Cheesy Potato Kielbasa Sausage Skillet

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with this mouthwatering recipe for Kielbasa Sausage Cheesy Potato casserole. Picture creamy cubes of russet potatoes mingling with slices of smoky kielbasa sausage, all blanketed in a rich, bubbly layer of sharp cheddar cheese. This dish is a surefire way to please even the pickiest eaters and is perfect for cozy family dinners or entertaining a hungry crowd.

There’s something truly magical about the way the sharp cheddar cheese melds with the hearty kielbasa and tender potatoes, creating a symphony of flavors and textures that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen newbie, this recipe is a breeze to put together and promises to become a staple on your menu rotation.

So, if you’re craving a hearty, fuss-free meal that exudes warmth and comfort, look no further than this Kielbasa Sausage Cheesy Potato casserole. Whip it up for your next gathering and watch as it disappears in a flurry of satisfied smiles and empty plates.

Quick Benefits

• Rich and Creamy: Indulge in a comforting dish with creamy potatoes, melted cheddar cheese, and a luscious sauce made with heavy cream.
• Versatile Protein: Swap out kielbasa for other smoked sausages like andouille or bratwurst to customize the flavor profile to your preference.
• Make Ahead and Freezer-Friendly: Conveniently assemble the casserole ahead of time, refrigerate, and bake later; leftovers freeze well for future quick and delicious meals.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Potato Kielbasa Sausage Skillet Recipe

• Rich and Creamy Delight: This recipe offers a rich and creamy experience with layers of cheese, potatoes, and smoky kielbasa, providing a comforting and satisfying meal.
• Family Favorite: Perfect for feeding a crowd or pleasing your family, this dish is a surefire hit that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
• Easy and Fuss-Free: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this casserole is easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
• Cheese Lover’s Dream: The gooey and golden sharp cheddar cheese that blankets the potatoes is a highlight of this dish, creating a stretchy, bubbly, and irresistible topping.
• Versatile Options: You can customize this recipe by trying different types of smoked sausages, potatoes, or dairy products to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare this casserole in advance, refrigerate, and bake it when ready to serve, allowing you to enjoy a fresh and hot meal with minimal effort.
• Freezer-Friendly: Leftovers freeze well, enabling you to enjoy this delicious casserole at a later time without compromising its texture or flavor.

Ingredients for Cheesy Potato Kielbasa Sausage Skillet

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound smoked kielbasa sausage, sliced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 cups russet potatoes, peeled and cubed

Sauce Components

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 can (284 ml) cheddar cheese soup
• 1.5 cups 2% milk

Pro Tips for Cheesy Potato Kielbasa Sausage Skillet

Pro Tip 1: For an extra flavorful twist, consider adding a pinch of paprika or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce. These ingredients can elevate the overall taste profile of your Kielbasa Sausage Cheesy Potato casserole.

Pro Tip 2: To ensure your potatoes cook evenly, try to cut them into uniform sizes. This will help them bake uniformly and prevent some pieces from being undercooked while others are mushy. Consistency in potato size is key to achieving a perfectly cooked casserole.

Pro Tip 3: If you prefer a crispy top on your casserole, remove the foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking. This will allow the cheese to brown slightly and create a deliciously crunchy crust. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning and adjust the timing based on your desired level of crispiness.

How to Make Cheesy Potato Kielbasa Sausage Skillet

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Baking Dish

Preheat oven to 175°C and lightly spray a 22×33 cm baking dish with nonstick spray.

Step 2: Cook Potatoes

Cook cubed russet potatoes in salted boiling water until tender, about 7 minutes. Drain and place in the baking dish.

Step 3: Sauté Kielbasa

In a skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and sauté sliced kielbasa until deeply browned, approximately 5 minutes. Arrange over the potatoes.

Step 4: Prepare Cheese Sauce Base

In the same skillet, melt unsalted butter, then whisk in all-purpose flour and cook while stirring constantly until a pale roux forms.

Step 5: Build Sauce

Combine minced garlic with 2% milk and heavy cream in a pot. Season with ground cumin, garlic powder, salt, and cracked black pepper. Stir in cheddar cheese soup and whisk until thickened, for about 3-4 minutes.

Step 6: Finish Cheese Sauce

Take the skillet off the heat and stir in shredded sharp cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.

Step 7: Combine and Bake

Evenly pour the cheese sauce over the potato and kielbasa mixture in the baking dish. Bake for 30 minutes until the top is golden and bubbling.

Storage Tips

After enjoying the delicious Kielbasa Sausage Cheesy Potato casserole, it’s essential to store any leftovers properly to maintain its freshness. Once the casserole has cooled to room temperature, cover it tightly with foil or transfer it to an airtight container. Store the casserole in the refrigerator for up to four days to ensure it stays safe to eat. When reheating, it’s recommended to cover the dish and warm it in the oven at 325 degrees Fahrenheit until hot for the best results.

For those looking to make variations or adjustments to the dish, consider substituting smoked sausages like andouille or bratwurst for the kielbasa. Additionally, while russet potatoes are a great choice for this casserole, Yukon Gold potatoes can also provide a creamy texture when baked. To enhance the richness and creaminess of the dish, you can opt to use extra heavy cream or increase the amount of shredded cheese in the recipe. If you prefer to prepare the casserole ahead of time, you can assemble it, refrigerate it, and bake it just before serving to ensure the best taste and texture. Leftover portions can be frozen in airtight containers and reheated in the oven for future meals with minimal loss of texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have smoked kielbasa on hand, feel free to substitute with andouille or bratwurst for a different flavor profile that still pairs well with the cheesy potatoes.

While russet potatoes are recommended for their sturdiness, Yukon Gold potatoes can be used as a substitute if that’s what you have available. They will also provide a creamy texture to the dish.

To make the casserole even richer, you can use extra heavy cream or add more shredded cheese to enhance the creaminess and indulgence of the final dish.

For convenience, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time, refrigerate it, and bake it just before serving to ensure the best taste and texture for your meal.

Leftover portions of this casserole can be frozen in airtight containers for future meals. When reheating, bake in the oven to preserve the texture and flavors of the dish.

Serving Suggestions

For a fun twist on serving this indulgent Kielbasa Sausage Cheesy Potato casserole, try turning leftovers into loaded potato skins. Simply scoop out the potato filling, mix it with the sliced kielbasa sausage, and stuff it back into the potato skins. Top with extra shredded cheddar cheese and bake until bubbly and golden brown. These loaded potato skins make a fantastic appetizer or snack for game day or any gathering.

To elevate the presentation of this hearty casserole, consider serving individual portions in mini cast iron skillets. Layer the creamy potatoes with the sliced kielbasa sausage and top with a generous amount of sharp cheddar cheese. Bake the mini skillets until the cheese is melted and bubbly, then garnish with fresh parsley or chives for a rustic and charming presentation that’s sure to impress your guests.

FAQs for Cheesy Potato Kielbasa Sausage Skillet

Can I use a different type of smoked sausage in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute smoked sausages like andouille or bratwurst, though flavors may vary slightly.

Can I use a different type of potato besides russet in this casserole?

Russet potatoes hold up well during baking, but Yukon Gold potatoes also provide a creamy texture.

How can I make this casserole even richer and creamier?

Use extra heavy cream or add more shredded cheese to increase the richness and creaminess of the dish.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time and bake it later?

Yes, you can assemble it earlier, refrigerate, and bake just before serving for best taste and texture.

Conclusion

I hope you give this Kielbasa Sausage Cheesy Potato casserole a try soon. It’s a comforting and hearty dish that is sure to please your family and friends. The creamy potatoes, smoky kielbasa, and gooey cheddar cheese come together beautifully in every bite.

Remember, this recipe is versatile, so feel free to customize it to your liking by trying different types of sausages or cheeses. Whether you enjoy it fresh out of the oven or savor the leftovers the next day, this casserole is bound to become a favorite in your kitchen. So, roll up your sleeves, grab your ingredients, and get ready to indulge in the deliciousness of Kielbasa Sausage Cheesy Potato!