Smoked Sausage Potato Casserole instantly transports me to cozy fall evenings in my grandmother’s kitchen, where the windows fogged with steam and the smell of potatoes and sausage meant dinner was almost ready. This hearty, one-dish wonder has always been close to my heart. It’s rustic, flavorful, and oh-so-satisfying, something I’ve cooked in diners, food stalls, and my own home across many seasons and cities.
What makes this casserole special is how simple ingredients come together in one pan to create something greater than the sum of its parts. It’s filling without being fussy, creamy but not heavy, and packed with flavor thanks to the smoked sausage. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe hits all the right notes.
In this post, I’ll guide you through making your own smoked sausage potato casserole, step by step. We’ll cover the ingredients, cooking instructions, variations, and best storage methods. You’ll also find helpful links to other sausage and casserole recipes like Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta and One Pan Sausage and Potatoes Dinner that I know you’ll love just as much.
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Smoked Sausage Potato Casserole: A Cozy and Creamy Favorite
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Smoked Sausage Potato Casserole is a creamy, comforting one-dish wonder made with tender potatoes, browned smoked sausage, and a rich cheddar sauce. It’s rustic, satisfying, and perfect for chilly nights or feeding a crowd with minimal fuss.
Ingredients
- 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
- 2 lbs gold potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika
- Optional: 1 cup broccoli florets (steamed)
- Optional: ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- Optional: 1 tsp Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil and brown sliced sausage for 4–5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté chopped onion until soft, add garlic, and cook for 1 minute.
- Reduce heat to low. Melt butter, whisk in flour, and cook 1–2 minutes to form a roux.
- Slowly whisk in milk and stir until thickened (about 4 minutes).
- Add cheese, sour cream, salt, pepper, and paprika. Stir until smooth.
- In a baking dish, combine potatoes, sausage, onion mixture, and optional add-ins.
- Pour sauce evenly over the top and gently toss to coat.
- Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake another 15–20 minutes until potatoes are tender and top is golden.
- Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Cut potatoes into small, even cubes for consistent cooking. Use freshly shredded cheese for best melt. For a crispy finish, sprinkle breadcrumbs or extra cheese on top before baking uncovered. Reheat with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients for Smoked Sausage Potato Casserole
This recipe uses pantry staples and everyday ingredients you can find at any grocery store. Choose good-quality smoked sausage for the best results.
Core Ingredients:
- 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
- 2 lbs gold potatoes, peeled and diced into small cubes
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Creamy Sauce:
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika
Optional Add-Ins:
- 1 cup broccoli florets, lightly steamed
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper for heat
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard for depth
For more casserole inspiration, check out these reader favorites like 10 Best Cheesy Dinner Casseroles or the ultra-creamy Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Sauté the Sausage and Aromatics
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced smoked sausage and brown on both sides (about 4–5 minutes). Remove sausage and set aside. In the same pan, sauté onions until soft and translucent, then add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
2. Make the Creamy Sauce
Reduce heat to low. Melt butter in the same skillet, whisk in flour, and cook for 1–2 minutes until it forms a smooth roux. Slowly whisk in milk and keep stirring until the sauce thickens (about 4 minutes). Stir in cheese, sour cream, salt, pepper, and paprika until smooth and creamy.
3. Assemble the Casserole
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large baking dish, combine the diced potatoes, browned sausage, and onion mixture. Pour the sauce evenly over everything and toss gently to coat.
4. Bake to Perfection
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 15–20 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender and the top is golden. Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Want something fun and flavorful for your next weeknight dinner? You’ll also love our Smoked Sausage and Peppers Skillet.
Tips for Smoked Sausage Potato Casserole Success
- Cut the potatoes small and evenly for even cooking. Larger chunks may take longer to become tender.
- Pre-steam potatoes for 5 minutes if you’re short on time. This reduces baking time.
- Use freshly shredded cheese, it melts better and avoids that powdery coating store-bought shredded cheeses have.
- Add breadcrumbs or more cheese on top for a crispy golden finish.
The creamy texture of this dish also pairs perfectly with a side salad like our Vegetarian Feta Potato Salad or steamed green beans.
Delicious Variations to Try
This smoked sausage potato casserole is endlessly adaptable. Here are a few crowd-pleasing ideas:
Gluten-Free Option
Swap out all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure your sausage is certified gluten-free as well.
Add a Crunchy Topping
Mix ½ cup breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons melted butter and sprinkle on top before baking. Or try a potato chip topping for a fun twist, like we do in the Tomato Soup Grilled Cheese Casserole.
Boost the Veggies
Fold in steamed broccoli, spinach, or frozen peas for extra nutrients and color. This also helps stretch the dish if you’re serving a crowd.
Spice It Up
Use spicy smoked sausage or add chili flakes for a bit of heat. A dash of cayenne in the sauce goes a long way too.
Don’t forget to explore our Popular Dinner Recipes section for more family-friendly meals like this.
How to Store and Reheat
This casserole is excellent for make-ahead meals. Here’s how to keep it fresh:
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze portions in foil-wrapped containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm in a 350°F oven for 20 minutes or microwave individual servings for 2–3 minutes until hot throughout.
Pro tip: If the casserole thickens too much in the fridge, stir in a splash of milk when reheating to bring back that creamy texture.
Why Readers Love This Smoked Sausage Potato Casserole
It’s easy to see why Smoked Sausage Potato Casserole is such a reader favorite. It’s:
- Comforting and hearty without being heavy
- Family-friendly and budget-friendly
- Perfect for potlucks, holidays, or meal prep
- Easy to customize with what you have on hand
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just getting started, this casserole promises big flavor with minimal effort.
Conclusion
There’s no better time than now to add this Smoked Sausage Potato Casserole to your fall or winter menu. With its creamy sauce, tender potatoes, and smoky sausage, it’s the kind of recipe that brings people together around the table. Try it once, and it’ll become a go-to in your kitchen too.