Sausage Potato Casserole Recipe

Sausage: Adds a rich, savory flavor to the casserole. Choose your favorite type, whether it's pork, chicken, or turkey.

Potatoes: Provide a hearty base for the casserole. Diced into small pieces, they cook evenly and absorb the flavors of the other ingredients.

Cheddar cheese: Melts into the casserole, adding a creamy, cheesy texture. Shredded cheddar is recommended for easy melting.

Milk: Helps to create a creamy sauce that binds the ingredients together. Whole milk is preferred for a richer texture.

Salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients. Adjust to taste.

Black pepper: Adds a bit of heat and depth to the dish. Freshly ground is best for maximum flavor.

When browning the sausage in the skillet, make sure to cook it over medium heat to ensure it gets a nice, even caramelization. This will enhance the flavor of the casserole by adding a deeper, savory note. Additionally, consider using a mix of potatoes such as russet and Yukon Gold to add a variety of textures to the dish.

• sliced sausage - Substitute with ground turkey: Ground turkey is a leaner option and can be seasoned to mimic the flavor of sausage.

• sliced sausage - Substitute with vegetarian sausage: Vegetarian sausage provides a plant-based alternative while maintaining a similar texture and flavor.

• diced potatoes - Substitute with sweet potatoes: Sweet potatoes add a different flavor profile and are rich in vitamins and fiber.

• diced potatoes - Substitute with cauliflower florets: Cauliflower is a low-carb alternative that can mimic the texture of potatoes when cooked.

• shredded cheddar cheese - Substitute with mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella has a milder flavor and melts well, making it a good alternative.

• shredded cheddar cheese - Substitute with nutritional yeast: Nutritional yeast provides a cheesy flavor and is a great option for those avoiding dairy.

• milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk is a dairy-free alternative that can be used in the same quantity as regular milk.

• milk - Substitute with coconut milk: Coconut milk adds a slight sweetness and creaminess, suitable for those who are lactose intolerant.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty and umami flavor, but use it sparingly to avoid overpowering the dish.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper provides a similar heat but with a slightly different flavor profile, often used in lighter-colored dishes.

• Allow the sausage potato casserole to cool completely at room temperature before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the dish soggy.

• Transfer the cooled casserole into an airtight container. If you don't have a container large enough, you can use heavy-duty aluminum foil to wrap the casserole tightly.

• For short-term storage, place the container in the refrigerator. The casserole will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.

• If you plan to freeze the casserole, ensure it is wrapped securely to prevent freezer burn. You can use a combination of plastic wrap and aluminum foil for extra protection.

• Label the container with the date and contents to keep track of how long it has been stored.

• When ready to reheat, if the casserole is frozen, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight. This ensures even reheating and maintains the texture of the potatoes and sausage.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the casserole to an oven-safe dish if it was stored in a non-oven-safe container.

• Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent the top from over-browning. Bake for 20-30 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through. If you prefer a crispy top, remove the foil during the last 10 minutes of reheating.

• For a quicker reheating option, you can use a microwave. Place a portion of the casserole on a microwave-safe plate, cover it with a microwave-safe lid or another plate, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through. Stir halfway to ensure even heating.

• If the casserole seems dry after reheating, you can add a splash of milk or a sprinkle of cheddar cheese on top before reheating to restore some moisture and flavor.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the sausage potato casserole in an oven-safe dish, cover it with aluminum foil to retain moisture, and bake for about 20-25 minutes until heated through.
• For a quicker method, use the microwave. Place a portion of the casserole on a microwave-safe plate, cover it with a microwave-safe lid or another plate to prevent drying out, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes. Stir halfway through to ensure even heating.
• If you prefer a crispy top, use a toaster oven. Preheat the toaster oven to 350°F (175°C), place the casserole in an oven-safe dish, and heat for 15-20 minutes until warmed through and the top is slightly crispy.
• For stovetop reheating, place the casserole in a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat. Cover with a lid and stir occasionally, heating for about 10-15 minutes until thoroughly warmed. Add a splash of milk or broth if it seems dry.
• If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in an air fryer-safe dish and heat for 10-15 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure it doesn't overcook.

• Oven: Used to bake the casserole at a consistent temperature of 375°F (190°C).

• Skillet: Used to cook the sausage over medium heat until browned.

• Mixing bowl: Used to combine the cooked sausage, potatoes, cheese, milk, salt, and pepper.

• Baking dish: Used to transfer the mixture into for baking.

• Knife: Used to dice the potatoes.

• Cutting board: Used as a surface to dice the potatoes.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure out the milk and shredded cheddar cheese.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure the salt and black pepper.

• Spatula: Used to stir and combine the ingredients in the mixing bowl.

Pre-cook the potatoes: Boil the diced potatoes for 5-7 minutes before adding them to the casserole. This ensures they cook faster in the oven.

Use pre-shredded cheese: Save time by using pre-shredded cheddar cheese instead of shredding it yourself.

Opt for pre-cooked sausage: Purchase pre-cooked sausage to skip the browning step and directly mix it with other ingredients.

One-pan method: Cook the sausage and potatoes together in the skillet to reduce the number of dishes used.

Prepare in advance: Assemble the casserole the night before and store it in the fridge. Just pop it in the oven when ready to bake.