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Cheese Potato & Smoked Sausage Casserole

Carly
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A Comforting Classic: Cheesy Potato and Smoked Sausage Casserole

Cheese Potato & Smoked Sausage Casserole

This Cheesy Potato and Smoked Sausage Casserole is a hearty and satisfying dish that's perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks. It's a delicious combination of creamy cheese sauce, tender potatoes, and savory smoked sausage, all baked to golden perfection.

Ingredients:

  • The Base:
    • 3 cups potatoes - Peeled, boiled, and diced while still cool. Dicing the potatoes when they are cool helps prevent them from becoming mushy.
  • The Savory Sausage:
    • 1 pound skinless smoked sausage - Cut into half-moon shapes. This adds a smoky and meaty flavor to the casserole.
  • The Creamy Cheese Sauce:
    • 4 tablespoons butter - Creates a rich and flavorful base for the sauce.
    • 4 tablespoons flour - Thickens the sauce to a creamy consistency.
    • 2 cups milk - Adds a creamy texture and dilutes the richness of the cheese.
    • ½ teaspoon salt - Enhances the overall flavor profile.
    • ¼ teaspoon pepper - Adds a touch of warmth.
    • ½ kilo (1.1 pounds) Velveta cheese, cubed - Melts beautifully, creating a smooth and creamy cheese sauce.
    • ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese - Adds a sharper cheddar flavor and a visually appealing golden topping.
    • ⅛ teaspoon paprika - A sprinkle of paprika adds a touch of smokiness and a vibrant red hue.

Instructions:

  1. Preparing the Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, peel the potatoes and boil them until tender. Drain the water and let the potatoes cool slightly before dicing them. Dicing them cool prevents them from becoming mushy.
  2. Cooking the Sausage: In a large cast-iron skillet, cook the sliced smoked sausage over medium heat for about 15 minutes. Stir the sausage frequently to ensure even browning.
  3. Building the Creamy Cheese Sauce: In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for a minute, creating a roux (a paste that thickens sauces). Slowly whisk in the milk, whisking constantly until the sauce thickens and reaches a smooth consistency.
  4. Adding the Cheesy Goodness: Reduce the heat to low and gradually whisk in the cubed Velveeta cheese until it melts smoothly. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, salt, pepper, and paprika until well combined.
  5. Assembling the Casserole: In a greased baking dish, combine the cooked and diced potatoes with the cooked sausage. Pour the creamy cheese sauce over the potato and sausage mixture, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
  6. Baking to Golden Perfection: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese sauce is bubbly.
  7. Serving Up Comfort: Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Enjoy this hearty dish on its own or with a side salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Recipe Notes:

  • Feel free to substitute the amount of sausage you use. This recipe calls for 1 pound, but you can use ½ pound if you prefer a less meaty casserole.
  • You can also substitute the way you cut the sausage. Instead of half-moons, you can slice it into ½-inch cubes for a different textural experience.

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