Name: Cheesy Potatoes with Smoked Sausage Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups diced, peeled russet potatoes; 1 teaspoon olive oil; 1 (14-ounce) package smoked sausage, sliced; 4 tablespoons butter; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 2 cups half-and-half or milk; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; 8 ounces Velveeta cheese, cubed; 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese; Salt and pepper to taste

Jump to Recipe

If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food, Cheesy Potatoes with Smoked Sausage is the answer you’ve been searching for. Creamy, gooey cheese envelopes tender chunks of potato, while smoky sausage adds a deliciously savory bite to every forkful. This hearty, irresistible casserole is perfect for feeding a hungry crowd or treating your family to something a little extra special on a regular weeknight. Easy to prep and loaded with rich flavor, it’s destined to become a go-to favorite in your kitchen!

Cheesy Potatoes with Smoked Sausage Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Cheesy Potatoes with Smoked Sausage lies in its straightforward, humble ingredients. Every component has a unique job, from the creamy cheeses to the hearty potatoes and the flavorful sausage, all working together to create pure, comforting magic in a single baking dish.

Russet potatoes (4 cups, diced and peeled): Choose russets for their fluffy texture that soaks up cheese sauce beautifully.
Olive oil (1 teaspoon): Just enough for browning the sausage and bringing out its smoky aroma.
Smoked sausage (14-ounce package, sliced): The star protein, lending bold, smoky depth and a satisfying bite.
Butter (4 tablespoons): The base of your sauce, delivering that classic, rich flavor and velvety texture.
All-purpose flour (1/4 cup): For thickening your cheese sauce to just the right consistency.
Half-and-half or milk (2 cups): For creamy smoothness—use half-and-half for extra indulgence.
Garlic powder (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a subtle warmth that ties the whole dish together.
Velveeta cheese (8 ounces, cubed): The secret to unbeatable, ultra-creamy sauce.
Shredded sharp cheddar cheese (1 cup): For a punch of layered cheese flavor and that irresistible golden topping.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning—don’t forget to taste and adjust before baking.

How to Make Cheesy Potatoes with Smoked Sausage

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish

Start by lightly greasing a 9-inch square baking dish. This simple step makes sure none of that golden, bubbly cheese clings to the pan, so you’ll get every last bit on your plate where it belongs.

Step 2: Boil and Drain the Potatoes

Place your diced potatoes into a pot of salted water and bring it to a boil. Boil them until they’re just tender, but not fully soft—they should hold their shape and finish cooking in the oven. After boiling, drain them well, then spread the potatoes evenly in your prepared baking dish.

Step 3: Brown the Sausage

Heat the olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook, stirring occasionally, until it’s beautifully browned. That caramelization is the key to big flavor! Once browned, layer the sausage over the potatoes in your baking dish.

Step 4: Make the Roux

In the same skillet, wipe out any leftover sausage bits (but don’t wash it—that flavor is gold!). Melt the butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for about one minute. This quick roux gives your sauce its lush, thick consistency.

Step 5: Create the Creamy Sauce

Gradually whisk in the half-and-half or milk, making sure there are no lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then add the garlic powder for a subtle kick. Turn the heat to low and stir in the velveeta cubes, letting them slowly melt into a silky, golden sauce.

Step 6: Melt in the Cheddar

Add half the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted and smooth. Now’s the perfect time to sneak a taste—add salt and pepper to bring everything into luscious, savory balance. You’re just about ready to assemble!

Step 7: Assemble and Bake

Pour the molten cheese sauce all over the potatoes and smoked sausage, making sure everything is nestled in creamy, cheesy goodness. Sprinkle the rest of the cheddar cheese over the top for that irresistible golden finish. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes, until bubbly and golden-brown perfection has been reached.

How to Serve Cheesy Potatoes with Smoked Sausage

Garnishes

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or chives over the warm casserole for a pop of color and a hint of freshness. If you love a little crunch, try scattering crispy fried onions or even crumbled bacon on top right before serving.

Side Dishes

Cheesy Potatoes with Smoked Sausage is satisfying on its own, but it pairs delightfully with a crisp green salad or roasted veggies for balance. Warm, crusty bread also makes the perfect vehicle to mop up any extra cheese sauce left on your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve individual portions in small ramekins for each guest, or scoop the cheesy mixture into hollowed baked potatoes for a unique hand-held version. You can even bring this dish to potlucks—just cover and transport right in the baking dish for ultimate ease.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (and that’s a big if!), let the casserole cool completely, then cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more overnight, making every bite even more delicious on day two.

Freezing

Cheesy Potatoes with Smoked Sausage freezes beautifully. Wrap portions tightly in foil or freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready for a cozy meal, just thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

Reheating

To reheat, cover your casserole with foil and warm in a 350-degree oven until bubbling (about 20-25 minutes). For a single serving, the microwave works well in a pinch—just be sure to cover the dish so it stays moist. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of milk before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use a different kind of potato?

Absolutely! Yukon Gold potatoes add a buttery taste and slightly firmer texture, but russets remain the classic choice for their fluffy interiors that soak up all that cheesy sauce.

What if I don’t have velveeta cheese?

You can substitute with extra shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a melty blend of cheeses. The sauce might be a bit less creamy, but it’ll still taste fantastic!

Is this recipe gluten-free?

The recipe as written contains all-purpose flour. To make it gluten-free, substitute the flour with a gluten-free blend or cornstarch—just adjust the amounts as needed for thickness.

Can I add veggies to this dish?

Yes! Sautéed bell peppers, broccoli florets, or even wilted spinach can be mixed in for color and nutrition. Just cook the veggies before stirring them into the baking dish.

Can Cheesy Potatoes with Smoked Sausage be made ahead?

Definitely. Assemble the casserole (but don’t bake), cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. When ready to enjoy, bake as directed—just add a few extra minutes of oven time if it’s being baked straight from the fridge.

Final Thoughts

There’s something unforgettable about a bubbling pan of Cheesy Potatoes with Smoked Sausage coming out of the oven. It’s the kind of meal that draws everyone to the table in anticipation. I hope you’ll give this dish a try, and that it becomes a favorite in your home as quickly as it did in mine!

Cheesy Potatoes with Smoked Sausage Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 22 reviews

Author: Ella
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Delicious and comforting Cheesy Potatoes with Smoked Sausage, a hearty dish perfect for a family dinner.

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Lightly grease a 9-inch square baking dish.
Cook Potatoes: Boil diced potatoes until just tender; drain and place in the baking dish.
Cook Sausage: Brown sausage in a skillet; add to the baking dish with potatoes.
Make Cheese Sauce: Melt butter in a skillet, add flour and cook. Whisk in half-and-half, garlic powder, Velveeta, and half of the cheddar cheese until melted.
Combine Ingredients: Pour cheese sauce over potatoes and sausage. Sprinkle with remaining cheddar cheese.
Bake: Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Notes

You can customize this dish by adding in your favorite veggies like bell peppers or onions.
Feel free to top with some crispy bacon for an extra flavor boost.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American