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Cheesy Potato Smoked Sausage

Category: Hearty Main Courses

This cozy bake layers smoked sausage slices with rich, velvety hash browns, sour cream, and a mushroom sauce blend. Topped with cheddar for extra flavor and baked until golden and bubbly, it’s satisfying and simple. Sprinkle in more cheese or sausage for an even heartier touch. Serve warm straight from the dish or reheat leftovers easily. Perfect for weeknight dinners or a comforting family meal.

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Ranah
Updated on Fri, 18 Jul 2025 17:55:05 GMT
A close-up shot of a cheesy potato bake with smoked sausage. Save
A close-up shot of a cheesy potato bake with smoked sausage. | bakeitgood.com

This smoked sausage and cheesy potato casserole totally nails all our family’s comfort food cravings It’s loaded with velvety potatoes bubbling with gooey cheese and hearty cuts of sausage If it’s cold outside or we’ve got a hungry crew to feed this is the dish that keeps everyone coming back for more Even the picky ones usually grab seconds when I share this at gatherings

The first time I threw this together on a weeknight I couldn’t believe how fast it came together Then that first cheesy mouthful totally sealed the deal Now it’s our go-to any time we want something cozy and filling

Irresistible Ingredients

  • Pepper: Go with freshly cracked for that little burst of heat
  • Salt: Grab kosher salt for even flavor and taste before you finish mixing
  • Sour cream: Gives a tangy creaminess that just works in the sauce
  • Shredded cheddar cheese: Go for sharp for next-level cheesy flavor—grate it fresh if you’ve got the patience
  • Shredded hash browns: The frozen ones make things easy and soak up all the flavors Make sure they’re free of weird extras so it tastes pure
  • Smoked sausage: Cut thick for those juicy bites Find one with black pepper dots for bonus flavor
  • Cream of mushroom soup: Brings it all together—chunky, rich, not too salty, is best

Simple Steps to Make It

Toss on the Sausage and Extra Cheese:
Once the first baking’s done, pull out the pan Scatter that extra cheese all over the top, then layer on the slices of smoked sausage Pop it back in the oven for another 15 to 20 minutes so the sausage crisps up and cheese is super melty
Bake the Basic Mix:
Spray or butter a 9 × 13 pan Dump in your potato-cheese combo Spread it out Smooth the top Bake at 350°F for 35 minutes until it’s bubbling and just starting to brown
Add in More Cheese:
Drop in two cups of shredded cheese Save that last cup for the top Mix until every bit’s cheesy with no dry spots left
Mix Up the Creamy Sauce:
Spoon in the sour cream and soup Sprinkle with pepper and some salt Stir everything well so the potatoes get coated nice and even
Start with the Hash Browns:
Stick your hash browns in a big bowl Break up any frozen chunks so everything’s loose and separated Use a knife if they’re really stuck together
Close shot of golden cheesy potato casserole topped with juicy sausage. Save
Close shot of golden cheesy potato casserole topped with juicy sausage. | bakeitgood.com

What really gets me is how the sausage goes crisp on the edges during that last bake It always reminds me of those big Sunday meals at my grandma’s when everyone fought for the cheesiest, meatiest piece

Handy Storage Tricks

Give the dish some time to cool all the way before you cover and stash it in the fridge Leftovers are good for about four days Want to save some for later Split into serving pieces, wrap them up tight in foil, bag them, and freeze Take out what you need, thaw in the fridge overnight, and warm in the oven or microwave

Easy Ingredient Swaps

If you like more bite, use diced potatoes instead You can switch up the soup—cream of chicken or cheddar works fine Stir in cooked broccoli or frozen peas if you want veggies If you’re out of cheddar, Monterey Jack or Colby melts in perfectly

Tasty Ways to Serve

Ladle it hot right out of the pan as a main dish It’s awesome with a side salad or crunchy pickles for zing For a breakfast version, throw a fried egg on top Got a crowd Slice into smaller pieces for a fun party side

Crispy sausage rounds and gooey cheese blanket a steaming casserole. Save
Crispy sausage rounds and gooey cheese blanket a steaming casserole. | bakeitgood.com

Why This Dish Feels Like Home

Baked casseroles like this showed up everywhere in the Midwest and Southern potlucks—they’re all about making food stretch and feeding lots of people Smoked sausage is classic American comfort and tossing it in with cheesy potatoes makes it even better When I was a kid, these pans disappeared first at every get-together

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I switch to another sausage type?

You sure can! Try kielbasa or turkey sausage for a change—they bring their own tasty twist.

→ Do I have to defrost the hash browns?

Yup, it’s better to thaw or break them apart first so they cook evenly and quick.

→ What cheese works best here?

Stick with cheddar for its flavor and melting, or swap for Colby or Monterey Jack if you want something different.

→ Is this a good prep-ahead option?

Definitely! Put it together, cover it, and pop it in the fridge. Just bake when you're ready to serve.

→ What’s the best way to reheat this?

Use the oven at 350ºF for even heating, or pop a single serving in the microwave for a quicker option.

→ Can I freeze this dish?

For sure—it freezes really well. Wrap it tight, freeze, then bake straight from frozen or thaw overnight.

Cheesy Potato Smoked Sausage

Creamy potatoes and smoked sausage topped with melty cheddar cheese. A tasty, hearty dish for your next dinner.

Prep Time
12 min
Cooking Time
50 min
Total Time
62 min
By: Seham

Category: Hearty Main Dishes

Skill Level: Medium

Cuisine Style: American

Output: 8 Servings

Dietary Preferences: ~

Ingredients

→ Main Ingredients

01 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced
02 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese, split into two portions
03 1 package (26 ounces) shredded hash browns
04 10.5 ounces cream of mushroom soup
05 1/2 teaspoon pepper
06 1 teaspoon salt, optional
07 1 cup sour cream

Steps

Step 01

Place hash browns in a big mixing bowl to start.

Step 02

Add sour cream, mushroom soup, salt, and pepper. Stir until it's all mixed up.

Step 03

Toss 2 cups of shredded cheddar in the bowl and stir until it's blended well.

Step 04

Spread your mix evenly into a greased 9x13 pan.

Step 05

Pop it into a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 35 minutes.

Step 06

Layer the sausage slices and remaining cheddar cheese on top of the casserole.

Step 07

Bake for another 15-20 minutes until it's hot all through and the cheese is ooey-gooey.

Notes and Tips

  1. Frozen hash browns need to be thawed so they cook nice and evenly. Break apart any chunks using a knife if needed.
  2. Use a roomy bowl to mix everything together. It makes stirring easier, especially since there’s a lot of stuff.
  3. If you don't need as much, just make half and use a smaller pan or keep the same pan with less cooking time.
  4. If you’ve got extra cubed cheese, throw it in instead of shredded—it does the job just as well.
  5. The thickness of the sausage slices is up to you. Go thick or thin, whatever works!
  6. This dish freezes great for later, and it heats up fast, making it a solid option for weekday lunches.

Required Tools

  • Large 9x13 Pan
  • Flexible Spatula
  • Measuring Cups

Allergy Information

Double-check all ingredients for allergen risks, and consult a healthcare provider if unsure.
  • Dairy (includes cheese, sour cream, and cream of mushroom soup)
  • Gluten (check cream of mushroom soup for gluten-free options)

Nutritional Information (per serving)

This data is for informational purposes and should not replace medical advice.
  • Calories: 455
  • Fats: 36 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Proteins: 21 g