Description
Hearty family-style “easy cheesy potato & smoked sausage casserole” brings comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen. Creamy potatoes and smoky sausage layers promise a satisfying meal you’ll savor with every delicious forkful.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 3 cups Russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 pound smoked sausage, thinly sliced
- 1/2 pound Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups half & half or milk
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Optional Ingredients:
- 1–2 tablespoons olive oil
- Non-stick cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to a moderate temperature of 350°F, ensuring an even cooking environment for the casserole.
- Prepare Russet potatoes by cutting into uniform cubes, then immerse in boiling water until tender but maintaining structural integrity. Carefully drain and reserve.
- Transform smoked sausage into appetizing medallions through precise slicing, then caramelize in a hot skillet with a drizzle of olive oil until achieving a rich golden-brown exterior.
- Construct a velvety cheese sauce foundation by melting butter in a saucepan, incorporating flour to create a roux, and whisking continuously to prevent lumping.
- Gradually introduce half & half or milk into the roux, stirring persistently until the mixture thickens and develops a luxurious consistency.
- Elevate the sauce’s flavor profile by seasoning with salt, pepper, and smoky paprika, then melt Velveeta cheese until achieving a silky, uniform texture.
- Orchestrate the casserole components by gently folding together the cooked potato cubes, seared sausage slices, and decadent cheese sauce in a spacious mixing bowl.
- Prepare a baking vessel with non-stick spray, then transfer the thoroughly combined mixture, ensuring even distribution.
- Crown the casserole with a generous layer of sharp cheddar cheese, promising a crisp and golden top.
- Slide the assembled dish into the preheated oven, allowing it to bake until the cheese transforms into a bubbling, bronzed masterpiece, approximately 25-30 minutes.
- Allow the casserole a brief resting period post-baking to stabilize and enhance flavor melding before serving.
Notes
- Choose Russet potatoes for their starchy texture, which helps create a creamy and hearty casserole.
- Use high-quality smoked sausage for maximum flavor, and consider low-sodium options for a healthier twist.
- Substitute Velveeta with sharp cheddar or a blend of cheeses for a more complex, tangy taste profile.
- Prepare the casserole in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 1200 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg