
This smoked sausage with cheesy potatoes is pure happiness in a dish. Creamy potatoes and smoky sausage make it the first thing my family asks for when they're craving something warm and filling. I’ve taken this to family get-togethers—no plate ever leaves with leftovers because even the pickiest eaters can’t stay away.
The first time I threw this together on a rushed evening, I couldn’t believe how easy it was and how insanely tasty each forkful turned out. Now if we're ever stuck on what to eat, this cheesy bake jumps to mind for a no-fuss comfort meal.
Tasty Ingredients
- Smoked sausage: Thick-cut so you get a meaty bite every time. Try to pick a sausage with flecks of pepper for bonus yum.
- Salt: Season to your liking. Kosher salt spreads flavor evenly.
- Pepper: Grind it fresh—it adds a nice little tingle.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: The sharper, the better. Freshly grated means the smoothest gooey melt.
- Cream of mushroom soup: Helps everything stick together. Chunky soup adds mouthfeel too.
- Sour cream: Delivers a nice tang and smooths out the sauce.
- Frozen shredded hash browns: Use straight from the freezer to save work. Look for plain potatoes for clean flavor.
Easy Step-by-Step
- Top and Finish:
- After the first baking, take out your pan. Drop the last cup of cheese all over, then layer on the sausage slices. Slide it back in until the sausage edges crisp, the cheese bubbles, and everything’s steaming hot—about 15–20 minutes.
- Bake Your Mixture:
- Coat a 9x13 pan with a quick swipe of oil or spray. Spread your cheesy potato mix evenly, edge to edge. Bake at 350°F for about 35 minutes. It’s ready for the next step when you see bubbles and a soft golden top.
- Add Cheese and Toss:
- Dump in two cups of cheddar and save the last one for later. Stir so every piece gets a blanket of cheese and there’s no dry patch hiding anywhere.
- Stir Up the Creamy Stuff:
- In goes your sour cream and soup to cover the potatoes. Toss pepper and a bit of salt in too. Mix until every shred’s coated nice and creamy.
- Start with Potatoes:
- Grab your mixing bowl and add all the frozen hash browns. If some stick, gently break them apart with a table knife.

The best part? When you stick it back in for that final bake and the sausage turns golden and crisp. I’m taken right back to my grandma’s kitchen, everyone racing for that corner slice stuffed with sausage and extra melted cheese.
Storage Tips
Let it cool off until it feels close to room temp, then wrap up tight and refrigerate. It’ll stay good for about four days in the fridge. If you want to keep it longer, slice it up, wrap pieces in foil, pop them in a freezer bag, and freeze. Thaw overnight, then warm in the oven or zap in the microwave when hunger hits.
Easy Swaps
Want bigger potato bites? Use cubed potatoes instead. Swap the mushroom soup for chicken or cheddar soup if that's what you've got. Toss in some peas or broccoli if you want veggies too. Mix in Monterey Jack or Colby if cheddar’s not around.
How to Serve
Dive in while it’s piping hot, straight from the pan, as your main event. A fresh salad or tangy pickles cut through all that cheesy richness. For brunch-days, a fried or soft-boiled egg on top is perfect. If you’re throwing a party, slice into little squares for an easy-to-grab treat.

Why It’s Loved
Baked dishes like this are big in the Midwest and South—cheap, filling, and built to stretch whatever you have. Smoked sausage is a weeknight hero, and with cheesy potatoes, it turns classic flavors into something craveable. I grew up seeing casseroles at every event—and this one is always the first to vanish.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can different sausages be used?
Sure! Kielbasa or turkey sausage both taste great and give the meal their own twist.
- → Do I need to defrost the hash browns?
Yes, getting rid of clumps by thawing lets them cook evenly and faster.
- → What cheese works best?
Cheddar is a classic for its taste and melt, but Colby or Monterey Jack can work, too.
- → Can I put this together early?
Definitely. Assemble everything, store in the fridge, and bake it fresh when you're ready to eat.
- → How do I warm up extras?
You can pop it in the oven at 350ºF until warm, or use the microwave for a quicker fix.
- → Can I freeze my leftovers?
For sure! Wrap tightly, freeze, and bake straight from frozen or thaw overnight for better results.