If you love cheesy, hearty, and downright comforting meals, this Ultimate Cheesy Potato & Smoked Sausage Casserole is about to become your new favorite. Layers of tender potatoes, smoky sausage, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce that melts into every bite, oh my!
It’s the perfect dish for cozy family dinners, potlucks, or when you just need something warm and satisfying. The best part? It’s super easy to throw together with simple, budget-friendly ingredients.
Plus, you can customize it by adding veggies or swapping in your favorite cheeses. So grab a baking dish and let’s make some comfort food magic!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comfort Food at Its Best: Creamy, cheesy, and packed with smoky sausage flavor.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe a breeze.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or holiday gatherings.
- Customizable: Swap ingredients or add your favorite veggies for a personal touch.
Potato and Smoked Sausage Casserole Recipe
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious casserole. All ingredients are easy to find and budget-friendly:
Main Ingredients
- Potatoes: 6 medium russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced.
- Smoked sausage: 1 lb, sliced into rounds.
- Cheese: 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese + ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese.
- Creamy sauce: 1 cup heavy cream + 1 cup whole milk.
- Aromatics: 2 small onions (finely chopped) + 2 cloves garlic (minced).
- Butter: 1/3 cup unsalted butter for richness.
Seasonings & Spices
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Garnish
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat the Oven
- Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to fully preheat before starting. This ensures the casserole bakes evenly and the cheese melts into a golden, bubbly layer.
Prepare the Potatoes
- Peel the potatoes and slice them into ¼-inch thick rounds. A mandoline slicer works great for even slices, which helps the potatoes cook uniformly.
- Rinse the slices under cold water to remove excess starch. This prevents them from turning sticky or mushy during baking.
- Pat the potatoes dry thoroughly with a clean kitchen towel. Removing moisture helps the cheese sauce cling better and prevents excess liquid in the casserole.
Cook the Smoked Sausage
- Slice the smoked sausage into ½-inch thick rounds, which is the ideal size to keep them juicy while adding a smoky bite to every forkful.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the sausage slices for 2-3 minutes on each side. This light browning intensifies their flavor and brings out a slightly crispy texture.
- Once done, remove them from the heat and set aside.
Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce
- Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
- Add 2 chopped onions and 2 cloves of minced garlic, then cook for about 5 minutes until they soften and become fragrant. This builds a flavorful base for the sauce.
- Pour in 1 cup heavy cream and 1 cup whole milk, then stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Heat the mixture until it just begins to simmer, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. Do not let it boil.
- Remove from heat and stir in 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese and ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Assemble the Casserole
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Arrange half of the sliced potatoes in an even layer at the bottom of the dish.
- Spread half of the browned sausage slices over the potatoes, making sure they are evenly distributed.
- Pour half of the cheese sauce over the layers, ensuring it seeps between the slices for maximum flavor.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, sausage, and cheese sauce to build a well-balanced casserole.
- Sprinkle the top with the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese, which will create a golden, cheesy crust. If you’re all about that sausage life, go ahead and sprinkle a little extra on top for even more smoky, savory goodness!
Bake Until Golden and Bubbly
- Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 40-45 minutes, allowing the potatoes to soften while absorbing the flavors.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for another 15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. The potatoes should be fork-tender when fully cooked.
- If needed, broil for an extra 2-3 minutes to achieve an even crispier top.
Let It Rest Before Serving
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This allows the cheese sauce to thicken slightly, preventing it from running when served.
- Cut into squares and serve warm, enjoying every creamy, cheesy, and smoky bite.
Nutritional Breakdown
Here’s a detailed look at the nutritional profile per serving:
Nutrient | Per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 420 kcal |
Protein | 18g |
Fat | 28g |
Carbohydrates | 25g |
Fiber | 2g |
Sugar | 4g |
This casserole is a hearty and satisfying meal, perfect for fueling your day or enjoying as a comforting dinner.
Serving Suggestions
This rich and cheesy casserole pairs perfectly with lighter sides to balance the meal. Here are a few ideas:
- A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette.
- Steamed broccoli or green beans.
- Warm garlic bread or dinner rolls for soaking up the cheesy sauce.
For a fun twist, serve it with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of chopped chives on top.
Storing & Reheating Tips
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze individual portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Microwave at 50% power or reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
FAQs
1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, assemble it up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate; bake when ready, adding 5-10 extra minutes if baking from cold.
2. Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! Bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms work well—just sauté them first to remove excess moisture.
3. How can I make this recipe lighter?
Use light cream and milk, and reduce the amount of cheese. You can also swap the sausage for a leaner protein like turkey sausage.
4. Can I use frozen potatoes?
Yes! Thaw frozen diced potatoes and drain any excess moisture before using.
Why This Casserole is a Must-Try
This Ultimate Cheesy Potato & Smoked Sausage Casserole is the epitome of comfort food. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with smoky, savory flavors that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting a potluck, or just craving something hearty and delicious, this casserole is sure to hit the spot.
So, preheat that oven, grab your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a dish that’s as easy to make as it is satisfying. Don’t forget to share your creations with us on social media using the hashtag #PotatoSausageCasserole—we’d love to see your twists on this recipe!
Happy cooking! 😊