Hearty Cheese Potato and Smoked Sausage Bake
Relive the comforting nostalgia of a family favorite from the '70s with this hearty and budget-friendly casserole. Originally crafted by my mom during tight times, its warm flavors and creamy textures make it a beloved dish. Filled with tender potatoes, savory smoked sausage, and a rich cheese sauce, this casserole brings the taste of home to your table. Perfect for a cozy dinner, it proves that satisfying meals don’t require extravagant ingredients. Swap in your protein of choice for a personalized touch, and enjoy a delicious one-dish meal that echoes the warmth and resourcefulness of family cooking.
5
Servings
640
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Idaho potatoes
3 cups (peeled, boiled and cubed)
Butter
4 tablespoons (unsalted)
Flour
4 tablespoons (all-purpose)
Milk
2 cups (whole or 2%)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Pepper
1/4 teaspoon (ground)
Velveeta cheese
1/2 lb (diced)
Sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup (shredded)
Smoked sausage
1 lb (sliced)
Paprika
1/8 teaspoon (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Peel and boil the Idaho potatoes until tender, then drain and allow to cool before cutting into cubes.
3
Slice the skinless smoked sausage in half lengthwise, then chop into 1/2-inch half-moon slices. Fry in a pan over medium heat for about 15 minutes, turning frequently until slightly browned.
4
In a 2-quart casserole dish, combine the cubed potatoes and cooked sausage. Gently toss them to mix evenly.
5
For the cheese sauce, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for about 1 minute until it forms a smooth paste.
6
Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring the mixture remains smooth. Add salt, pepper, and Velveeta cheese, stirring constantly until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
7
Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the potato and sausage mixture in the casserole dish.
8
Sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar cheese on top, followed by a light dusting of paprika.
9
Bake in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling. Serve warm and enjoy the cheesy, savory goodness in every bite.
Nutrition Information
44g
Fat
40g
Carbs
28g
Protein
2g
Fiber
4g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein in the Hearty Cheese Potato and Smoked Sausage Bake?
The main protein is one pound of sliced smoked sausage.
What type of potatoes should I use for this recipe?
The recipe calls for three cups of Idaho potatoes, which should be peeled, boiled, and cubed.
At what temperature should the oven be set?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking the casserole.
How many servings does this casserole provide?
This recipe is designed to yield 5 servings.
How many calories are in a single serving?
Each serving contains approximately 640 calories.
What is the total fat content per serving?
There are 44 grams of fat in each serving.
How much protein is in each serving?
Each serving provides 28 grams of protein.
What is the carbohydrate count for this dish?
There are 40 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How do I prepare the smoked sausage for the bake?
Slice the skinless smoked sausage in half lengthwise, then chop into 1/2-inch half-moon slices and fry in a pan for 15 minutes until browned.
What size casserole dish is required?
You will need a 2-quart casserole dish for this recipe.
Which two types of cheese are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses Velveeta cheese for the sauce and shredded sharp cheddar cheese for the topping.
How long should the casserole bake in the oven?
Bake the dish for 35 to 45 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbling.
What ingredients are used to make the cheese sauce base?
The sauce is made from a roux of butter and flour, combined with milk, salt, pepper, and Velveeta cheese.
Can I use different types of milk?
Yes, you can use either whole milk or 2% milk for the cheese sauce.
What is the final topping added before baking?
Sprinkle shredded sharp cheddar cheese and a light dusting of paprika over the top.
Is this a budget-friendly meal?
Yes, it is described as a budget-friendly casserole that uses simple, affordable ingredients.
What is the history behind this recipe?
It is a family favorite from the 1970s, originally crafted to be a comforting and resourceful meal during tight times.
How many ingredients are needed in total?
The recipe requires 10 ingredients.
Can the protein be substituted?
Yes, you can swap in your protein of choice for a personalized touch.
How much Velveeta cheese is required?
The recipe calls for 1/2 lb of diced Velveeta cheese.
Does this recipe contain any fiber?
Yes, it contains 2 grams of fiber per serving.
What is the sugar content per serving?
Each serving has 4 grams of sugar.
How much butter is used for the roux?
The recipe uses 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter.
What seasoning is used besides salt and pepper?
A 1/8 teaspoon of paprika is used for seasoning and color on the top of the dish.
Should the potatoes be peeled before boiling?
Yes, the recipe specifies that the potatoes should be peeled, boiled, and then allowed to cool before cubing.
How long do you cook the flour and butter mixture?
Cook the flour and butter mixture for about 1 minute until it forms a smooth paste.
What is the preparation style for the sharp cheddar?
The sharp cheddar cheese should be shredded.
Is the sausage fried before going into the oven?
Yes, the sausage is fried in a pan over medium heat for about 15 minutes until slightly browned before being added to the dish.
What categories does this recipe fall into?
It is categorized as comfort food, a one-dish meal, and a family-friendly casserole.
How much flour is required for the cheese sauce?
The recipe requires 4 tablespoons of all-purpose flour.