Follow Me On Social Media!
Welcome to a cozy kitchen favorite: the Cheesy Potato Kielbasa Skillet! This recipe is a delightful blend of tender potatoes, savory kielbasa, and a rich cheese sauce that will have your taste buds singing. Perfect for those chilly evenings when you need a comforting meal without the fuss, this skillet dish is sure to become a regular on your dinner rotation.
There’s something truly magical about the way the kielbasa crisps up in the pan and marries with the creamy cheese sauce, creating a harmony of flavors that is simply irresistible. Whether you’re serving this up for a family dinner or sharing it at a potluck, be prepared for everyone to come back for seconds. This dish has that perfect balance of hearty, cheesy goodness that satisfies even the pickiest eaters.
With its roots in Eastern European and Midwestern kitchens, this Cheesy Potato Kielbasa Skillet is a comforting nod to tradition while offering a modern twist that everyone will love. So, grab your skillet, gather your ingredients, and get ready to create a meal that is as delicious as it is easy to make. Trust me, this recipe is a real winner!
Quick Benefits
- Creamy and comforting: The rich cheese sauce and crispy potatoes create a satisfyingly creamy texture that makes every bite comforting and indulgent.
- Versatile and customizable: Easily swap ingredients like cheese or sausage to suit your preferences, making it a versatile dish that can cater to different tastes.
- Easy to make ahead: The meal can be prepared in advance, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights or meal prepping.
Why You’ll Love This Savory Cheesy Potato Kielbasa Skillet Recipe Recipe
- Comforting and Craveworthy: The tender potatoes crisp perfectly, mixed with a rich cheese sauce and flavorful kielbasa, making every bite comforting and craveworthy.
- Easy Weeknight Meal: Perfect for busy weeknights when you crave comfort food without the hassle. Quick to make and always a hit with the family.
- Versatile Ingredients: Easily customizable with different cheeses, potatoes, or spice levels. Don’t have gruyere? No problem! Swap it with Swiss, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack for a melty finish.
- Make-Ahead and Freezer-Friendly: Keeps well in the fridge for up to three days and can be frozen for a quick meal later. Just reheat with a splash of cream for the best creaminess.
- Nostalgic Flavors: Reminiscent of simple, comforting meals from childhood. The crispy kielbasa and creamy sauce evoke memories of home-cooked meals and family dinners.
- Hearty and Satisfying: This skillet is a meal on its own but pairs perfectly with a salad, steamed veggies, or even as a sandwich filling for a hearty, satisfying dish.
- Cultural Roots: With influences from Eastern European, American, and Midwestern kitchens, this dish pays homage to traditional cheesy casserole-style meals that are rich and family-friendly.
- Creamy and Flavorful: The freshly shredded cheese melts gently over low heat, creating a smooth and creamy sauce that elevates the dish’s flavors.
- Customizable and Creative: Experiment with different vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini, or swap bell peppers for a burst of color and unique flavors.
- Perfect Pairings: Goes exceptionally well with a crisp green salad, steamed green beans, or scooped into a crusty baguette for a delightful meal.
Ingredients for Savory Cheesy Potato Kielbasa Skillet Recipe
Cheese Sauce
- 2.5 ml ground mustard
- 28 g unsalted butter
- 310 ml heavy cream
- 28 g cream cheese
- 56 g gruyere cheese, freshly shredded
- 140 g cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
Potatoes and Kielbasa
- 2.5 g ground black pepper
- 45 ml olive oil
- 60 ml green bell pepper, finely diced
- 6 medium potatoes, cut into 2.5 cm pieces
- 1 medium onion, cut into strips
- 0.5 g chili powder
- 60 ml red bell pepper, finely diced
- fresh parsley, for garnish
- vegetable oil, for frying
- 2.5 g seasoning salt
- 454 g kielbasa sausage, sliced into 1.25 cm pieces
Pro Tips for Savory Cheesy Potato Kielbasa Skillet Recipe
Pro Tip 1: To achieve perfectly crispy potatoes, make sure to cut them into uniform 2.5 cm pieces and fry them in vegetable oil until golden brown before adding them to the skillet.
Pro Tip 2: For a richer and smoother cheese sauce, use freshly shredded cheese and melt it gently over low heat while stirring constantly. Avoid overheating to maintain a creamy consistency.
Pro Tip 3: Customize your Cheesy Potato Kielbasa Skillet by incorporating alternative ingredients like smoked sausage with jalapeno for a spicier kick, or experimenting with different cheeses such as Swiss or mozzarella if gruyere is not available. Additionally, don’t hesitate to add extra veggies like mushrooms or zucchini to enhance the dish’s color and flavor profile.
How to Make Savory Cheesy Potato Kielbasa Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Cheese Sauce
Heat heavy cream, cream cheese, and butter in a medium saucepan until smooth. Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar, gruyere cheeses, and ground mustard until glossy and uniform.
Step 2: Fry Potatoes
Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan to 190°C. Fry potato pieces in batches until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
Step 3: Sauté Vegetables and Kielbasa
Heat olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced onions, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, chili powder, and black pepper. Cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring often, until vegetables start to soften.
Step 4: Brown Kielbasa
Add sliced kielbasa to the vegetables and cook, stirring, until sausage is browned and onions are translucent, about 5–6 minutes. Stir in seasoning salt and remove from heat.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Carefully combine fried potatoes with kielbasa, vegetables, and cheese sauce in the skillet. Toss gently to coat, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve hot.
Storage Tips
Once you have prepared the Cheesy Potato Kielbasa Skillet, you can store any leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you want to freeze the dish for later consumption, keep in mind that the texture of the potatoes may become softer upon reheating. To restore the creaminess of the sauce, simply reheat the skillet meal in a pan over medium heat with a splash of cream added as needed.
When you are ready to enjoy the leftovers, remember to reheat the dish gently in a skillet over medium heat. This will help maintain the flavors and textures of the ingredients. If you are missing gruyere cheese, feel free to substitute it with Swiss, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack for a similar melty finish. Additionally, for those who prefer a spicier kick, consider using smoked sausage with jalapeno or adding extra chili powder to the recipe.
The Cheesy Potato Kielbasa Skillet not only makes a delicious standalone meal but also pairs well with a side salad, steamed vegetables, or even served in a crusty baguette for a heartier sandwich-style option. This comforting and flavorful dish is a versatile option for weeknight dinners or potluck gatherings, and with a few simple storage and reheating tips, you can continue to enjoy its delicious flavors days after preparing it.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you don’t have gruyere cheese on hand, feel free to substitute it with Swiss, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack for a gooey, melty finish. These cheeses will still contribute to the richness of the dish and complement the other flavors well.
If you prefer a spicier kick to your skillet, consider using smoked sausage with jalapeno or adding extra chili powder to the mix. This will elevate the dish with a bit of heat and add a different dimension of flavor to the creamy and cheesy components.
For a fun twist on the recipe, you can experiment with using sweet potatoes instead of Yukon Gold or russet potatoes. The slight sweetness of the sweet potatoes can add a unique flavor profile to the dish while still maintaining the comforting and hearty nature of the skillet.
Serving Suggestions
For a creative serving suggestion, try layering the Cheesy Potato Kielbasa Skillet in individual cast iron skillets or mini cocottes for a charming presentation. Top each serving with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a drizzle of olive oil before serving to elevate the dish’s rustic appeal.
Another fun idea is to transform this skillet meal into a hearty brunch dish by topping it with a sunny-side-up or poached egg. The creamy cheese sauce and savory kielbasa pair perfectly with the rich yolk, creating a decadent and satisfying breakfast or brunch option that will impress your guests.
FAQs for Savory Cheesy Potato Kielbasa Skillet Recipe
Can I substitute the gruyere cheese with another type of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute gruyere with Swiss, mozzarella, or even Monterey Jack for a melty finish.
Can I use a different type of sausage instead of kielbasa?
Yes, smoked sausage or andouille are great alternatives that bring a similar flavor and texture to the dish.
How should I melt the cheese to keep the sauce smooth and creamy?
Use freshly shredded cheese and melt it gently over low heat, avoiding overheating to maintain a smooth and creamy sauce.
Can I prepare the components of this dish ahead of time?
While you can prepare components ahead, for the best texture, it’s recommended to combine the potatoes and sauce fresh before serving.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this Cheesy Potato Kielbasa Skillet is a true winner for any weeknight dinner. Its simplicity, rich flavors, and comforting nature make it a go-to dish that will have everyone coming back for more. The combination of crispy potatoes, savory kielbasa, and creamy cheese sauce is a delight for the taste buds and a surefire way to bring warmth to your table.
Don’t hesitate to make this Cheesy Potato Kielbasa Skillet your own by experimenting with different cheeses, spices, or additional vegetables. It’s a versatile recipe that can easily adapt to your preferences, making it a staple in your meal rotation. Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with a side salad or veggies, this skillet meal is a delicious journey that celebrates the joy of simple, hearty cooking. Give it a try, and let the flavors speak for themselves!
Savory Cheesy Potato Kielbasa Skillet Recipe
Creamy and comforting Cheesy Potato Kielbasa Skillet with crispy potatoes, browned kielbasa, and a rich cheese sauce – a family favorite for busy weeknights.
Prep Time20 Minutes
Cook Time30 Minutes
Total Time50 Minutes
CuisineCentral European
Skill LevelEasy
Servings6 Servings (one large skillet)
Ingredients
Cheese Sauce
- 2.5 ml ground mustard
- 28 g unsalted butter
- 310 ml heavy cream
- 28 g cream cheese
- 56 g gruyere cheese, freshly shredded
- 140 g cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
Potatoes and Kielbasa
- 2.5 g ground black pepper
- 45 ml olive oil
- 60 ml green bell pepper, finely diced
- 6 medium potatoes, cut into 2.5 cm pieces
- 1 medium onion, cut into strips
- 0.5 g chili powder
- 60 ml red bell pepper, finely diced
- fresh parsley, for garnish
- vegetable oil, for frying
- 2.5 g seasoning salt
- 454 g kielbasa sausage, sliced into 1.25 cm pieces
Instructions
-
Prepare Cheese Sauce: Heat heavy cream, cream cheese, and butter in a medium saucepan until smooth. Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar, gruyere cheeses, and ground mustard until glossy and uniform.
-
Fry Potatoes: Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan to 190°C. Fry potato pieces in batches until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
-
Sauté Vegetables and Kielbasa: Heat olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced onions, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, chili powder, and black pepper. Cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring often, until vegetables start to soften.
-
Brown Kielbasa: Add sliced kielbasa to the vegetables and cook, stirring, until sausage is browned and onions are translucent, about 5–6 minutes. Stir in seasoning salt and remove from heat.
-
Combine and Serve: Carefully combine fried potatoes with kielbasa, vegetables, and cheese sauce in the skillet. Toss gently to coat, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve hot.
