When you’re craving something hearty, cheesy, and 100% comforting, Cheesy Potato & Smoked Sausage Casserole is your answer! This crowd-pleasing casserole is layered with golden potatoes, slices of smoky sausage, and the creamiest, most irresistible cheesy sauce—making it a go-to that vanishes fast at any family dinner or potluck.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Dish Wonder: This Cheesy Potato & Smoked Sausage Casserole packs a complete, satisfying meal into a single baking dish—easy to make and a snap to clean up!
- Ultra Creamy and Cheesy: The sauce is rich, ultra-smooth, and features both Velveeta and cheddar for the ultimate cheese pull in every bite.
- Crowd Favorite: This casserole consistently disappears fast at potlucks and family dinners—everyone comes back for seconds!
- Total Comfort Food: Smoky sausage, buttery potatoes, and creamy cheese make this dish a cozy, stick-to-your-ribs classic you’ll crave all year long.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This dish relies on a short and honest list of pantry favorites—each adding its own hit of flavor, color, and that addictive cheesy creaminess we all love. Here’s what you’ll need, and why they matter!
- Russet Potatoes (3 cups, peeled and cubed): Pick Russets for their fluffy texture—they soak up the cheese sauce perfectly without turning mushy.
- Smoked Sausage (1 lb, thinly sliced): The real flavor star! Go with beef, turkey, or pork—just make sure it’s the smoky kind for that irresistible depth.
- Butter (4 tbsp): For frying and making the cream base—adds a delicious richness to the sauce.
- Flour (4 tbsp): This thickens the cheese sauce so it hugs every potato and sausage bite.
- Half & Half or Milk (2 cups): Half & half makes it extra creamy, but whole milk also works if that’s what you’re using.
- Velveeta Cheese (1/2 lb, cubed): The secret to ultra-smooth, creamy sauce—no gritty, separated cheese here!
- Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese (1/2 cup): Brings out a bold cheesy tang and adds golden color on top.
- Smoked Paprika (1/4 tsp): For even more depth—this brings a barely-there smokiness that echoes the sausage.
- Salt & Pepper, to taste: Because no casserole is complete without a pinch of each to bring everything together.
- Olive Oil (for sautéing): Just a touch to brown up the sausage in the skillet!
- Non-stick Spray: To make sure your casserole effortless lifts out every time.
Variations
The beauty of Cheesy Potato & Smoked Sausage Casserole is how customizable it can be! Here are a few fun ways to adapt it for your cravings, what’s in your fridge, or your family’s dietary needs.
- Swap the Sausage: Try spicy andouille, kielbasa, or even a plant-based sausage to change up the flavor or make it vegetarian.
- Add Some Veggies: Toss in sautéed onions, bell peppers, or broccoli florets for a pop of color and extra nutrition.
- Go Spicy: Add a diced jalapeño or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the cheese sauce if you love a little heat.
- Lighter Option: Substitute turkey sausage and low-fat cheese, and use whole milk instead of half & half for a slimmed-down version that still tastes amazing.
How to Make Cheesy Potato & Smoked Sausage Casserole
Step 1: Brown the Smoked Sausage
Start by heating 1–2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add your sliced smoked sausage and sauté, flipping and stirring, until the pieces are beautifully browned on both sides. This builds deep, smoky flavor into the casserole and gives a satisfying snap to every bite.
Step 2: Prep the Potatoes and Casserole Dish
While the sausage is browning, ensure your potatoes are peeled, cubed, and boiled just until fork-tender (not falling apart!). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Combine the cooked potatoes and browned sausage in the dish, stirring gently so they’re evenly distributed—no potato clumps or sausage piles!
Step 3: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce
In the same skillet you just used (less dishes, yay!), melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about one minute, stirring constantly until it smells a little nutty—this gets rid of that raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in the half & half, just a bit at a time, making sure it’s nice and smooth before adding more. Continue cooking and whisking until the sauce thickens, then stir in the cubed Velveeta, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Let it all melt together for the silkiest, cheesiest sauce dreams are made of.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Pour the hot cheese sauce evenly over the awaiting potatoes and sausage, using a spatula if needed to spread it into every nook. Sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar cheese over the top for a beautiful, bubbling, golden finish. Bake at 350°F for 35–45 minutes—until the casserole is piping hot, the cheese is gloriously melted, and the top has a lovely golden hue.
Pro Tips for Making Cheesy Potato & Smoked Sausage Casserole
- Potato Texture Matters: Boil potatoes just until fork-tender—overcooking will make them mushy and break down in the casserole.
- Brown Beyond Basic: Take time to really brown the sausage; those caramelized, crispy edges add a deep smoky flavor you won’t get otherwise.
- Smoothest Cheese Sauce: Whisk the milk in slowly and melt the Velveeta gently for a glossy, lump-free sauce that clings perfectly to every bite.
- Cheddar on Top: Add the shredded cheddar just before baking—this gives that gorgeous bubbly, golden crust everyone loves.
How to Serve Cheesy Potato & Smoked Sausage Casserole
Garnishes
Finish your casserole with a shower of freshly chopped chives, parsley, or green onions for extra color and an herby pop of freshness. A little sprinkle of extra smoked paprika or black pepper on top just before serving also looks so inviting!
Side Dishes
This casserole is pretty much a meal in itself, but if you’d like to round out dinner, a bright green salad with vinaigrette or steamed green beans adds a crisp, refreshing contrast to all that creamy richness. Homemade applesauce or pickled veggies also complement the smoky, cheesy flavors beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a weeknight twist, spoon Cheesy Potato & Smoked Sausage Casserole into individual ramekins—everyone gets their own mini casserole! Or, take it to a potluck in a slow cooker set to warm, stirring occasionally so that luscious sauce stays creamy from the first scoop to the last.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once the casserole cools, cover leftovers tightly with foil or transfer them to an airtight container; they keep perfectly in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen as it sits, so leftovers can taste even better the next day!
Freezing
Yes, Cheesy Potato & Smoked Sausage Casserole freezes like a dream. Wrap the cooked (and cooled) casserole in plastic, then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until bubbly and hot all the way through—about 20–25 minutes. You can also microwave individual servings, adding a splash of milk if needed to keep that creamy texture.
FAQs
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Can I use a different type of potato?
Absolutely! While russets are ideal for their fluffiness, Yukon Gold or even red potatoes will also work—just keep an eye on cooking time so they don’t get too soft. The key is to use potatoes that hold their shape in the casserole.
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What can I substitute for Velveeta cheese?
If you’d rather not use processed cheese, try a mix of cream cheese and extra shredded cheddar for a creamy (though slightly less silky) sauce. Adjust the salt to taste, as Velveeta is pretty salty on its own.
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Can Cheesy Potato & Smoked Sausage Casserole be made ahead?
Yes! Assemble the whole casserole up to the point of baking, cover, and refrigerate overnight. When you’re ready to bake, add 10–15 minutes to the baking time to ensure it heats through evenly.
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Is this recipe gluten-free?
With a small swap, yes! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour to thicken the cheese sauce. Double-check your sausage label as well, since some brands may include fillers.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a hug in casserole form, Cheesy Potato & Smoked Sausage Casserole is absolutely it. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and share it with those you love—because it’s the kind of dish that brings people together around the table, again and again. Enjoy every cheesy, smoky, heartwarming forkful!
Print
Cheesy Potato & Smoked Sausage Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Baking
- Method: Stovetop
Description
This Cheesy Potato & Smoked Sausage Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender potatoes, savory smoked sausage, and a creamy cheese sauce baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Potatoes:
- 3 cups peeled cubed Russet potatoes, boiled until soft but not mushy
Smoked Sausage:
- 1 lb smoked sausage, thinly sliced
Cheese Sauce:
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 tbsp flour
- 2 cups half & half or milk
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1/2 lb Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
Instructions
- Saute Sausage: In a large skillet over medium low heat, saute the sliced sausage until lightly browned.
- Prepare Casserole: Lightly spray a 9×13″ baking dish. Transfer cooked potatoes and sausage to the dish.
- Make Cheese Sauce: In the skillet, melt butter, whisk in flour, then gradually add half & half until thickened. Stir in Velveeta, paprika, salt & pepper until smooth.
- Assemble & Bake: Pour cheese sauce over potatoes and sausage. Top with shredded cheddar. Bake at 350°F for 35-45 minutes until golden and potatoes are tender.
Notes
- You can customize this casserole by adding diced vegetables like bell peppers or onions.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a dash of hot sauce or Worcestershire sauce to the cheese sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 470
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 1100mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
