Smoked Sausage and Cheesy Potato Casserole

Introduction

Few dishes bring the comfort of home quite like a warm, cheesy casserole. And when you combine smoky sausage with golden hash browns and layers of bubbling cheddar cheese, you get something truly irresistible: Smoked Sausage and Cheesy Potato Casserole.

This recipe, created by Jennifer Osterholt, is one of those all-in-one family meals that’s hearty, flavorful, and easy to prepare. With just a handful of simple ingredients shredded hash browns, sour cream, cream of mushroom soup, cheddar cheese, and smoked sausage — you can have a dinner that feels indulgent yet approachable, perfect for busy weeknights or casual family gatherings.

It’s the kind of meal that fills the house with savory aromas, makes everyone rush to the table, and leaves no leftovers behind. The men in particular seem to love this recipe, but really, anyone who enjoys a creamy, cheesy, and smoky dish will be hooked.

Whether you’re planning Sunday dinner, bringing a dish to a potluck, or meal prepping for the week ahead, this smoked sausage and potato casserole delivers flavor, comfort, and convenience in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Family-Friendly Comfort Food – A dish that appeals to all ages, from picky kids to hungry adults.
• Hearty & Filling – Packed with potatoes, cheese, and smoked sausage for a satisfying dinner.
• Easy Ingredients – No specialty items required; everything is pantry- or fridge-friendly.
• Meal Prep Friendly – Makes a large 9×13 pan, freezes well, and reheats beautifully.
• Crowd-Pleaser – Great for potlucks, holiday brunches, or casual gatherings.
• Customizable – Easy to add veggies, swap cheese, or adjust seasonings to taste.

Ingredients Breakdown

Here’s the full list of ingredients you’ll need to make Smoked Sausage and Cheesy Potato Casserole. This recipe makes 8 servings.

Main Casserole

• 1 package shredded hash browns (26-ounce bag) – Use frozen shredded potatoes; thaw slightly for easier mixing.
• 1 cup sour cream – Adds creaminess and tang.
• 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of mushroom soup – The classic casserole binder with savory depth.
• 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided) – Use sharp cheddar for maximum flavor; reserve 1 cup for topping.
• ½ teaspoon black pepper – Balances richness with a mild kick.
• 1 teaspoon salt (optional) – Depending on the saltiness of your sausage and cheese, adjust to taste.
• 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced – Brings smoky, savory depth and hearty protein.

Tools & Equipment Needed

To make this casserole, you don’t need fancy equipment. Here’s what will help:

• 9×13-inch baking dish – The perfect size for this casserole.
• Large mixing bowl – To combine potatoes, sour cream, soup, and cheese.
• Silicone spatula or wooden spoon – For mixing and spreading.
• Measuring cups – For sour cream, cheese, and seasonings.
• Sharp knife & cutting board – To slice the smoked sausage.
• Oven – Preheated to 350°F (175°C).
• Nonstick spray or butter – To grease your baking dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps for a foolproof casserole:

1. Preheat the oven
   Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish with nonstick spray or butter.
2. Prepare the potato mixture
   • In a large mixing bowl, add the 26-ounce package of shredded hash browns.
   • Spoon in 1 cup sour cream and 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of mushroom soup.
   • Sprinkle in ½ teaspoon pepper and 1 teaspoon salt (optional).
   • Stir until the potatoes are evenly coated.
3. Add cheese
   Mix in 2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese. Reserve the remaining cup for later topping.
4. Assemble the casserole base
   Spread the potato mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
5. First bake
   Bake uncovered for 35 minutes until the casserole is hot and starting to bubble around the edges.
6. Add sausage and topping
   Remove from the oven. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup cheddar cheese evenly over the top, then arrange the sliced smoked sausage across the surface.
7. Final bake
   Return to the oven and bake for another 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the casserole is fully heated through.
8. Serve
   Remove from the oven, let rest for 5 minutes, then scoop and serve hot.

Tips & Variations

• Veggie Add-In – Mix in bell peppers, onions, or broccoli for added nutrition.
• Cheese Swap – Try mozzarella for extra stretch or pepper jack for a spicy kick.
• Meat Options – Substitute smoked sausage with kielbasa, chorizo, or even leftover ham.
• Gluten-Free – Use a certified gluten-free cream of mushroom soup.
• Vegetarian – Skip the sausage and add roasted mushrooms or plant-based sausage.
• Make It Spicy – Add red pepper flakes, jalapeños, or use hot smoked sausage.

Flavor Profile & Pairings

This casserole is the definition of comfort food flavor:

• Creamy & Cheesy from sour cream and melted cheddar.
• Smoky & Savory thanks to smoked sausage.
• Hearty & Starchy from tender potatoes.

Best Pairings

• Drinks: Pair with an amber ale, dry cider, or a crisp Riesling. For non-alcoholic, iced tea or sparkling water with lemon works well.
• Sides: A crisp green salad, roasted Brussels sprouts, or simple steamed broccoli help balance the richness.

Nutritional Overview (Per Serving)

• Calories: 455 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Protein: 21 g
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 102 mg
• Sodium: 1331 mg
• Fiber: 1 g
• Sugar: 1 g
• Vitamin A: 604 IU
• Vitamin C: 4 mg
• Calcium: 347 mg
• Iron: 2 mg

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Assemble Ahead – Mix and assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate until ready to bake.
• Freeze Before Baking – Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
• Reheating – Warm individual portions in the microwave, or reheat the entire casserole at 325°F until heated through.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use cubed hash browns instead of shredded?
Yes! Cubed potatoes work well but may take longer to bake.

Q2: Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely. Use two 9×13 pans or a larger roasting dish.

Q3: What’s the best sausage for this recipe?
Any smoked sausage or kielbasa works. Turkey sausage is a lighter option.

Q4: How do I prevent soggy casserole?
Make sure hash browns are separated and not clumped; this helps them bake evenly.

Q5: Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes — layer the ingredients in a greased slow cooker and cook on low for 4–5 hours.

Cooking Timeline (At a Glance)

Step	Task	Time
Prep	Mixing potatoes, cheese, soup	12 min
Bake 1	Base bake	35 min
Bake 2	Add sausage & topping	15–20 min
Rest	Cooling	5 min
Total		62 min

Serving Suggestions

• Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for color.
• Serve with a crisp garden salad for balance.
• Slice warm bread or rolls on the side to scoop up cheesy sauce.

Recipe Variations

1. Tex-Mex Casserole – Add diced green chilies, taco seasoning, and pepper jack cheese.
2. Breakfast Style – Add scrambled eggs and serve with salsa.
3. Loaded Baked Potato Version – Mix in bacon bits and top with green onions.
4. Holiday Special – Use ham instead of sausage and add frozen peas.

Ingredient Spotlight: Smoked Sausage

Smoked sausage is the star of this dish. Its savory, smoky notes infuse the entire casserole with depth and richness.

Choosing Sausage

• Look for high-quality smoked sausage or kielbasa with minimal fillers.
• Beef, pork, or turkey varieties all work.

Storage

• Keep unopened packages refrigerated until use.
• Freeze extra sausage for up to 3 months.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Room-Temperature Sour Cream mixes more smoothly into potatoes.
• Sharp Cheddar gives the best cheesy punch.
• Rest Before Serving to allow the casserole to set for cleaner slices.

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze whole casserole tightly wrapped for up to 2 months.
• Reheat gently to prevent cheese from breaking.

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	455 kcal
Protein	21 g
Carbs	12 g
Fat	36 g
Fiber	1 g
Sugar	1 g
Sodium	1331 mg

Conclusion

This Smoked Sausage and Cheesy Potato Casserole is the kind of dish that reminds you why casseroles are such timeless comfort food. It’s rich, creamy, and cheesy, with the smoky depth of sausage that makes each bite satisfying.

Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. If you try it, be sure to share it with loved ones — and don’t be surprised when everyone asks for seconds!

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