Description
A creamy and cheesy casserole combining tender potatoes and smoky sausage, topped with sharp cheddar cheese, baked to perfection for a hearty comfort food experience.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Potatoes
- 4 cups diced, peeled russet potatoes
Cooking Oil and Sausage
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 (14-ounce) package smoked sausage, sliced
Butter and Flour
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
Milk and Seasonings
- 2 cups half-and-half or milk
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Cheese
- 8 ounces Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Additional Seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the baking dish: Lightly grease a 9-inch square baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook the potatoes: Place diced potatoes in a pot of salted water, bring to a boil, and cook until just tender but slightly undercooked. Drain well and transfer to the prepared baking dish.
- Cook the sausage: Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil and sliced sausage, and cook until browned. Remove sausage from skillet and layer with potatoes in the baking dish.
- Make cheese sauce: Wipe the skillet clean, melt butter over medium heat, then add flour and stir for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in half-and-half or milk and bring to a simmer. Stir in garlic powder, then add Velveeta cubes, stirring until melted. Mix in half the cheddar cheese and stir until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine and bake: Pour the cheese sauce over the potatoes and sausage in the baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top. Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 25 to 30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Notes
- Ensure potatoes are slightly undercooked to prevent over-softening during baking.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper according to taste.
- You can substitute milk for half-and-half for a lighter version.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or chopped fresh herbs before baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
