Garlic Powder: A hint of garlicky zest enhances the dish without overwhelming the other flavors.
Variations
This recipe is easy to personalize! Feel free to add your own twist and make it fit your taste buds or dietary preferences. Let these ideas inspire you!
- Veggie Boost: Throw in some chopped bell peppers or broccoli for extra nutrition and crunch.
- Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper if you like a bit of heat.
- Meaty Additions: Try subbing the sausage with cooked bacon or diced ham for a different flavor profile.
How to Make Cheesy Potatoes with Smoked Sausage
Step 1: Boil the Potatoes
Begin by peeling and dicing your russet potatoes, then boil them in salted water. You’ll want them tender but not too soft, as they’ll continue cooking in the oven with all those delicious flavors.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
In a nonstick skillet, add some olive oil and cooked smoked sausage slices until they’re deliciously browned. This step caramelizes the sausage and enhances its flavor, which pairs beautifully with the potatoes.
Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce
Wipe the skillet clean, melt the butter, and whisk in the flour to create a roux. Gradually add the half-and-half, stirring in the velveeta and cheddar cheese until you achieve a lush, creamy sauce that’s perfectly seasoned.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Combine your cooked potatoes and browned sausage in a baking dish, then pour the cheese sauce over. Sprinkle with some cheddar if desired, then bake until bubbly and golden for that ultimate comfort food experience.
Pro Tips for Making Cheesy Potatoes with Smoked Sausage
- Potato Preparation: Dice potatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking and a perfect texture.
- Cheese Melting: Stir your cheese sauce continuously over low heat to prevent any clumping.
- Sausage Browning: Pat sausage slices dry before adding them to the skillet for the best caramelization.
- Baking Perfection: Cover the dish with foil if the cheese browns too quickly, ensuring the potatoes are perfectly tender.
How to Serve Cheesy Potatoes with Smoked Sausage
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chives or parsley not only adds a pop of color but also a hint of freshness that balances the richness of the dish beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair this indulgent dish with a crisp side salad or simple steamed vegetables to add a contrasting texture and keep things light.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these cheesy delights right out of a rustic cast-iron skillet for a cozy and inviting presentation. Or, scoop them into individual ramekins for an elegant touch at a dinner party.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This dish can easily feed you for a couple more meals without losing its creamy allure.
Freezing
For longer storage, consider freezing portions. Wrap them well in plastic and foil before transferring to the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350 degrees until heated through, or use the microwave for a quicker option. Add a splash of milk if the dish seems dry, bringing back its creamy consistency.
FAQs
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Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While Velveeta and cheddar provide a creamy texture, feel free to experiment with your favorites like Gruyere or mozzarella.
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What other meats can be used instead of smoked sausage?
If you’re not a fan of smoked sausage, try sliced kielbasa, andouille sausage, or even cooked shredded chicken for a variant.
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Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, omit the sausage and add robust veggies like mushrooms and zucchini for a hearty, satisfying meal.
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How do I prevent the cheese sauce from becoming grainy?
Ensure you melt the cheese over low heat, stirring continuously. This keeps the proteins and fats in the cheese emulsified.
Final Thoughts
Dive into this recipe for Cheesy Potatoes with Smoked Sausage, and you’ll find why it’s a beloved favorite. With its perfect blend of flavors and textures, it’s a dish that will keep you coming back for more. Bon appétit!
Print
Cheesy Potatoes with Smoked Sausage Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Cheesy Potatoes with Smoked Sausage is a hearty and comforting casserole combining tender potatoes, savory smoked sausage, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce topped with sharp cheddar. Baked to perfection, this dish is perfect for family dinners or potlucks, offering a delicious blend of flavors and textures in every bite.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 4 cups diced, peeled russet potatoes
Oil and Sausage
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 (14-ounce) package smoked sausage, sliced
Cheese Sauce
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups half-and-half or milk
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 8 ounces Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Seasoning and Topping
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9-inch square baking dish to prevent sticking and set aside.
- Cook Potatoes: Place diced potatoes in a pot of salted water, bring to a boil, and cook until just tender, about 8-10 minutes. Drain well and transfer to the prepared baking dish.
- Cook Sausage: Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil, then sliced sausage. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and add to the baking dish with potatoes.
- Make Cheese Sauce: Wipe the skillet clean, melt butter over medium heat, add flour, and cook for 1 minute while stirring. Gradually whisk in half-and-half or milk, bringing to a simmer. Add garlic powder, then stir in Velveeta cubes until melted. Stir in half of the shredded cheddar cheese until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine and Bake: Pour the cheese sauce over potatoes and sausage in the baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top. Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 25 to 30 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
Notes
- You can add chopped onions or green onions for extra flavor.
- To make it gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free thickener or use a thickened cheese sauce without flour.
- For a spicier version, include crushed red pepper flakes or spicy sausage.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container and reheated in the microwave or oven.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/9 of casserole (about 1 cup)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
