If you’re ready to fall in love with a true comfort food favorite, look no further than this recipe for Cheesy Potatoes with Smoked Sausage. Imagine tender potatoes mingling with smoky sausage slices, all wrapped in the creamiest, dreamiest cascade of melty cheese. It’s packed with full-bodied flavors, deeply satisfying textures, and so easy to prepare that it might just become your new go-to meal for cozy nights or casual get-togethers. Whether you’re serving a crowd or simply craving a hearty dish, Cheesy Potatoes with Smoked Sausage is pure contentment in every forkful.

Cheesy Potatoes with Smoked Sausage Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

It’s amazing how a handful of everyday ingredients can come together and create a show-stopper! Each component in this recipe brings its own unique flair—whether it’s the rich melt of cheese, the satisfying bite of potatoes, or the irresistible flavor of smoked sausage. Trust me, there’s no extra fluff—just simple, honest ingredients doing what they do best.

Russet Potatoes (4 cups, diced & peeled): Russets have just the right texture, soaking up flavor beautifully while staying tender.
Olive Oil (1 teaspoon): A touch of olive oil helps brown the sausage to perfection, adding a light, savory undertone.
Smoked Sausage (1 14-ounce package, sliced): The true star of the dish—smoky, savory, and perfectly hearty.
Butter (4 tablespoons): Butter builds the base for a lush, velvety cheese sauce you’ll absolutely crave.
All-Purpose Flour (1/4 cup): This helps thicken the cheese sauce so it clings to every bit of potato and sausage.
Half-and-Half or Milk (2 cups): Creamy and rich, this liquid brings the sauce together while balancing flavors.
Garlic Powder (1/4 teaspoon): Just a touch brings mild warmth and aromatic depth to the dish.
Velveeta Cheese (8 ounces, cubed): Melt-in-your-mouth smoothness creates that iconic gooey layer you’ll love.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese (1 cup, shredded): Cheddar gives a tangy finish and delicious golden top when baked.
Salt and Pepper: Essential finishing touch—season to taste for that perfect savory pop.

How to Make Cheesy Potatoes with Smoked Sausage

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish

Start by lightly greasing a 9-inch square baking dish. This step ensures nothing sticks and those luscious cheesy edges come out intact and oh-so tempting. If you have a little butter or nonstick spray handy, now’s the time!

Step 2: Parboil the Potatoes

Place your peeled, diced russet potatoes into a pot of salted water. Bring them to a gentle boil and cook until they’re just fork-tender—still a bit firm, not mushy! Remember, the potatoes will finish cooking in the oven, so slightly undercooking them now keeps everything from turning to mush later. Drain well, and add them to the baking dish.

Step 3: Brown the Smoked Sausage

Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high. Add the olive oil, then the sliced smoked sausage. Sauté until the sausage is beautifully browned on the edges and fragrant—this step deepens the flavor and adds so much character to Cheesy Potatoes with Smoked Sausage. Transfer the browned sausage to your baking dish, nestling them among the potatoes.

Step 4: Make the Cheese Sauce Base

Wipe out the skillet for a fresh start, then melt your butter over medium heat. Once the butter is bubbling, sprinkle in the flour, whisking and cooking it for about a minute. This is your roux, which creates that irresistible, thick, and creamy texture in the cheese sauce.

Step 5: Whisk in the Cream and Spices

Slowly add the half-and-half (or milk), whisking as you go to ward off any lumps. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer, inviting in that lovely garlic powder for an extra layer of flavor. The aroma alone will have your family wandering into the kitchen, guaranteed.

Step 6: Melt in the Velveeta

Turn heat to low and add the Velveeta cubes. Stir patiently as they melt, transforming your sauce into a silky, golden cascade—this is where Cheesy Potatoes with Smoked Sausage really starts to shine!

Step 7: Stir in Cheddar, Season, and Finish the Sauce

Add half of the shredded cheddar and stir until fully melted. Now’s the moment to taste your sauce and adjust with salt and pepper as needed. When you’re happy with the flavor, remove it from the heat.

Step 8: Assemble and Top

Pour your glorious cheese sauce evenly over the potatoes and sausage, making sure everything is coated. For that irresistible bubbly, golden crust, sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top.

Step 9: Bake and Serve

Slide the baking dish into a 350-degree oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the top is bubbly and golden brown. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving so every piece stays intact and delicious!

How to Serve Cheesy Potatoes with Smoked Sausage

Garnishes

A simple sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or chives adds a splash of color and fresh flavor to every serving of Cheesy Potatoes with Smoked Sausage. If you like a little kick, try a dash of paprika or a light twist of cracked black pepper right before serving.

Side Dishes

This rich and filling casserole shines alongside simple green salads or steamed veggies, which balance the bold, comforting flavors. Try serving it with crisp roasted broccoli, garlic green beans, or a tangy cucumber salad to round out your meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Cheesy Potatoes with Smoked Sausage in a rustic casserole dish straight from the oven, or scoop individual portions into ramekins for a personalized touch. For parties or potlucks, consider baking bite-sized servings in a muffin tin for the ultimate finger food!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), simply let Cheesy Potatoes with Smoked Sausage cool, then cover and refrigerate. Stored this way, it stays fresh and flavorful for up to three days—perfect for quick lunches or late-night cravings.

Freezing

Cheesy Potatoes with Smoked Sausage freezes well, making it a wonderful make-ahead dish. Just cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to three months. If baking from frozen, allow a little extra time in the oven until piping hot throughout.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the microwave for quick convenience, or in a 350-degree oven, covered, to restore that melty cheese and prevent drying out. If the sauce looks thick, add a splash of milk while reheating to bring it back to life.

FAQs

Can I substitute other types of potatoes?

Yes, you can! While russet potatoes give the creamiest texture, Yukon Gold or even red potatoes work beautifully. Just be mindful of variations in cooking time—some types cook a bit quicker.

What’s the best way to slice smoked sausage for this recipe?

Slice the smoked sausage into 1/4-inch rounds for just the right bite size. You can also halve or quarter the rounds if you prefer smaller pieces scattered throughout your Cheesy Potatoes with Smoked Sausage.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Feel free to experiment! Velveeta creates that classic, silky melt, but you can use mozzarella for stretchiness or pepper jack for a kick. A blend of cheeses adds depth and keeps things exciting.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

As written, this recipe uses all-purpose flour to thicken the sauce, which isn’t gluten-free. However, you can easily swap in a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch for a celiac-friendly version of Cheesy Potatoes with Smoked Sausage.

Can I prep this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble everything up to the baking step, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the oven time if it goes in cold from the fridge.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am to try Cheesy Potatoes with Smoked Sausage! It’s a dish that comforts the soul and delights the taste buds, with every creamy, cheesy, smoky bite. Don’t be surprised if it quickly becomes a cherished favorite in your home—give it a try, and prepare for smiles all around!

Cheesy Potatoes with Smoked Sausage Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 13 reviews

Author: Zoe
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A comforting and flavorful dish of Cheesy Potatoes with Smoked Sausage, perfect for a hearty family meal.

Instructions

Prepare Potatoes: Lightly grease a 9-inch square baking dish. Boil diced potatoes until just tender, then drain and place in the baking dish.
Cook Sausage: Brown sliced smoked sausage in a skillet. Remove and add to the baking dish with potatoes.
Make Cheese Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter, add flour, then gradually whisk in half-and-half. Simmer, add garlic powder, and stir in velveeta and half the cheddar cheese until melted. Season with salt and pepper.
Assemble and Bake: Pour the cheese sauce over the potatoes and sausage, top with remaining cheddar cheese, and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 25 to 30 minutes.

Notes

You can customize this dish by adding diced bell peppers or onions for extra flavor.
Feel free to use your favorite type of sausage for variation.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 480
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 900mg
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 17g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 18g
Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: Cheesy Potatoes, Smoked Sausage, Comfort Food, Casserole