Cheesy Potato & Smoked Sausage Casserole is the kind of recipe that instantly makes a house feel like home. The first time I made it, the kitchen filled with the comforting aroma of smoky sausage, creamy cheese, and tender potatoes bubbling together in the oven. That smell took me right back to childhood dinners where everyone gathered around the table, hungry and happy, waiting for something warm and satisfying.
I’m Lily Anne Bakehart, recipe developer and editor at DishWhirl, and comforting, oven-baked meals like this Cheesy Potato & Smoked Sausage Casserole are at the heart of why I cook. I’ve always believed that food is more than fuel—it’s memory, comfort, and connection. From baking cookies with my grandmother to learning hearty, no-fuss meals from my mother, I grew up loving dishes that felt generous and welcoming. This potato and sausage bake reflects that philosophy perfectly, combining simple ingredients with big, familiar flavors.
As a passionate home cook, I test every recipe multiple times to make sure it works for real kitchens, not just picture-perfect ones. This Cheesy Potato & Smoked Sausage Casserole has become a repeat favorite in my own home because it’s easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and endlessly adaptable. Whether I’m serving it on a busy weeknight or sharing leftovers the next day, this Cheesy Potato & Smoked Sausage Casserole always delivers comfort and satisfaction.
At DishWhirl, my mission is simple: make it warm, make it easy, and make it feel like home. This cheesy, smoky casserole does exactly that. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, preparing a cozy weekend dinner, or looking for a reliable comfort-food bake that reheats beautifully, this recipe delivers rich flavor and hearty comfort every single time.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Potato & Smoked Sausage Casserole
This Cheesy Potato & Smoked Sausage Casserole earns its place in your regular meal rotation for so many reasons:
- Pure comfort food – Creamy cheese sauce, tender potatoes, and smoky sausage create rich, satisfying flavor.
- Easy prep – Simple steps and everyday ingredients make this ideal for busy weeknights.
- Budget-conscious – Potatoes and sausage stretch easily to feed a crowd.
- Family-friendly – Mild, cheesy flavors that both kids and adults love.
- Versatile – Customize with vegetables, spices, or different cheeses.
- Make-ahead friendly – Perfect for prepping in advance and baking when needed.
Compared to similar casseroles, this version stands out because the sauce is truly creamy—not dry or gluey—and the sausage stays juicy instead of overcooked. Every bite is balanced, rich, and comforting without being heavy.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Ingredients Cheesy Potato & Smoked Sausage Casserole
What You’ll Need
- 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes work best for creamy texture. - 14 ounces smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
Kielbasa or turkey sausage both work well. - 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Adds bold flavor and melts smoothly. - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Creates that irresistible stretch and creaminess. - 2 cups whole milk
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- Optional vegetables: bell peppers, broccoli, peas, or spinach
Ingredient Tips & Substitutions
- Swap cheddar for Colby Jack or Monterey Jack if you prefer milder cheese.
- Use lactose-free milk and cheese for dairy-sensitive households.
- Add a pinch of cayenne if you like a little heat.
How to Make Cheesy Potato & Smoked Sausage Casserole
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. - Prepare the sausage
Smoked sausage is already cooked, so there’s no need to pre-cook it. Slicing it evenly ensures it heats through and releases flavor into the casserole. - Make the creamy cheese sauce
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft, then stir in garlic. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly add milk, whisking constantly, until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in cheddar and mozzarella until smooth. - Season the sauce
Add salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and thyme. Taste and adjust seasoning. - Assemble the casserole
Layer half the potatoes in the dish, followed by half the sausage. Pour over half the cheese sauce. Repeat layers. - Bake
Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden. - Rest and serve
Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving so it sets beautifully.
Cheesy Potato & Smoked Sausage Casserole
- Total Time: 90 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings
Description
A cozy, creamy Cheesy Potato & Smoked Sausage Casserole made with tender potatoes, smoky sausage, and rich cheese sauce—perfect comfort food.
Ingredients
Potatoes
Smoked sausage
Cheddar cheese
Mozzarella cheese
Milk
Butter
Flour
Onion
Garlic
Seasonings
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Prepare cheese sauce with butter, flour, milk, and cheese.
Layer potatoes, sausage, and sauce in a baking dish.
Bake covered, then uncovered until golden and tender.
Rest briefly before serving.
Notes
For extra flavor, add vegetables between layers.
Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 70 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Helpful Expert Tips for the Best Results
- Slice potatoes evenly so they cook at the same rate.
- Warm the milk slightly before adding to the roux for smoother sauce.
- Don’t rush the bake—potatoes need time to become tender.
- For extra crispiness, sprinkle a little cheese on top during the last 10 minutes.
Vegetables That Work Beautifully in a Sausage Casserole
One of the most common questions I get is about adding vegetables. This Cheesy Potato & Smoked Sausage Casserole is incredibly flexible:
- Bell peppers add sweetness and color
- Broccoli florets bring texture and balance
- Spinach wilts perfectly into the sauce
- Peas or corn add pops of sweetness
Add vegetables between layers or stir lightly into the sauce before assembling.
Make-Ahead, Storage, and Reheating
This casserole can be assembled up to 24 hours ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, add an extra 10 minutes to the covered baking time.
Storage:
Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days.
Reheating:
Warm in the oven at 350°F or microwave individual portions until hot.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What ingredients do I need for Cheesy Potato & Smoked Sausage Casserole?
You’ll need potatoes, smoked sausage, cheese, milk, butter, flour, onion, garlic, and basic seasonings.
How do you make a creamy cheese sauce for this casserole?
A butter-and-flour roux combined with milk creates a smooth base, then melted cheese makes it rich and creamy.
Do you need to pre-cook sausages for a casserole?
Smoked sausage is already cooked, so it doesn’t need pre-cooking—just slice and use.
What vegetables can I put in a sausage casserole?
Bell peppers, broccoli, spinach, peas, and corn all work well without overpowering the dish.
Conclusion
Cheesy Potato & Smoked Sausage Casserole is the kind of dish that brings people together, warms hearts, and fills bellies with comfort. It’s simple, satisfying, and deeply nostalgic—everything a home-cooked meal should be. I hope you’ll try it, share it with loved ones, and maybe even pair it with another DishWhirl favorite like Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels for a cozy spread.
If you make this recipe, leave a comment and tell me how you made it your own. Simple ingredients. Big love.
