Savory Smoked Sausage and Cheddar Casserole
This Savory Smoked Sausage and Cheddar Casserole is a one-pan wonder that combines hearty ingredients for a truly satisfying meal. Perfect for busy weeknights or as a comforting weekend dish, it's loaded with flavorful smoked sausage, crispy hash browns, and melty sharp cheddar cheese, all enveloped in a creamy chicken sauce. For those who crave extra flavor, allow the hash browns to crisp up before mixing. Serve it hot, straight out of the oven, and enjoy the delightful blend of textures and tastes that will warm your heart and feed your family. With only a few simple steps, you can have this delightful casserole on your table in no time!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Bacon fat or oil
3 tablespoons (Heat in skillet)
Southern style hash browns
32 ounces (Thawed)
Smoked sausage
14 ounces (Diced)
Onions
3 tablespoons (Minced (or 1/2 diced onion))
Cajun seasoning
1-2 teaspoons (To taste)
Cooked bacon bits
3 ounces (Ready to use)
Sharp cheddar cheese
1.5 cups (Shredded)
Cream of chicken soup
1 family-sized can (Ready to use)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large 12-inch skillet, heat the bacon fat or oil over medium-high heat.
3
Once hot, add the thawed southern-style hash browns and cook until they begin to brown, about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally for even cooking.
4
Add the diced smoked sausage, minced onions (or diced onion), and Cajun seasoning to the skillet. Sauté until the sausage is heated through and the onions become translucent, another 5 minutes.
5
Stir in the cooked bacon bits and shredded sharp cheddar cheese, mixing until the cheese starts to melt.
6
Pour in the cream of chicken soup, gently folding it into the mixture until fully combined.
7
Transfer the mixture to a lightly greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and golden brown on top.
9
Remove from the oven and let it stand for 5-10 minutes to set before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Savory Smoked Sausage and Cheddar Casserole?
It is a hearty one-pan wonder combining smoked sausage, hash browns, and sharp cheddar cheese in a creamy chicken sauce.
How long does it take to bake this casserole?
The casserole should be baked in the oven for 30-35 minutes.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking.
Do the hash browns need to be thawed?
Yes, the recipe specifies using 32 ounces of thawed southern-style hash browns.
What type of sausage is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 14 ounces of diced smoked sausage.
Can I use oil instead of bacon fat?
Yes, you can use either 3 tablespoons of bacon fat or oil to cook the hash browns.
How much cheese is required?
The recipe requires 1.5 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
What kind of soup provides the base for the sauce?
A family-sized can of cream of chicken soup is used to create the creamy base.
How do I make the hash browns crispy?
Cook the hash browns in a skillet for 10-12 minutes until they begin to brown before mixing them with other ingredients.
What seasoning is used for flavor?
1-2 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning are added to give the dish its savory flavor.
What size baking dish do I need?
You should use a lightly greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
Should I let the casserole rest after baking?
Yes, let the casserole stand for 5-10 minutes after removing it from the oven to allow it to set.
What type of onions are best for this casserole?
You can use 3 tablespoons of minced onions or half of a diced fresh onion.
Are bacon bits included in the recipe?
Yes, 3 ounces of cooked bacon bits are stirred into the mixture.
Is this a good meal for busy weeknights?
Yes, it is described as a one-pan wonder that is perfect for busy weeknights due to its simple steps.
How do I know when the casserole is done?
The casserole is finished when it is bubbly and the top has turned golden brown.
What is the preparation for the smoked sausage?
The smoked sausage should be diced before being added to the skillet.
Can I use different types of cheese?
While sharp cheddar is recommended for its melty quality and flavor, you could substitute other shredded cheeses if desired.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
How long do I sauté the sausage and onions?
Sauté the sausage and onions for about 5 minutes until the sausage is heated and onions are translucent.
Is this considered a southern dish?
Yes, the recipe uses southern-style hash browns and includes 'southern' as one of its tags.
What is the texture of the finished dish?
It features a blend of crispy hash browns and melty cheese enveloped in a creamy sauce.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 main ingredients listed in the recipe.
Can I make this dish more flavorful?
Yes, allowing the hash browns to fully crisp up before mixing adds extra flavor and texture.
What category does this recipe fall into?
This recipe is categorized as a casserole and comfort food.
Is this a meat-based meal?
Yes, it contains both smoked sausage and bacon bits.
What type of skillet is recommended?
A large 12-inch skillet is recommended for cooking the initial ingredients.
How do I incorporate the cream of chicken soup?
Gently fold the soup into the skillet mixture until it is fully combined before transferring to the baking dish.
Can this serve a whole family?
Yes, it is designed as a satisfying family meal and uses a 9x13 inch baking dish.
Can I adjust the spice level?
Yes, you can adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning between 1 and 2 teaspoons to suit your taste.