Ingredients
For the Base
- 6–7 medium potatoes, boiled and sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
For the Filling
- 2 cups sliced sausage (smoked sausage or hot dogs work well)
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 3 green onions, chopped
- 1 small onion, finely chopped (optional)
For the Creamy Sauce
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream or whole milk
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
For the Topping
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- Optional: parsley, chives, or oregano for garnish
Instructions
1. Prepare the Potatoes
Start by boiling the potatoes until they are just fork-tender, not mushy. Once cooked, let them cool slightly before slicing them into rounds. Season the slices with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried oregano.
Heat a skillet with butter or olive oil and lightly pan-fry the potato rounds until golden on the edges. This step adds flavor and prevents them from becoming too soft in the casserole.
Arrange the potatoes evenly in the bottom of a greased baking dish, as shown in the first image.
2. Add the Sausage Layer
Slice your sausage into even rounds. Smoked sausage adds deeper flavor, but simple hot dog slices also work perfectly for a budget-friendly version.
Scatter the sausage evenly over the potatoes, making sure every bite will have a good mix of potato and protein. Add the chopped green onions, diced red pepper, and optional onions for extra flavor and color.
This vegetable-sausage combination brings both flavor and texture, helping the casserole feel balanced and complete.
3. Prepare the Creamy Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, cream (or milk), shredded cheese, paprika, salt, and pepper. The mixture should be smooth and creamy.
Pour this sauce evenly over the potato and sausage mixture. In the photos, you can see how the creamy mixture fills the dish and settles between the ingredients—this ensures the casserole cooks up perfectly set and rich, rather than dry.
This step also binds everything together and adds the melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes baked casseroles so irresistible.
4. Top with Cheese
Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese generously over the top of the casserole. As it bakes, this top layer melts, browns, and creates the irresistible golden crust seen in the bottom photo.
Using a mix of mozzarella and cheddar provides both creaminess and a beautiful golden color.
5. Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bake the casserole for 35–45 minutes, or until:
- The top is golden
- The sauce is fully set
- The edges bubble gently
Allow the dish to cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This rest time helps the casserole hold its shape when sliced and deepens the overall flavor.
What Makes This Sausage and Potato Bake So Delicious
Several factors contribute to the deep, satisfying flavor of this dish:
• Layers of texture
From soft, tender potatoes to chewy sausage and melty cheese, each bite delivers something exciting.
• Color and flavor contrast
Bell peppers and green onions introduce freshness and brightness, balancing the richness of the sauce and cheese.
• Creamy egg-based sauce
This ingredient combination ensures the casserole is rich without being heavy, giving the dish a quiche-like smoothness but with heartier elements.
• Perfect golden topping
Cheese crisped in the oven creates a visually appealing crust and elevates the entire meal.
This is the type of recipe that warms you from the inside out—hearty, homestyle, and incredibly comforting.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is satisfyingly filling on its own, but it pairs well with:
- A crisp green salad
- Steamed vegetables
- Buttered green beans
- Fresh bread or dinner rolls
If serving it for breakfast or brunch, consider adding fruit on the side or a simple yogurt bowl.
For dinner, you can complement it with a light soup or roasted vegetables.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerator: Keeps well for 3–4 days.
- Freezer: Can be frozen for up to 1 month, though texture may soften slightly.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 325°F (165°C) for best results. Microwave reheating works but may soften the top layer.
This casserole also reheats beautifully and makes a great meal-prep option for busy weeks.
Variations and Add-Ins
This recipe is flexible and can be customized in many delicious ways:
• Add cheese varieties
Swiss, gouda, or pepper jack all complement the savory sausage.
• Use different proteins
Ham, cooked bacon, or shredded chicken are great alternatives.
• Spice it up
Add jalapeños, crushed red pepper, or Cajun seasoning for extra heat.
• Add vegetables
Mushrooms, spinach, broccoli, or zucchini can be added without overpowering the dish.
• Replace potatoes
Try sweet potatoes or a mix of russet and Yukon gold for different flavors.
Conclusion
This cheesy sausage and potato bake is everything a comfort dish should be—rich, warm, hearty, colorful, and full of flavor. The creamy sauce binds the ingredients together into a perfectly set casserole, while the melted cheese on top delivers a golden finish that makes the dish feel complete. Whether served for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, it’s a dependable recipe that satisfies every time.