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Cheese, Potato & Smoked Sausage Casserole

Cheese, Potato & Smoked Sausage Casserole
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Cheese, Potato & Smoked Sausage Casserole is a comforting and hearty baked dish combining tender starchy potatoes, smoky sausage, and rich, melted cheese in a creamy sauce. Perfect for family meals or gatherings, it offers a balanced mix of savory, creamy, and smoky flavors with a golden cheesy crust.

Ingredients

Scale

Potatoes

  • 4 large starchy potatoes (Russets or Yukon Gold), peeled and thinly sliced

Smoked Sausage

  • 12 oz smoked sausage, sliced into bite-sized pieces

Cheese

  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (or a blend of cheddar and mozzarella/gouda)

Aromatics

  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Dairy & Fats

  • 1 cup heavy cream or milk
  • 3 tablespoons butter

Seasonings

  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Potatoes: Peel and thinly slice the potatoes ensuring uniform thickness for even cooking. Parboil the slices in boiling water for 3-5 minutes to speed baking time and maintain perfect texture, then drain and set aside.
  2. Cook the Smoked Sausage: Slice sausage into bite-sized pieces. In a large pan over medium heat, sauté sausage until browned and fragrant, releasing smoky oils that add depth to the casserole. Remove and set aside.
  3. Sauté Aromatics: In the same pan, add diced onions and minced garlic. Cook until softened and aromatic, infusing the base flavors for the casserole.
  4. Prepare the Cheese Sauce: In a small saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Stir in heavy cream or milk, then gradually add shredded cheese, stirring gently until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika to taste.
  5. Layer the Casserole: Grease a baking dish. Layer half of the potato slices, followed by half the smoked sausage and aromatics. Pour a portion of the cheese sauce over these layers. Repeat with remaining potatoes, sausage, aromatics, and cheese sauce, ensuring even coverage.
  6. Bake: Cover the dish loosely with foil to prevent over-browning. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 40-45 minutes. Remove foil during the last 10 minutes to allow the cheese topping to become golden and bubbly.

Notes

  • Slice potatoes evenly to ensure uniform cooking and texture.
  • Do not overcrowd the pan when sautéing sausage and aromatics to allow proper browning.
  • Use sharp or aged cheddar cheese for more intense flavor and better melting.
  • Allow casserole to rest for 10 minutes after baking; this helps in easier slicing and flavor melding.
  • For added texture, sprinkle breadcrumbs or crushed crackers on top during the last few minutes of baking.

Nutrition

Keywords: casserole, cheese casserole, potato casserole, smoked sausage recipe, comfort food, baked casserole, one-dish meal

Find it online: https://dishesbylina.com/cheese-potato-smoked-sausage-casserole/