If you are craving a comforting meal that satisfies every bite with rich, hearty goodness, this Creamy Sausage & Potato Bake Recipe is an absolute must-try. Imagine tender layers of thinly sliced potatoes mingling with savory browned sausage, all enveloped in a luscious, creamy sauce and crowned with bubbly, golden melted cheese. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate—perfect for family dinners or cozy weekend feasts. Once you taste this, it’s guaranteed to become one of your go-to recipes for effortless crowd-pleasing comfort food.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things deliciously straightforward, with every ingredient playing a key role in delivering that creamy, flavorful experience. From the hearty potatoes providing a soft, starchy base to the Italian sausage offering depth and spice, each component brings its own magic to the bake.
- 1 lb sausage (Italian or breakfast sausage): Choose your favorite sausage with bold flavors to give the dish its meaty richness.
- 4 cups potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced: Thin slices ensure even cooking and a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 1 small onion, chopped: Adds subtle sweetness and aroma when sautéed.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: A punch of savory warmth to enhance the overall profile.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates that irresistible creamy sauce that ties all ingredients together beautifully.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Provides sharp, gooey goodness that melts perfectly on top.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, savory finish that complements the cheddar.
- 1 tsp dried thyme: Brings a fragrant herbal note that brightens the richness.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning every layer just right.
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter: For sautéing sausage and onions, adding that lovely golden color and flavor.
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional): A sprinkle of freshness and vibrant color when serving.
How to Make Creamy Sausage & Potato Bake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the bake will cook evenly from the moment it goes in, allowing the potatoes to soften perfectly and the cheese to brown beautifully at the end.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
Heat your olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage after removing it from its casing, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. This step is crucial to developing the dish’s savory foundation—browned sausage delivers rich flavor and a mouthwatering aroma.
Step 3: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
Once the sausage is nicely browned, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Let them cook gently until soft, around three minutes. This builds layers of flavor and softens the sharpness of the garlic and bite of the onion for a smooth, blended taste.
Step 4: Assemble the Layers
Grab a greased baking dish and layer half of the thinly sliced potatoes on the bottom. Spread the cooked sausage mixture evenly over the potatoes, then cover with the remaining potato slices. Carefully pouring the heavy cream over the layers ensures everything will cook tenderly and stay extra creamy.
Step 5: Add Seasoning and Bake
Sprinkle dried thyme, salt, and pepper evenly across the top. Cover your dish with foil and put it in the oven to bake for 45 minutes. This slow bake helps the potatoes soften and the flavors meld without drying out the cream.
Step 6: Top with Cheese and Finish Baking
Remove the foil and sprinkle shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese on top. Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, for another 15 minutes. This final bake melts the cheese into a bubbly, golden crust, adding texture and that irresistible cheesy finish.
Step 7: Rest and Garnish
Let your creamy sausage and potato bake rest for five minutes after baking. This pause allows the dish to settle so it slices well and the flavors deepen. Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley if you like, bringing a pop of color and fresh herbal brightness to the plate.
How to Serve Creamy Sausage & Potato Bake Recipe
Garnishes
A simple touch like freshly chopped parsley or chives brightens this rich dish and adds a lovely contrast in color. For a little extra flair, a sprinkle of smoked paprika can introduce a subtle smokiness that complements the sausage.
Side Dishes
Since the Creamy Sausage & Potato Bake Recipe is so satisfying on its own, pair it with crisp, refreshing sides like a green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or sautéed seasonal vegetables. These sides help balance out the richness and keep the meal feeling fresh.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming family-style dinner, serve this bake directly from the dish and let everyone dig in. If you’re hosting, try plating individual portions with a drizzle of garlic-infused olive oil or a spoonful of tangy sour cream on the side for a delightful twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This bake stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to meld, making it an excellent make-ahead option for busy weeknights or quick lunches.
Freezing
If you want to keep the Creamy Sausage & Potato Bake Recipe on hand, you can freeze the baked dish before adding the cheese topping. Wrap it tightly and freeze for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight and add the cheese before baking as usual.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15–20 minutes. Cover loosely with foil to keep the moisture, then remove the foil at the end to refresh the cheese topping.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage in this recipe?
Absolutely! Both Italian and breakfast sausages work wonderfully, but you can also use chorizo or spicy sausage for a bolder flavor twist. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly before layering.
Is there a substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or whole milk mixed with a bit of flour to thicken if you want a lighter version, though the bake won’t be quite as rich and creamy. For dairy-free options, coconut cream can work as well but will change the flavor profile.
Can I add vegetables to the bake?
Definitely! Spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms blend beautifully with the sausage and potatoes. Just sauté them along with the onions before layering to prevent excess moisture.
How thin should I slice the potatoes?
About 1/8 inch thick is ideal. Thin slices ensure they cook completely during baking and become tender without drying out or remaining crunchy.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you choose gluten-free sausage and ensure your cheeses contain no additives with gluten, this dish is naturally gluten-free and perfect for anyone avoiding gluten.
Final Thoughts
There is something incredibly satisfying about cozying up to a warm dish like this Creamy Sausage & Potato Bake Recipe. It’s rich, comforting, and packed with flavors that feel like home. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or whipping up a comforting meal just for yourself, this bake is sure to become one of your favorite recipes to turn to. Give it a try, and watch it become a staple in your kitchen rotation!
Print
Creamy Sausage & Potato Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Creamy Sausage & Potato Bake is a comforting and hearty casserole combining savory Italian or breakfast sausage with tender sliced potatoes, onions, and garlic, all baked in a rich heavy cream and cheese sauce. Finished with melted cheddar and Parmesan, this dish offers a deliciously cheesy and creamy flavor perfect for a satisfying family meal.
Ingredients
Sausage Mixture
- 1 lb sausage (Italian or breakfast sausage), casing removed
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
Potato Layers
- 4 cups potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
Cream Sauce & Toppings
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it is ready for baking.
- Cook Sausage: In a skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the sausage, removing it from the casing, and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the sausage and sauté until softened, about 3 minutes.
- Layer Potatoes: Grease a baking dish and arrange half of the thinly sliced potatoes in an even layer at the bottom.
- Add Sausage Mixture: Spread the cooked sausage, onion, and garlic mixture evenly over the potato layer.
- Top with Remaining Potatoes: Layer the remaining sliced potatoes over the sausage mixture.
- Pour Cream and Season: Pour the heavy cream over the layered ingredients, then sprinkle dried thyme, salt, and pepper evenly over the top.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes to allow the potatoes to cook through and flavors to meld.
- Add Cheese and Finish Baking: Remove the foil, sprinkle shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top, then return the dish to the oven to bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
- Rest and Garnish: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking to set. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version but the dish will be less creamy.
- Using waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes helps the slices hold their shape during baking.
- For spicier flavor, use spicy Italian sausage or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sausage mixture.
- Make sure to fully cook the sausage in the skillet before layering to ensure food safety and flavor.
- This dish is best served warm and can be paired with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
