Smoked Sausage Potato Casserole

This Smoked Sausage and Cheesy Potato Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly nights and family gatherings. Creamy, cheesy potatoes meet savory smoked sausage in a hearty dish that's easy to make and always a crowd pleaser. Get ready for seconds!

I first made this for a family potluck, and it was gone in minutes. Now, it’s the most requested dish for every holiday and get together.

Ingredients

• Frozen shredded hash browns: let them thaw on the counter for about 20 minutes to make mixing easier
• Sour cream: use full fat sour cream for the richest, creamiest texture
• Cream of mushroom soup: this is our secret weapon for a foolproof, velvety sauce
• Sharp cheddar cheese: shredding your own from a block is a game changer for a smooth melt
• Black pepper: freshly ground pepper will always give you more flavor than the pre ground kind
• Kosher salt: it helps bring all the cozy flavors together
• Smoked sausage: a good quality kielbasa or andouille sausage adds a wonderful smoky depth

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Your Pan and Oven:

First, get your oven heating up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. While it warms, grab a 9x13 inch baking pan and give it a light coat of cooking spray or a swipe of butter. This little step is crucial for easy serving and cleanup later on.

Create the Creamy Potato Base:

In your largest mixing bowl, combine the slightly thawed hash browns, the entire container of sour cream, and the can of cream of mushroom soup. Use a sturdy spatula to mix everything thoroughly. You want to make sure every single potato shred is coated in the creamy mixture.

Mix in the Cheese and Seasonings:

To the bowl, add two cups of the shredded cheddar cheese, the black pepper, and the salt. Gently fold everything together until the cheese is evenly distributed. Be careful not to overmix, as you want to maintain the texture of the potatoes.

First Bake for Tenderness:

Carefully spread the potato mixture into your prepared baking pan, smoothing the top into an even layer. Bake this for 35 minutes. You'll know it's ready for the next step when the edges are bubbling and the top is just starting to turn a light golden color.

Add the Sausage and More Cheese:

Remove the pan from the oven. Sprinkle the remaining one cup of cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the hot potatoes. Next, arrange the sliced smoked sausage over the cheese, covering the entire surface.

The Final Bake to Perfection:

Return the casserole to the oven and bake for another 15 to 20 minutes. This final bake is what makes the dish truly special. The sausage will brown slightly at the edges, and the cheese will melt into a bubbly, irresistible topping.

Let It Rest:

This might be the hardest part, but it's important. Let the casserole stand on the counter for at least 10 minutes before you cut into it. This rest time allows it to set, so you can serve up beautiful, clean slices instead of a soupy pile.

Pin it

The smoked sausage is really the star for me. The way it gets just a little bit crispy during the final bake adds the most amazing savory bite that perfectly complements the creamy potatoes. My family always fights over the corner pieces that have the most browned sausage.

Storage and Reheating

Leftovers are one of the best parts about this casserole. Simply cover the pan tightly with foil or transfer portions to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat, I recommend popping it back into a 350 degree oven until it’s hot and bubbly again, which helps revive that crispy topping. A microwave works in a pinch, but the oven method is definitely superior.

Ingredient Swaps and Fun Add Ins

Don't be afraid to make this recipe your own. If you don't have cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken or even cream of cheddar will work just as well. You can swap the cheddar for a Monterey Jack or Colby blend. For a boost of veggies, try stirring in a cup of steamed broccoli florets or some sautéed onions and bell peppers with the potato mixture.

What to Serve with Your Casserole

Because this casserole is so rich and hearty, it pairs best with something simple and fresh. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette is the perfect counterbalance to the creaminess. If you want something a bit more substantial, a side of steamed green beans, roasted asparagus, or glazed carrots would be a wonderful addition to round out the meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add a few minutes to the baking time.

→ What other types of sausage work well in this dish?

Kielbasa, Andouille, or even a good quality turkey sausage are all delicious alternatives to smoked sausage. Adjust cooking time as needed depending on the sausage you choose.

→ Can I freeze this casserole?

Absolutely! Let the casserole cool completely, then cut into individual portions. Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

→ What can I add to this for extra vegetables?

Steamed broccoli florets, peas, or diced bell peppers are all excellent additions. Mix them in with the potato mixture before baking.

→ Can I use regular potatoes instead of hash browns?

Yes, you can substitute peeled and cubed russet or Yukon Gold potatoes for the hash browns. You may need to adjust the baking time slightly to ensure the potatoes are cooked through.

→ What kind of cheese is best?

Sharp cheddar provides the most flavor, but Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a blend of cheeses will work well. Consider using a smoked cheddar for an extra smoky flavor.