Comfort in a Dish: Your New Favorite Cheese, Potato & Smoked Sausage Casserole

Comfort in a Dish: Your New Favorite Cheese, Potato & Smoked Sausage Casserole!

When the craving for hearty, soul-warming comfort food strikes, nothing quite hits the spot like a rich and flavorful casserole. And if you're looking for a dish that combines creamy potatoes, savory smoked sausage, and gooey melted cheese into one irresistible package, then this "Cheese, Potato & Smoked Sausage Casserole" is about to become your new go-to recipe! Perfect for a cozy family dinner, a potluck, or meal prepping for a busy week, this casserole is designed to satisfy every palate.

Why This Casserole Will Be a Family Favorite

This isn't just any casserole; it's a symphony of textures and flavors. The tender, thinly sliced potatoes soak up the creamy sauce, the smoked sausage adds a delightful smoky depth and a satisfying bite, and the generous layers of cheese create that ultimate bubbly, golden crust we all adore. It's a complete meal in one dish, requiring minimal fuss but delivering maximum flavor.

Ingredients You'll Need:

Gather these simple yet powerful ingredients to create your comfort masterpiece:

For the Potatoes:
- 2 lbs Russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (about 1/8 inch thick)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Sausage:
- 1 lb smoked sausage (e.g., Kielbasa, Andouille), sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
- 1/2 large onion, chopped
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk (whole milk recommended for creaminess)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
For the Cheese:
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided
Optional Garnish:
- Fresh chopped parsley or green onions

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions:

Let's get cooking! Follow these easy steps to build your magnificent casserole:

Step 1: Prep the Potatoes & Sausage

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and chopped onion. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is lightly browned and the onions are softened. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux.

Gradually whisk in the milk, a little at a time, until smooth. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup of Monterey Jack cheese, stirring until completely melted and smooth. This is your luscious cheese sauce!

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

Arrange half of the thinly sliced potatoes in an even layer at the bottom of your prepared baking dish.

Spread half of the sausage and onion mixture over the potatoes.

Pour half of the creamy cheese sauce evenly over the sausage and potatoes.

Sprinkle with 1/2 cup of the remaining cheddar cheese and 1/4 cup of the remaining Monterey Jack cheese.

Repeat the layers: remaining potatoes, remaining sausage and onion mixture, remaining creamy cheese sauce.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 60 minutes.

Remove the foil. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese and 1/4 cup of Monterey Jack cheese over the top.

Return the casserole to the oven, uncovered, and bake for another 20-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork, the sauce is bubbly, and the cheese on top is golden brown and melted.