Easy Creamy Sausage & Potato Bake

Introduction

If you’re looking for a dish that is both hearty and easy to prepare, this Creamy Sausage & Potato Bake is about to become a family favorite. It’s the perfect combination of tender potatoes, smoky sausage, and a rich, creamy sauce that ties everything together. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or just want to enjoy a warm and comforting dinner, this recipe is here to satisfy. It’s simple enough for a weeknight but delicious enough to serve for Sunday supper or a casual gathering.

My recipe story

This recipe was inspired by the classic potato casseroles my grandmother used to make. Growing up, she always had a knack for turning simple ingredients into something extraordinary. The smoky aroma of sausage frying on the stove and the comforting smell of potatoes baking in the oven still remind me of Sunday family dinners. Over time, I added a creamy sauce to make the dish richer and more indulgent, making it the perfect comfort food for today’s busy lifestyle. It has now become a staple in my kitchen, and I love sharing it with friends and family whenever I get the chance.

Ingredient breakdown

The beauty of this Creamy Sausage & Potato Bake lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Smoked sausage or kielbasa provides a rich, meaty flavor with a hint of smokiness that pairs perfectly with creamy potatoes. Potatoes are the heart of this dish — thinly sliced to cook evenly and soak up all the delicious sauce.

The creamy sauce is made with a combination of milk or cream, a bit of flour to thicken, and seasonings that tie it all together. The onions add sweetness and depth, while cheese (if you choose to add it) gives an irresistible gooey texture. Each component works together to make this dish both comforting and balanced.

Equipment you’ll need

• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Large skillet or pan
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk for the sauce
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Aluminum foil
• Oven mitts

Step-by-step directions

1. Prep your ingredients: Slice the smoked sausage into coins and set aside. Peel and thinly slice the potatoes so they cook evenly. Dice the onion into small pieces for even distribution throughout the dish.
2. Cook the sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the sausage slices until they develop a nice sear and release some of their flavorful oils. Remove them from the pan and set aside.
3. Make the creamy sauce: In the same skillet, sauté the diced onion until translucent. Add a tablespoon of flour and cook for about a minute to create a roux. Slowly whisk in milk or cream, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens into a silky consistency. Season with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs.
4. Assemble the bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and layer half of the sliced potatoes on the bottom. Top with half the cooked sausage, half the onions, and a ladle of the creamy sauce. Repeat the layers, finishing with sauce on top.
5. Bake until tender: Cover the dish with foil and bake for about 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender and the top is golden and bubbling.
6. Cool and serve: Allow the dish to rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This lets the sauce thicken slightly and makes for easier slicing.

Variations & substitutions

You can easily adapt this recipe to suit your preferences or what you have in your pantry. Swap the smoked sausage for ground sausage, ham, or even shredded rotisserie chicken for a different protein option. If you want to make it vegetarian, replace the meat with mushrooms or roasted vegetables. You can also experiment with different cheeses — cheddar, mozzarella, or Gruyère all work beautifully. For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream or swap in plant-based milk.

Storage, freezing & make-ahead

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or use the microwave for a quicker option. This dish also freezes well — assemble the casserole but do not bake, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed, adding about 10 extra minutes to the cook time.

Serving ideas & pairings

This dish is rich and hearty on its own, but you can balance it with a light side salad, roasted vegetables, or steamed green beans. For a cozy dinner, serve it with warm crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce. Pair it with a crisp white wine or sparkling water with lemon to refresh your palate.

FAQ

Can I use pre-cooked potatoes? Yes! Par-cooked or leftover boiled potatoes will cut the baking time by about 15 minutes.

Can I make this dish ahead of time? Absolutely. Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

What type of sausage works best? Smoked sausage, kielbasa, or even spicy andouille sausage work beautifully.

Can I make it gluten-free? Yes, use cornstarch instead of flour to thicken the sauce.

What other veggies can I add? Bell peppers, spinach, or broccoli are great additions for extra nutrition.

Final thoughts

This Creamy Sausage & Potato Bake is everything you want in a comfort food recipe — hearty, creamy, flavorful, and easy to prepare. It’s a versatile dish that fits any season and can easily be customized to your liking. Whether you’re making it for your family or serving it to guests, it’s guaranteed to be a hit and leave everyone asking for seconds. Try it this week and experience the cozy, comforting flavors for yourself!

Creamy Sausage & Potato Bake

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• Author: Sarah White
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

A hearty, comforting casserole featuring tender potatoes, smoky sausage, and a creamy, flavorful sauce baked to golden perfection. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb smoked sausage or kielbasa, sliced

• 4 cups potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced

• 1 small onion, diced

• 2 tbsp butter

• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour

• 2 cups milk or half-and-half

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp dried thyme

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• Nonstick spray or butter for greasing

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, cook sausage slices until lightly browned. Remove and set aside.

3. In the same skillet, melt butter, add onions, and cook until translucent. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute.

4. Gradually whisk in milk, stirring until smooth and thickened. Season with garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper.
5. Layer half the potatoes in the baking dish, followed by half the sausage and sauce. Repeat layers and top with cheese if using.

6. Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes, then uncover and bake 15–20 minutes more until potatoes are tender and top is golden.

7. Let rest 10 minutes before serving for easier slicing.
   

Notes

For extra flavor, sprinkle crispy fried onions or fresh parsley on top before serving. Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the oven.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American