If you’re in search of a comforting and satisfying meal that’s both easy to make and incredibly delicious, look no further than this Cheese, Potato, and Smoked Sausage Casserole. Packed with hearty ingredients like smoked sausage, potatoes, and cheddar cheese, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re serving it up for a cozy dinner at home or bringing it to a potluck gathering, this dish is guaranteed to impress.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb of smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
- 4 cups of potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup of milk
- 1/2 cup of sour cream
- 1 can of cream of chicken soup (10.75 oz)
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
- Optional: chopped fresh parsley or chives for garnish
Introduction:
This Cheese, Potato, and Smoked Sausage Casserole is the ultimate comfort food dish. It’s warm, cheesy, and packed with flavor, making it perfect for those chilly evenings when you’re craving something hearty and satisfying. Plus, it’s easy to customize with your favorite ingredients, so feel free to get creative and make it your own!
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
- Prepare the Potatoes: In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the cubed potatoes to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown and slightly crispy, about 8-10 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Cook the Smoked Sausage: In the same skillet, add the sliced smoked sausage rounds and chopped onion. Cook until the sausage is browned and the onion is soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare the Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine the milk, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture is smooth and heated through.
- Assemble the Casserole: In the prepared baking dish, layer half of the cooked potatoes, followed by half of the cooked smoked sausage and onion mixture. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, sausage, and cheese.
- Bake the Casserole: Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the top of the casserole. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and heated through.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove the foil from the baking dish and garnish the casserole with chopped fresh parsley or chives, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Vegetarian Version: Omit the smoked sausage and add extra vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for a vegetarian-friendly version of this casserole.
- Spicy Variation: Add some heat to this dish by using spicy smoked sausage or adding diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes to the cheese sauce.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and ensure that all other ingredients are gluten-free to make this casserole suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Keto and Low Carb Version:
For a keto-friendly or low-carb version of this casserole, make the following substitutions:
- Potatoes: Replace the potatoes with cauliflower florets or turnip cubes for a low-carb alternative.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: Use a low-carb or keto-friendly cream of chicken soup recipe, or substitute with heavy cream mixed with chicken broth and thickened with a low-carb thickening agent such as xanthan gum.
- Milk: Use unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk instead of regular milk to reduce the carb content of the cheese sauce.
FAQs:
Q: Can I use a different type of cheese in this casserole? A: Yes, feel free to experiment with different types of cheese such as mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Swiss cheese for a unique flavor twist.
Q: Can I prepare this casserole in advance? A: Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Simply cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking as directed.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers of this casserole? A: Yes, this casserole freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer individual portions to freezer-safe containers or wrap the entire casserole tightly in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven or microwave.
In conclusion, this Cheese, Potato, and Smoked Sausage Casserole is a comforting and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or simply craving a cozy meal at home, this casserole is sure to please. With its simple ingredients, easy preparation, and delicious flavor, it’s a recipe that you’ll want to make again and again. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a hearty and delicious meal with this tasty casserole!
