When it comes to comfort food that warms the soul, nothing beats a bubbling dish of Kielbasa Sausage Cheesy Potato Casserole. Right from the first bite, you get tender potatoes, smoky sausage, and creamy cheese sauce baked until golden brown. As a result, the kitchen fills with an irresistible aroma, and everyone rushes to the table. Whether you’re planning a weeknight dinner, a potluck dish, or a freezer-friendly meal, this casserole always delivers.
Jump to
- Why Make Kielbasa Sausage Cheesy Potato Casserole?
- Ingredients for Kielbasa Sausage Cheesy Potato Casserole
- Step-by-Step Method for Kielbasa Sausage Cheesy Potato Casserol
- Tips for Perfect Kielbasa Sausage Cheesy Potato Casserole
- Variations of Kielbasa Sausage Cheesy Potato Casserole
- Related recipes
- Storage and Freezing
- FAQs
- Nutritional Benefits
- Final thoughts
Why Make Kielbasa Sausage Cheesy Potato Casserole?
There are plenty of reasons to love this dish, and here are the top ones:
- It’s a complete meal in one dish, so cleanup is simple.
- Creamy, cheesy, smoky flavors combine beautifully.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day.
- You can prep it ahead and freeze it for later.
- It’s flexible and easy to adapt for different diets.
In short, this Kielbasa Sausage Cheesy Potato Casserole brings together hearty comfort food with modern convenience.
Ingredients for Kielbasa Sausage Cheesy Potato Casserole
Before you get started, gather these essentials for six servings. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 375°F so it’s ready.
- 1 lb kielbasa sausage, sliced into ¼-inch rounds
- 6 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 Tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (reserve ½ cup for topping)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Equipment: 9×13 baking dish, foil, large skillet, whisk, and a mandoline or sharp knife.
Step-by-Step Method for Kielbasa Sausage Cheesy Potato Casserol
Step 1: Brown the Kielbasa
First, heat a skillet over medium. Cook the sausage slices until they’re browned and crisp around the edges, about 5 minutes. After that, remove the sausage and set it aside.
Step 2: Create the Cheese Sauce
Next, in the same skillet, melt butter and sauté onion until softened. Add flour and whisk for 1 minute. Then, slowly pour in milk while whisking. Continue cooking until thickened. Stir in garlic powder, smoked paprika, and 1½ cups shredded cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 3: Layer the Casserole
Grease your baking dish. To begin with, layer half the potatoes, half the sausage, and half the sauce. Afterward, repeat with the remaining ingredients. Finally, sprinkle the last ½ cup of cheese on top.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden
Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake 15 minutes more until bubbly and golden. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips for Perfect Kielbasa Sausage Cheesy Potato Casserole
- Slice potatoes evenly (about 1/8 inch thick) so they cook consistently.
- Don’t skip the rest time, because it helps the casserole set.
- For a crispier top, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end.
- Pair it with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables for balance.
In addition, garnish with parsley for a fresh touch.
Variations of Kielbasa Sausage Cheesy Potato Casserole
This casserole is endlessly adaptable. Therefore, you can experiment with these versions:
- Healthier: Use turkey kielbasa and skim milk.
- Gluten-free: Swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend.
- Vegetarian: Replace sausage with roasted vegetables or plant-based sausage.
- Spicy: Add cayenne or jalapeños, or use spicy sausage.
- Sweet potatoes: Swap Yukon Golds for sweet potatoes for a sweeter flavor.
- Make-ahead: Assemble a day in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Related recipes
If you’re also craving rich creamy side sauces, try this recipe: Healthy Alfredo Sauce with Greek Yogurt — Crispy Country Potatoesits creaminess pairs beautifully with squash‑forward sides or can even be a lighter topping option for your casserole.
Storage and Freezing
Most importantly, this casserole is as practical as it is delicious:
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze cooled casserole wrapped tightly for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat covered at 350°F until warmed through.
FAQs
Kielbasa is a Polish sausage with smoky, garlicky flavor. In fact, it’s often made from pork or beef and adds rich depth to casseroles.
Yes. Smoked sausage, andouille, or chicken sausage work well. However, adjust the seasonings if necessary.
Yukon Golds are creamy and hold their shape. On the other hand, Russets work too but may need a little extra bake time.
Absolutely. It freezes beautifully. Simply assemble, wrap, and freeze up to two months.
Yes. Instead, use non-dairy milk and vegan cheese. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
Nutritional Benefits
While indulgent, Kielbasa Sausage Cheesy Potato Casserole can be balanced easily:
- Protein comes from sausage and cheese.
- Potatoes provide slow-burning carbohydrates for energy.
- You can lighten it up with turkey kielbasa or reduced-fat cheese.
- Pairing with vegetables balances nutrition.
Consequently, it doesn’t have to be a guilty pleasure—it can fit into a well-rounded meal.
Kielbasa Sausage Cheesy Potato Casserole Recipe for Cozy Family Dinners
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
A hearty comfort food casserole with layers of smoky kielbasa sausage, tender potatoes, and creamy cheese sauce baked until golden brown. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or make-ahead meals.
Ingredients
- 1 lb kielbasa sausage, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
- 6 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 Tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (reserve 1/2 cup for topping)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Brown the kielbasa slices in a skillet until crisp around the edges, about 5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté onion until softened. Whisk in flour and cook 1 minute. Slowly add milk, whisking until thickened. Stir in garlic powder, smoked paprika, and 1½ cups cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
- Grease a 9×13 baking dish. Layer half the potatoes, half the sausage, and half the sauce. Repeat layers and top with remaining ½ cup cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake 15 minutes more until bubbly and golden. Rest 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Slice potatoes evenly for consistent cooking. Let the casserole rest before serving so it sets properly. Broil briefly at the end for a crispier topping.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Final thoughts
The charm of Kielbasa Sausage Cheesy Potato Casserole lies in its layers: smoky meat, tender potatoes, and gooey cheese. It’s flexible enough for weeknights yet special enough for gatherings. Once you try it, you’ll see why it’s a timeless favorite.
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