Why Make This Kielbasa Sausage Cheesy Potato Casserole
If you’re looking for a comforting dinner that the whole family will love, this Kielbasa Sausage Cheesy Potato Casserole is a must-try. This dish combines tender potatoes, savory kielbasa sausage, and a creamy, cheesy sauce that makes every bite irresistible. It not only serves as a hearty main meal, but it also fits beautifully into potlucks, family gatherings, or a cozy weeknight dinner. Plus, with leftovers that reheat well, you’re set for hours of deliciousness!
How to Make Kielbasa Sausage Cheesy Potato Casserole
Creating this casserole is simpler than you might think, with just a few key steps and easily accessible ingredients. The process involves browning the kielbasa, sautéing onions and garlic, making a creamy cheese sauce, and combining all the flavors in a warm, bubbly bake. In less than an hour, you’ll have a dish that smells amazing and tastes even better—perfect for gathering around the dinner table.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ pounds russet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes
- 14 oz smoked kielbasa sausage, sliced into ¼-inch rounds
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (or fresh for garnish)
- Nonstick spray or butter for greasing the casserole dish
Directions:
- Begin by peeling and cubing the potatoes into 1-inch pieces. This ensures they cook evenly and absorb all the delicious flavors.
- Slice the kielbasa and prepare the onions and garlic; set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the kielbasa for about 5-6 minutes until it’s slightly crispy. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter and sauté the diced onion until it becomes translucent, about 4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds to release its aromatic flavor.
- Stir in the flour to create a roux, allowing it to form a paste. Gradually whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream, stirring continuously until the mixture smoothens and thickens.
- Add paprika, black pepper, and salt to season the sauce. Then stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, allowing it to melt into a silky, creamy sauce.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cheese sauce with the browned kielbasa and cubed potatoes. Mix gently until everything is well-coated.
- Grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish with nonstick spray or butter. Pour the mixture into the dish and sprinkle extra shredded cheese on top if desired.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 40 minutes. Afterward, uncover and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the casserole is golden and bubbly.
- Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving, and don’t forget to garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.
Nutritional Information
Each serving of Kielbasa Sausage Cheesy Potato Casserole contains approximately:
- Calories: 450
- Total Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
- Sodium: 950mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 20g
Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific brands and ingredient choices.
How to Serve Kielbasa Sausage Cheesy Potato Casserole
This casserole shines as a delicious main dish, easily paired with a fresh side salad or steamed vegetables. For a heartier meal, serve it with crusty bread or dinner rolls to soak up the cheesy goodness. It’s perfect for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or game day feasts!
How to Store Kielbasa Sausage Cheesy Potato Casserole
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through or microwave individual portions. For longer storage, you can freeze the casserole before baking for up to 2 months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before baking.
Expert Tips for Perfect Kielbasa Sausage Cheesy Potato Casserole
- Potato Variety: While russet potatoes work great, you can also use Yukon Gold for a creamier texture.
- Cheese Options: Switch the sharp cheddar for other cheeses like Monterey Jack or mozzarella for different flavor profiles.
- Add Veggies: Incorporate steamed broccoli or spinach for added nutrition and color.
- Spice it Up: For those who enjoy a kick, try adding some crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the cheese sauce.
Delicious Variations
- Bacon Lovers: Toss in some cooked bacon bits along with the kielbasa for an extra layer of flavor.
- Herbaceous Delight: Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary in the cheese sauce for a fragrant twist.
- One-Pan Meal: For a simplified approach, mix everything in the skillet and bake straight away in an oven-safe pan.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen ones?
Absolutely! Fresh potatoes are the best choice for this recipe, as they provide the ideal texture and flavor.
2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Assemble it without baking, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake as directed—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it will be cold.
3. What can I substitute for the heavy cream?
If you prefer a lighter option, you can substitute half-and-half or use more whole milk. While it may not be as rich, it will still taste delicious.
Conclusion
This Kielbasa Sausage Cheesy Potato Casserole is more than just a meal; it’s a hug in a dish, full of flavor, comfort, and love. With its creamy cheese sauce and hearty ingredients, it’s sure to become a favorite at your dinner table. We encourage you to try this recipe soon and share the satisfying experience with your loved ones. Happy cooking!
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Kielbasa Sausage Cheesy Potato Casserole
- Total Time: 70 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A comforting casserole featuring tender potatoes, savory kielbasa sausage, and a creamy, cheesy sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds russet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes
- 14 oz smoked kielbasa sausage, sliced into ¼-inch rounds
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (or fresh for garnish)
- Nonstick spray or butter for greasing the casserole dish
Instructions
- Begin by peeling and cubing the potatoes into 1-inch pieces.
- Slice the kielbasa and prepare the onions and garlic; set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the kielbasa for about 5-6 minutes until slightly crispy. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter and sauté the diced onion until translucent, about 4 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Stir in the flour to create a roux, then whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream, stirring continuously until smooth and thickened.
- Add paprika, black pepper, and salt, then stir in the cheddar cheese until melted.
- Combine the cheese sauce with the kielbasa and cubed potatoes in a large mixing bowl.
- Grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish, pour in the mixture, and sprinkle additional cheese on top if desired.
- Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 40 minutes, then uncover and bake an additional 15-20 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving and garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes
This casserole pairs well with salad or crusty bread. It reheats well and can be frozen before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Kielbasa, Casserole, Cheesy, Potato, Comfort Food
