If you are craving a comforting, hearty dish that combines the smoky, savory goodness of sausage with creamy, cheesy potatoes, then this Kielbasa Sausage Cheesy Potato Casserole Recipe is the perfect answer. Imagine tender hash browns mingling with browned kielbasa rounds, creamy sour cream, and a luscious blend of sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, all baked to bubbling golden perfection. It’s warm, satisfying, and packed with flavor that feels like a loving homemade hug on a plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are refreshingly simple but come together to create a symphony of taste and texture. Each component plays its part, from the smoky kielbasa adding a rich meaty note to the smooth, cheesy combination that turns every bite silky and indulgent.
- 1 pound kielbasa sausage sliced into rounds: Delivers a smoky, savory base with a satisfying chew.
- 4 cups frozen hash brown potatoes thawed: The starchy backbone providing a tender, slightly crispy texture.
- 1 small onion diced: Adds a mild sweetness and subtle crunch.
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Sharpness that brings depth and a melty, gooey finish.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Adds creamy stretchiness and a mellow balance.
- 1 can 10.5 ounces cream of chicken soup: Binds everything with rich, savory creaminess.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Brings tang and extra smoothness to the casserole.
- 1/4 cup milk: Lightens the texture for a luscious, creamy bite.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted: Enriches with velvety richness and a hint of indulgence.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Provides a subtle, savory warmth.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Adds a gentle smokiness and warm color.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Offers a delicate hint of spice.
- Salt to taste: Enhances all the other flavors without overpowering.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional): Adds a fresh, bright note and lovely color for garnish.
How to Make Kielbasa Sausage Cheesy Potato Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Kielbasa
Start by warming a large skillet over medium heat to brown the sliced kielbasa. Cook it for about 5 to 7 minutes until each piece has a light golden crust. This step unlocks the rich smoky flavors and gives a satisfying texture that contrasts beautifully with the creamy potatoes later on.
Step 2: Mix the Potato Base
In a spacious bowl, combine your thawed hash brown potatoes, diced onion, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, melted butter, garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Mix everything thoroughly to ensure every bite is packed with flavor and creamy texture – this is the heart of the Kielbasa Sausage Cheesy Potato Casserole Recipe.
Step 3: Combine and Layer
Gently fold in the browned kielbasa along with half of the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Then spread the whole mixture evenly into a lightly greased 9×13-inch baking dish. This layering method ensures the flavors meld beautifully as it bakes.
Step 4: Add the Cheese Topping and Bake
Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella evenly over the top. Cover your dish loosely with foil to keep it moist and bake at 375°F for 30 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake an additional 15 to 20 minutes until the casserole is bubbling hot and the top is a gorgeous, golden brown color.
Step 5: Rest and Garnish
Once out of the oven, let the casserole sit for about 5 minutes. This resting period lets everything set nicely so you get perfect, neat slices. If you like, sprinkle with fresh parsley for a pop of color and a touch of brightness on your plate.
How to Serve Kielbasa Sausage Cheesy Potato Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A little fresh parsley is a classic choice, but feel free to sprinkle some chopped green onions or a light dusting of paprika for an extra splash of color and flavor contrast.
Side Dishes
This casserole is hearty on its own but pairs beautifully with a crisp garden salad or steamed green veggies like broccoli or green beans. The freshness of the sides cuts through the richness, making your meal balanced and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving individual portions in small ramekins for a charming, crowd-pleasing presentation. You can also top each serving with a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of spicy mustard to elevate the flavors impressively.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate. This casserole keeps well for up to 3 days and tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.
Freezing
You can freeze the casserole either before or after baking. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn, and it will keep for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. For a crispy top, remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of reheating.
FAQs
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
Absolutely! Just peel and shred fresh potatoes, then squeeze out excess moisture before mixing. This will keep your casserole from becoming too watery.
Is smoked kielbasa preferred for this recipe?
Yes, smoked kielbasa adds a rich, deep flavor that really makes this casserole shine, but you can use fresh kielbasa if that’s what you have on hand.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To go vegetarian, substitute the kielbasa with smoked tofu or a meatless sausage alternative, and use vegetable soup in place of cream of chicken soup.
How spicy is this casserole?
This casserole is mild and comforting, but you can add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or some diced jalapeños if you want to give it a little kick.
Can I prepare this casserole the night before and bake later?
Yes! Prepare the casserole and keep it covered in the fridge overnight. Bake it fresh the next day for a convenient, home-cooked meal with little morning fuss.
Final Thoughts
There is nothing quite like a warm, cheesy, and savory casserole straight from the oven, and this Kielbasa Sausage Cheesy Potato Casserole Recipe truly delivers that cozy magic. It’s straightforward, satisfying, and packed with layers of flavor that will keep you coming back for more. I encourage you to give it a try—it’s the kind of dish everyone deserves in their weeknight dinner rotation!
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Kielbasa Sausage Cheesy Potato Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Kielbasa Sausage Cheesy Potato Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for family dinners. It combines flavorful slices of kielbasa sausage with creamy hash brown potatoes, sharp cheddar, and mozzarella cheese baked to golden perfection. Enhanced with savory spices and a creamy base, this casserole is both satisfying and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Meat
- 1 pound kielbasa sausage, sliced into rounds
Vegetables and Starches
- 4 cups frozen hash brown potatoes, thawed
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Dairy
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Pantry
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prepare for the casserole.
- Cook Kielbasa: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the sliced kielbasa sausage for 5 to 7 minutes until lightly browned and fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the thawed hash brown potatoes, diced onion, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, melted butter, garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Stir well until all ingredients are thoroughly mixed.
- Add Kielbasa and Cheese: Fold the cooked kielbasa and half of the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses into the potato mixture, ensuring even distribution.
- Assemble Casserole: Spread the combined mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the top evenly.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese on top is golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking to set. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, then serve warm.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add diced bell peppers or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the potato mixture.
- Smoked kielbasa provides the best rich, savory taste for this dish.
- This casserole reheats well and makes delicious leftovers, perfect for meal prepping.
