Creamy Kielbasa Sausage Cheesy Potato Casserole Recipe

Comfort meets convenience in this hearty kielbasa sausage cheesy potato casserole that promises pure satisfaction.

Creamy layers meld together with smoky sausage pieces nestled between golden potato slices.

Melted cheese creates a luxurious blanket over the entire dish.

Weeknight dinners just got a major upgrade with minimal preparation required.

Simple ingredients combine to deliver maximum flavor in every single bite.

Polish-inspired cuisine takes center stage with this crowd-pleasing meal that feels like a warm hug.

You will devour every delectable forkful and ask for seconds.

Pairing Suggestions for Kielbasa Sausage Cheesy Potato Casserole

• Select a bold Zinfandel or Syrah to complement the rich, savory flavors of kielbasa and creamy cheese sauce, cutting through the heaviness with its tannic structure.
• Create a light, refreshing side of mixed greens with tangy vinaigrette to balance the casserole's richness and provide a fresh contrast to the warm, cheesy dish.
• Prepare pickled cucumber or sauerkraut as a zesty accompaniment, adding acidity and crunch that will enhance the dish's hearty profile and cut through the creamy texture.

Storage Advice for Kielbasa Sausage Cheesy Potato Casserole

• Transfer leftover casserole to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly with a lid or plastic wrap to prevent moisture loss and absorbing other food odors.
• Wrap the casserole securely in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label the container with the date to track freshness.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming. Add a splash of milk to restore moisture if needed.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of sausage?

Yes, you can substitute kielbasa with smoked sausage, andouille, or Polish sausage for a similar flavor profile.

• Is this dish considered spicy?

No, this casserole is mild and creamy. If you want heat, add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Replace all-purpose flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend, and use gluten-free cheddar cheese soup to adapt the recipe.

• How can I make this casserole lighter?

Use low-fat milk, reduced-fat cheese, and turkey kielbasa to create a lighter version of the dish without sacrificing flavor.

Kielbasa Sausage Cheesy Potato Casserole That Comforts

• Conquer Comfort Food: A hearty one-dish meal that combines the rich flavors of kielbasa and creamy potatoes for ultimate satisfaction.
• Simplify Weeknight Cooking: Minimal prep work and straightforward steps make this casserole a go-to solution for busy families seeking a delicious dinner.
• Crowd-Pleasing Potential: Packed with cheesy goodness and savory sausage, this dish appeals to both kids and adults, making it perfect for family gatherings or potlucks.
• Customize with Ease: Easily adaptable recipe allows for personal touches like adding vegetables or swapping protein types to suit individual tastes and dietary preferences.

Ingredients for Kielbasa Sausage Cheesy Potato Casserole

• Kielbasa Sausage: A flavorful Polish sausage that adds a smoky and savory element to the casserole.
• Potatoes: Hearty and starchy vegetable that forms the base of this comforting dish.
• Cheddar Cheese: Provides a rich, sharp flavor and creamy texture to the casserole.

• Milk, Heavy Cream: Creates a smooth and luxurious base for the cheese sauce.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Enhances the cheesy flavor and creates a melty topping.
• Cheddar Cheese Soup: Adds extra cheese flavor and helps thicken the sauce.

• Garlic, Minced Garlic: Adds a robust and aromatic flavor to the dish.
• Ground Cumin, Garlic Powder: Provides depth and additional seasoning to the casserole.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Helps balance and enhance the overall taste of the dish.

• All-Purpose Flour: Helps thicken the sauce and create a smooth consistency.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a roux for the sauce.
• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the kielbasa sausage.

How to Prepare Kielbasa Sausage Cheesy Potato Casserole

Step 1: Crank Up the Oven

Set your oven to a toasty 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Let it warm up while you prepare the delicious ingredients.

Step 2: Prep the Baking Dish

Grab a 9 x 13 inch baking dish and give it a generous spray of non-stick cooking spray. This will prevent any sticky situations later.

Step 3: Boil the Potatoes

Fill a medium pot with water and toss in the cubed potatoes. Bring the water to a rolling boil and cook the potatoes until they’re tender but not mushy, about 7 minutes.

Drain the potatoes and spread them evenly in the prepared baking dish.

Step 4: Sizzle the Kielbasa

Heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat.

Toss in the kielbasa sausage pieces and cook until they develop a beautiful golden-brown color, around 5 minutes. Transfer the sausage to the baking dish with the potatoes.

Step 5: Create the Flour Base

In the same pan, melt butter and sprinkle in the all-purpose flour. Cook the mixture until it loses its raw, white appearance, indicating the flour is fully cooked.

Step 6: Build the Creamy Sauce

• Milk
• Heavy cream
• Ground cumin
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Cheddar cheese soup

Stir continuously and let the sauce simmer and thicken for 3-4 minutes.

Step 7: Melt the Cheese

Remove the pan from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts completely and blends into a smooth, velvety sauce.

Step 8: Combine and Coat

Pour the luscious cheese sauce over the potatoes and sausage, making sure every morsel gets a delicious coating.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top turns a gorgeous golden brown and the sauce starts bubbling with excitement.

Tips to Nail Kielbasa Sausage Cheesy Potato Casserole

• Select waxy potato varieties like Yukon Gold for the best texture and even cooking throughout the dish.
• Create a golden, crispy top by sprinkling additional shredded cheese during the last 10 minutes of baking for extra crunch and flavor.
• Lower the fat content by substituting half-and-half or whole milk for heavy cream without compromising the creamy consistency.
• Boost nutrition by adding chopped vegetables like bell peppers or spinach before baking, which blend seamlessly into the cheesy sauce.
• Enhance meal prep by assembling the casserole ahead of time and refrigerating until ready to bake, allowing flavors to meld together beautifully.

Variations on Kielbasa Sausage Cheesy Potato Casserole

• Veggie Lovers Swap: Replace kielbasa with roasted bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms for a vegetarian-friendly version packed with colorful, nutritious vegetables.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower florets to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining the creamy, cheesy flavor profile of the original recipe.
• Spicy Southwest Edition: Add diced green chiles, swap ground cumin for chili powder, and include pepper jack cheese to create a zesty, southwestern-inspired casserole with extra heat.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use cornstarch instead of all-purpose flour, select gluten-free kielbasa, and choose a gluten-free cheddar cheese soup to make the entire dish safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

Kielbasa Sausage Cheesy Potato Casserole Recipe

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4.5 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Polish-inspired kielbasa sausage cheesy potato casserole brings comfort and hearty flavors to dinner tables across kitchens. Creamy potatoes, smoky kielbasa, and melted cheese create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound smoked kielbasa sausage (sliced into bite-size pieces)
• 3 cups russet potatoes (peeled and cubed)
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 can (284 ml) cheddar cheese soup
• 1 1/2 cups 2% milk
• 1/2 cup 33% heavy cream
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tsp minced garlic
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp cracked black pepper

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F, creating an ideal environment for a hearty casserole.
2. Generously spray a 9 x 13 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
3. Boil potato cubes in a medium pot for approximately 7 minutes until tender but not mushy. Drain thoroughly and spread evenly in the prepared baking dish.
4. Sizzle kielbasa sausage pieces in a frying pan over medium heat until lightly caramelized, about 5 minutes. Transfer the browned sausage onto the potatoes.
5. In the same pan, create a roux by combining flour and butter. Cook on medium-low heat until the mixture loses its raw flour appearance.
6. Introduce minced garlic to the roux, then pour in milk, heavy cream, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir in the cheddar cheese soup, simmering and stirring until the sauce thickens (3-4 minutes).
7. Remove from heat and fold in shredded cheddar cheese until completely melted and smooth.
8. Cascade the velvety cheese sauce over the potatoes and sausage, ensuring complete coverage.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, watching for a golden-brown top and bubbling sauce edges.

Notes

• Choose waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes for a creamy, firm texture that holds up well during baking.
• Experiment with different sausage varieties like andouille, smoked chicken sausage, or turkey kielbasa for unique flavor profiles and dietary adaptations.
• Replace cheddar cheese soup with homemade cheese sauce or use a blend of cheeses like Gruyère and sharp cheddar for enhanced depth of flavor.
• Substitute potatoes with cauliflower florets or turnips to create a lower-carbohydrate version of this comforting casserole.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Polish-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 530 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 920 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 19 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg