Cheesy Potato Sausage Casserole

Here’s a hearty, comforting, and ultra-satisfying recipe for a Cheesy Potato Sausage Casserole — perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or cozy Sunday suppers. It’s loaded with savory sausage, creamy cheesy sauce, and tender potatoes. Total comfort food vibes. 💯

🧀 Cheesy Potato Sausage Casserole

Ingredients:

Main Casserole:

• 1 lb smoked sausage or kielbasa, sliced into ¼-inch rounds

• 2 lbs Yukon Gold or russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (about ⅛ inch)

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or medium)

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack (optional, for stretch factor)

• 2 tbsp butter or oil (for sautéing)

Cheese Sauce:

• 3 tbsp butter

• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour

• 2 cups milk (whole preferred)

• 1 cup heavy cream (or more milk)

• 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional, adds depth)

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• ½ tsp paprika or smoked paprika

• ¼ tsp garlic powder

Topping (optional):

• ½ cup breadcrumbs mixed with 2 tbsp melted butter

• Extra cheese for topping

🔪 Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Sauté sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the sausage slices for 5–7 minutes until slightly crisp. Remove and set aside.

3. Sauté onion (optional): In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp butter and sauté chopped onion (and garlic if using) until translucent, 3–4 minutes.

4. Make the cheese sauce:

   • In a saucepan, melt 3 tbsp butter over medium heat.

   • Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.

   • Gradually whisk in milk and cream. Cook until slightly thickened (5–7 minutes).

   • Stir in Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.

   • Remove from heat and stir in cheddar and mozzarella until melted and smooth.

5. Assemble the casserole:

   • Layer half the sliced potatoes in the dish.

   • Sprinkle half the sausage and sautéed onions over.

   • Pour half the cheese sauce on top.

   • Repeat with remaining potatoes, sausage, and cheese sauce.

   • Sprinkle extra shredded cheese or buttered breadcrumbs on top, if desired.

6. Bake uncovered for 50–60 minutes, or until potatoes are tender and the top is golden and bubbly.

   • If the top browns too fast, cover loosely with foil during the last 15–20 minutes.

7. Let rest 10–15 minutes before serving for easier slicing and best texture.

📝 Tips:

• Swap smoked sausage for Italian sausage, ground beef, or even bacon.

• Add broccoli or spinach for a veggie boost.

• You can use frozen hashbrowns in place of sliced potatoes to save time — just reduce bake time to ~40–45 minutes.