Description
This comforting dish features tender, cheesy potatoes combined with smoky sausage and a rich velvety cheese sauce. Perfectly baked until golden and bubbly, Cheesy Potatoes with Smoked Sausage is an indulgent family-friendly casserole that’s easy to prepare and sure to satisfy.
Ingredients
Scale
Potatoes and Sausage
- 4 cups diced, peeled russet potatoes
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 (14-ounce) package smoked sausage, sliced
Cheese Sauce
- 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
Instructions
- Prepare baking dish: Lightly grease a 9-inch square baking dish ensuring the potatoes and sausage won’t stick during baking.
- Cook potatoes: Place the diced potatoes in a pot of salted water and bring to a boil. Boil until just tender but still slightly firm as they will cook further in the oven. Drain the potatoes well and transfer them to the prepared baking dish.
- Cook sausage: Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and sliced smoked sausage. Cook until the sausage is nicely browned. Remove the sausage from the skillet and add it to the baking dish with the potatoes.
- Make roux: Wipe the skillet clean and add butter. Melt over medium heat, then add the flour. Cook and stir continuously for 1 minute to form a roux that will thicken the cheese sauce.
- Add dairy and seasoning: Gradually whisk in the half-and-half (or milk) and bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir in garlic powder for flavor.
- Melt Velveeta: Reduce heat to low and add the cubed Velveeta cheese. Stir continuously until fully melted and smooth.
- Incorporate cheddar: Add half of the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and stir until melted into the sauce. Remove from heat and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble casserole: Pour the prepared cheese sauce evenly over the potatoes and sausage in the baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly on top.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the top is golden, bubbly, and the casserole is heated through.
Notes
- To make this dish lighter, substitute half-and-half with 2% milk.
- Ensure potatoes are slightly undercooked when boiling to prevent them from becoming mushy after baking.
- Feel free to use your favorite smoked sausage variety for added flavor variations.
- Velveeta cheese helps create a smooth, creamy sauce, but you can use processed cheese alternatives if preferred.
- For extra crispiness, broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes after baking, watching closely to prevent burning.
