This Cheesy Potato and Sausage Bake is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for a family dinner or a cozy weekend meal. With layers of tender, creamy potatoes, savory sausage, and gooey melted cheese, it’s a hearty dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to the table. Whether you’re looking for a filling weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing dish for a gathering, this bake is guaranteed to delight.
Ingredients:
- 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 lb (450g) sausage (Italian or breakfast sausage works well)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil for greasing the baking dish
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a little olive oil.
- In a large skillet, heat the butter over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
- Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
- In a medium bowl, combine the heavy cream, milk, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk until the ingredients are well incorporated.
- Layer half of the sliced potatoes at the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle half of the cooked sausage on top of the potatoes, followed by half of the sautéed onions and garlic.
- Pour half of the cream mixture over the layered ingredients, ensuring it covers the potatoes evenly.
- Add a layer of half of the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the cream mixture.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients, starting with the remaining potatoes, followed by the sausage, onions, and garlic, then the cream mixture, and finishing with the remaining cheese.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
- After 45 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions if desired for added flavor and color.
This Cheesy Potato and Sausage Bake is an easy-to-make yet indulgent meal that pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables. It’s the kind of dish that will leave everyone asking for seconds! The combination of creamy potatoes, savory sausage, and gooey cheese creates a comforting and satisfying experience in every bite. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or entertaining guests, this recipe is sure to be a hit every time.