Cheesy Potato & Smoked Sausage Casserole Recipe

If you’re craving something comfortingly rich, heartily cheesy, and packed with smoky goodness, you’re going to absolutely love this Cheesy Potato & Smoked Sausage Casserole Recipe. It’s the kind of dish that turns any ordinary night into a cozy occasion, with tender potatoes cuddled up to flavorful smoked sausage in a velvety cheese sauce you’ll want to savor every bite of. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through every step to make this fan-freaking-tastic casserole shine in your kitchen!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Cheesy Potato & Smoked Sausage Casserole Recipe plays a crucial role — from the creamy half & half that makes the sauce silky smooth to the smoked paprika that adds a subtle smoky depth. Here’s what to look for when you shop, so your casserole turns out perfect every time.

• Russet potatoes: These starchy potatoes hold their shape well after boiling and lend a fluffy texture perfect for casseroles.
• Smoked sausage: Thinly slicing helps get little crispy edges that elevate every bite — go for your favorite brand or spice level.
• Butter: Essential for building a rich roux that thickens your cheese sauce beautifully.
• Flour: Helps the sauce come together without lumps; make sure to cook it long enough to lose the raw taste.
• Half & half (or milk): Half & half gives the creamiest sauce, but whole milk works if that’s what you have.
• Velveeta cheese: Cubed Velveeta melts super smooth and adds that irresistible creamy texture.
• Sharp cheddar cheese: Adds a punch of flavor and a golden, bubbly crust on top.
• Smoked paprika: This little spice brings depth and a smoky warmth without overpowering the other flavors.
• Salt & pepper: Always taste and adjust — seasoning is key!

Variations

I love that this recipe is super adaptable, so you can make it your own based on what you love or what you have on hand. Don’t be afraid to try different things — that’s how you make a recipe truly yours!

• Meat alternative: Swap smoked sausage for kielbasa, or even smoked turkey sausage to lighten it up — I did this once when I wanted a leaner version and it still rocked!
• Dairy swap: Use a blend of cream and milk if you want a richer sauce, or even a vegan cheese and plant-based milk for a dairy-free twist.
• Spice it up: Add a dash of cayenne or hot sauce to the cheese sauce for a nice little kick — it wakes up the whole dish!
• Veggie add-ins: Stir in some sautéed onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms with the sausage for extra flavor and texture variation.

How to Make Cheesy Potato & Smoked Sausage Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Brown Your Sausage for Maximum Flavor

Start by sautéing the smoked sausage in a bit of olive oil over medium-low heat. You want them to brown slightly and render some delicious fat, but don’t rush it — gentle heat helps them get crispy edges without burning. Stir occasionally to brown evenly. This step really boosts the dish’s smoky depth, and I always catch myself sneaking tastes here!

Step 2: Prep and Place Your Potatoes and Sausage

Once your potatoes are boiled until tender but not mushy (just fork-tender is perfect here), transfer them with the browned sausage into a lightly greased 9×13-inch casserole dish. Stir just enough to mix them gently — you want some nice distribution but keep the potatoes intact to hold texture.

Step 3: Build That Luscious Cheese Sauce

Now, crank your skillet heat to medium and melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and let it cook for about a minute while whisking constantly — this cooks out the raw flour taste and creates your roux, which thickens the sauce. Next, slowly pour in the half & half in small batches while continuously whisking to avoid lumps. Keep whisking until the sauce thickens up nicely and coats the back of your spoon.

Step 4: Melt in Your Cheeses and Bring the Saucy Goodness Together

Reduce heat to low and add the Velveeta cubes, stirring gently until the cheese melts and the sauce is silky smooth. Then sprinkle in the smoked paprika and season with salt and pepper to taste. This is where you’ll find magic happens; the sauce gets rich, smoky, and utterly indulgent.

Step 5: Combine, Top, and Bake to Golden Perfection

Pour the cheesy sauce evenly over the potatoes and sausage in your casserole dish. Sprinkle shredded sharp cheddar on top for that perfect golden crust. Bake uncovered at 350°F (175°C) for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top turns enticingly golden brown. You’ll know it’s ready when you can easily pierce the potatoes with a fork.

How to Serve Cheesy Potato & Smoked Sausage Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives on top right before serving. It adds a fresh pop of color and a subtle oniony brightness that balances the richness perfectly. Sometimes a dollop of sour cream on the side works wonders too!

Side Dishes

This casserole is pretty filling on its own, but I love pairing it with a crisp green salad dressed simply in vinaigrette or steamed green beans tossed with a little garlic and lemon. It’s all about balancing that creamy richness with something fresh and light.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I sometimes bake this in individual ramekins for personal servings — everyone enjoys their own cheesy potato and sausage goodness! It also makes great party food, especially served alongside crusty bread or even inside hollowed-out roasted bell peppers.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After it cools, I cover leftovers tightly and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. This casserole reheats beautifully — just make sure to cover with foil or a lid to keep moisture in.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this casserole a couple of times by prepping and baking it, then cooling completely before wrapping tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When ready to eat, I thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat covered in a 350°F oven until bubbly. The texture stays surprisingly good!

Reheating

Reheat leftover casserole in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes until hot throughout. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the crispy top texture, but if you’re in a hurry, it still works fine — just watch for uneven heating.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Cheesy Potato & Smoked Sausage Casserole Recipe feels like the ultimate comfort dish for me — it’s hearty, cheesy, and packed with flavors that remind me of cozy family dinners. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do, and that it becomes one of your go-to recipes when you want to treat yourself or feed a crowd. Give it a try and let me know how your casserole turns out — I bet your family will go crazy for it too!

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