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
Scale
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.