Hey there, friend! Let me tell you about one of my all-time favorite comfort foods: cheesy smoked sausage and potatoes. This dish is like a warm hug on a plate—super simple to make and packed with flavor! Seriously, if you’re new to cooking, this is the perfect recipe to start with. It requires just a handful of ingredients and a little bit of time, but the result is absolutely delicious. Imagine crispy, tender potatoes mingling with savory smoked sausage and gooey melted cheese. Yum! You’ll want to whip this up for a cozy weeknight dinner or even impress guests at your next gathering. Trust me, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds!
Ingredients List
- 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced into bite-sized pieces
- 4 medium potatoes, diced into small cubes
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your favorite cheese works great)
- 1 onion, chopped (I love using yellow onions for sweetness)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin is my go-to!)
- Salt and pepper to taste (don’t be shy with the seasoning!)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (adds a lovely flavor kick)
How to Prepare Cheesy Smoked Sausage and Potatoes
Preheat the Oven
First things first—let’s get that oven preheating! You’ll want to set it to 400°F (200°C). Preheating is super important because it helps your dish cook evenly and gets those potatoes nice and crispy. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this step!
Combine Ingredients
Now, grab a large bowl and toss in your diced potatoes, chopped onion, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Use about 1 teaspoon of salt and a few cracks of pepper to start, but you can adjust to your taste later. Mix everything together until the potatoes are well-coated in oil and the spices are evenly distributed. This step is where the flavor begins, so don’t be afraid to get your hands in there!
Spread and Bake
Next, take a baking sheet and spread your potato mixture evenly across it. Make sure the potatoes aren’t piled too high—this helps them cook evenly. Pop that beauty in the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a fork easily pierces the potatoes. Don’t be shy—give them a little poke!
Add Cheese and Final Bake
Once those potatoes are tender, it’s time for the best part—cheese! Pull the baking sheet out of the oven and sprinkle the shredded cheese all over the top. Then, return it to the oven for just 5 more minutes, or until the cheese is all gooey and melted. Oh, that aroma will have you dreaming of dinner!
Tips for Success
- Check for Doneness: Always poke those potatoes with a fork to check if they’re tender. If it slides in easily, you’re golden! If not, give them a few more minutes in the oven.
- Veggie Add-Ins: Don’t be afraid to mix in your favorite veggies! Bell peppers, broccoli, or even zucchini can add a nice crunch and flavor. Just chop them up small so they cook evenly with the potatoes.
- Be Generous with Seasoning: Seasoning is key! Don’t hesitate to adjust the salt and pepper to your liking. You can also sprinkle in some paprika or Italian herbs for an extra flavor boost!
- Cheese Choices: While cheddar is a classic, feel free to experiment with different cheeses. Mozzarella, pepper jack, or even a blend can make this dish uniquely yours!
- Leftover Magic: If you have leftovers (which I doubt, because it’s so good!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They make for a fantastic quick lunch the next day!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional values for one serving of cheesy smoked sausage and potatoes. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, but this will give you a good idea!
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 20g
With this dish, you’re getting a hearty meal that’s sure to satisfy, while still keeping it balanced. Enjoy every cheesy bite!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely! While smoked sausage is my favorite for this dish, you can easily swap it out for turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or even a veggie sausage if you want to keep it light or meat-free. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time if needed.
What if I don’t have olive oil?
No worries! You can use any oil you have on hand, like canola, vegetable, or even melted butter. Each will give a slightly different flavor, but they’ll all work just fine in this cheesy smoked sausage and potatoes dish!
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep everything in advance and store it in the fridge. Just be sure to cover the baking sheet with plastic wrap or foil. When you’re ready to cook, just pop it in the oven! You might need to add a few extra minutes to the bake time if it’s cold from the fridge.
What vegetables work well in this recipe?
There are so many options! I love adding bell peppers, zucchini, or even green beans. Just chop them into small pieces to ensure they cook evenly with the potatoes. Feel free to get creative!
How should I store leftovers?
If you have some cheesy goodness left, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through. It’s just as tasty the next day!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in just 40 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.
- One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks on a single baking sheet, which means less cleanup for you—yay!
- Flavorful: The combination of smoky sausage, tender potatoes, and gooey cheese creates a mouthwatering symphony of flavors that everyone will love.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite veggies or switch up the cheese to make this dish your own—there are endless possibilities!
- Comfort Food: It’s the ultimate comfort food that warms you up from the inside out, perfect for cozy family dinners or gatherings with friends.
- Beginner-Friendly: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is a great way for beginners to build their confidence in the kitchen.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Alright, let’s talk about how to keep that cheesy smoked sausage and potatoes delicious for later! If you happen to have any leftovers (which I doubt, because it’s so good!), here’s what you need to do:
- Storing Leftovers: Allow the dish to cool down to room temperature before storing. Then, transfer it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure it’s sealed tightly to lock in all that cheesy goodness!
- Reheating: When you’re ready to dive back in, you can reheat it in the oven or microwave. For the oven, preheat to 350°F (175°C) and spread the leftovers on a baking sheet. Cover with foil to retain moisture and heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. If you’re using the microwave, pop it in for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through until it’s hot. Just be careful not to overheat; you don’t want that cheese to get rubbery!
And voilà! You’re all set to enjoy your cheesy smoked sausage and potatoes even after the first meal. Trust me, it’s just as comforting the next day!
Print
Cheesy Smoked Sausage and Potatoes: 5 Steps to Comfort!
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A simple and tasty dish made with cheesy smoked sausage and potatoes.
Ingredients
- 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced
- 4 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, combine diced potatoes, chopped onion, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Spread the potato mixture evenly on a baking sheet.
- Top with sliced smoked sausage.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until potatoes are tender.
- Remove from oven and sprinkle shredded cheese on top.
- Return to oven for 5 minutes, until cheese is melted.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Check potatoes for doneness by poking with a fork.
- Feel free to add your favorite vegetables.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: cheesy smoked sausage and potatoes, easy sausage recipe, potato dish
