Cheese, Potato and Smoked Sausage Casserole Recipe

I absolutely love this Cheese, Potato and Smoked Sausage Casserole Recipe because it hits all the comfort food notes — creamy, cheesy, hearty, and just the right smoky kick from the sausage. Whenever I’m craving something warm and filling but don’t want to fuss too much, this casserole is my go-to. It’s perfect for those weeknight dinners or even casual weekend gatherings with family.

What makes this recipe worth trying is how simple ingredients come together to create something that feels special but is surprisingly easy to pull off. You’ll find that the creamy cheese sauce perfectly coats the tender potatoes and smoky sausage, making every bite a balance of flavors and textures. Plus, it reheats nicely, so it’s a winner for meal prepping or leftovers!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Cheese, Potato and Smoked Sausage Casserole Recipe plays its part perfectly — from the velvety cheese sauce to the smoky sausage and fluffy potatoes. When shopping, look for good-quality smoked sausage and fresh potatoes for the best results.

• Potatoes: Choose starchy potatoes like Russets; they’ll break down slightly and soak up all those cheesy flavors.
• Butter: A must to start your roux, which thickens the cheese sauce beautifully.
• All-purpose flour: Helps thicken the sauce to creamy perfection without lumps.
• Milk: Use whole milk or 2% for richness that balances out the sausage.
• Black pepper: Freshly ground gives the best mild kick.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
• Velveeta cheese: Melts smoothly into the sauce, creating that signature creamy texture.
• Shredded cheddar cheese: Adds sharpness and a nice crust on top when baked.
• Smoked sausage: Pick a smoked kielbasa or Andouille for a deep smoky flavor — it’s the star of the dish.
• Paprika: Just a sprinkle adds a subtle warmth and pretty color to finish the casserole.

Variations

One of the things I love most about this Cheese, Potato and Smoked Sausage Casserole Recipe is how easy it is to tweak according to your preferences or what you have on hand. Feel free to make it your own!

• Use Different Sausage: I’ve swapped smoked sausage for spicy chorizo or even turkey sausage for a lighter version — both work wonderfully.
• Add Veggies: Sometimes I toss in sautéed onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms to sneak in some extra flavor and nutrition.
• Cheese Choices: If you’re not a Velveeta fan, try cream cheese or a combo of mozzarella and gouda for different texture and taste.
• Make it Spicy: Add a dash of cayenne or hot sauce to the cheese sauce for a little extra kick that my family loves.

How to Make Cheese, Potato and Smoked Sausage Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Potatoes and Sausage

Start by peeling and cutting your potatoes into bite-sized chunks, then boil them until they’re just tender — you don’t want them falling apart. While the potatoes cook, slice your smoked sausage in half lengthwise, then into bite-sized pieces. I like this method because it gives nice surface area for browning and flavor mingling in the casserole.

Step 2: Combine Potatoes and Sausage in the Baking Dish

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish really well, then toss the boiled potatoes and sliced sausage together in it. This is the base of your casserole, so getting everything evenly spread will help with even baking and flavor distribution.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and immediately whisk in the flour. Stir and cook for about 1 minute—this step cooks out the raw flour flavor and creates a smooth roux. Slowly whisk in the milk until the mixture is lump-free and starts to thicken. Then, add salt, pepper, and Velveeta cheese pieces, stirring continuously until all the cheese is melted and silky smooth.

Step 4: Combine and Top the Casserole

Pour the cheese sauce over the potatoes and sausage in the baking dish. Stir gently to make sure everything is coated evenly. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and a pinch of paprika on top — the paprika not only adds a subtle smoky heat but also a lovely color when baked.

Step 5: Bake and Rest

Bake the casserole in a preheated 350°F oven for 35 to 40 minutes until it’s bubbly and golden on top. When you take it out, resist the urge to dig in immediately! Let it rest for about 10 minutes — this helps everything set up nicely for perfect slicing and serving.

How to Serve Cheese, Potato and Smoked Sausage Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives on top before serving to add a fresh burst of color and flavor. Sometimes a dollop of sour cream on the side gives it an extra creamy tang that balances the richness.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs wonderfully with simple green salads, roasted vegetables, or even steamed broccoli to lighten things up. For a heartier meal, I like to serve it alongside buttery dinner rolls or crusty bread to soak up all that cheesy goodness.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve baked this casserole in individual ramekins for a pretty, personalized touch. You could even top each serving with a crispy fried onion ring or a sprinkle of crunchy breadcrumbs for added texture and flair.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover casserole covered tightly in the refrigerator. It keeps well for 3 to 4 days without losing its creamy texture or flavor. Just be sure to cool it completely before refrigerating to avoid sogginess.

Freezing

This Cheese, Potato and Smoked Sausage Casserole Recipe also freezes beautifully. I like to portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating to keep that creamy texture intact.

Reheating

The best way I’ve found to reheat this casserole is in a 350°F oven covered with foil for about 20 minutes until heated through. This keeps the cheese sauce creamy and prevents it from drying out — microwaving can sometimes make it a bit rubbery, so I reserve that for quick reheats.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Cheese, Potato and Smoked Sausage Casserole Recipe holds a warm spot in my kitchen repertoire because it’s just so comforting and foolproof. I love sharing it with friends who are new to casseroles because the results are always a hug on a plate. Give it a try and I promise you’ll have a new favorite to turn to when you want something hearty, cheesy, and downright satisfying.

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