Kielbasa Sausage Cheesy Potato Casserole Recipe
A comforting and hearty Kielbasa Sausage Cheesy Potato Casserole packed with tender potatoes, smoky kielbasa, and melted cheese. This easy-to-make casserole is perfect for family dinners or gatherings, offering a rich blend of cheesy and savory flavors with minimal cleanup.
- Author: Julia
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb kielbasa sausage, sliced into bite-sized pieces
- 4–5 medium Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (or cheese blend)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Garnishes and Variations
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach (for vegetable boost)
- Diced jalapeños or cayenne pepper (for spicy kick)
- Plant-based sour cream and cheese (for dairy-free version)
- Sweet potatoes and reduced-fat cheese (for a healthier swap)
- Smoked turkey kielbasa or chicken sausage (as sausage alternatives)
- Prepare the Potatoes: Peel and slice the potatoes evenly into thin slices to ensure even cooking. Parboil them for 5-7 minutes if you want to speed up baking; this step is optional.
- Cook the Kielbasa and Onions: In a pan over medium heat, sauté the sliced kielbasa until lightly browned. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, allowing the sweetness to complement the smoky sausage.
- Mix the Cheesy Base: In a large bowl, combine shredded cheese, sour cream, melted butter, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and any additional preferred spices. Mix well to create a creamy, cheesy sauce that will bind the casserole.
- Layer the Casserole: Grease a baking dish. Layer half of the sliced potatoes on the bottom, followed by the cooked kielbasa and onion mixture. Spread half of the cheese sauce evenly over the top. Repeat these layers to form a double-layered casserole.
- Bake to Perfection: Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle.
Notes
- Slice potatoes thinly for even cooking and better flavor absorption.
- Pre-cooking the kielbasa enhances its flavor and texture.
- Use sharp cheddar cheese for optimal melting and bold flavor.
- Cover casserole tightly while baking to retain moisture and keep it creamy.
- Allow the casserole to rest after baking for cleaner slices and flavor balance.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/6 of casserole)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
Keywords: kielbasa casserole, cheesy potato casserole, sausage and potato bake, comfort food, easy casserole