If you love cozy, satisfying comfort food that delivers on flavor with minimal fuss, you’re going to fall hard for this Creamy Sausage & Potato Bake. Imagine layers of tender golden potatoes, smoky sausage, and sweet onions all snuggled together under a silky cheddar cheese sauce—baked until bubbling hot and golden brown. It’s rich and homey enough for a Sunday dinner, yet easy enough to whip up on a weeknight. This is the kind of dish that brings everyone running to the table, promising pure comfort in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Creamy Sausage & Potato Bake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Creamy Sausage & Potato Bake needs just a handful of everyday ingredients, each one playing a star role. From the buttery Yukon gold potatoes and smoky sausage to the dreamy cheese sauce, every element adds something essential to the flavor, texture, and colorful appeal of this dish.

Smoked sausage: Sliced into rounds, it brings bold, savory flavor and a satisfying bite to each forkful.
Yukon gold potatoes: Thinly sliced, these potatoes become buttery, tender, and melt-in-your-mouth soft after baking.
Yellow onion: Thin slices of onion add sweet depth and extra moisture as the bake cooks.
Garlic cloves: Just a couple, minced, make the cheese sauce wonderfully aromatic.
Butter: Essential for creating that luscious, golden roux that thickens the sauce.
All-purpose flour: Just enough to thicken the sauce, ensuring a creamy, velvety texture.
Milk: The base of the cheese sauce—whole milk works best, but 2% is fine!
Heavy cream: Takes the sauce over the top with richness and mouthfeel you can’t skip.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp or medium cheddar both melt beautifully and give that craveable cheesy crust.
Paprika: Adds a hint of color and a subtle smoky note to complement the sausage.
Dried thyme: Gives the dish a gentle herby flavor that pairs perfectly with potatoes.
Salt & black pepper: Keeps all the flavors balanced and bright.
Chopped fresh parsley (optional): A handful on top before serving brightens up the whole dish with fresh color.

How to Make Creamy Sausage & Potato Bake

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Dish

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature allows the Creamy Sausage & Potato Bake to cook perfectly—melting the cheese, softening the potatoes, and caramelizing the top without burning. While it’s heating, lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This makes serving easy later and keeps every golden corner from sticking.

Step 2: Make the Cheesy Sauce

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until it’s foamy, then toss in the minced garlic and let it become fragrant. Whisk in the flour, cooking it for just a minute to get rid of any raw flour taste and create the base for a creamy sauce. Gradually pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly for that smooth, lump-free texture. After a few minutes, the sauce will thicken enough to coat the back of a spoon. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and dried thyme, then stir in one cup of shredded cheese until it melts into silky goodness. This sauce is the heart of the Creamy Sausage & Potato Bake!

Step 3: Layer the Ingredients

Now comes the fun, and the secret to that classic baked casserole vibe. Start by arranging half of your thinly sliced potatoes in the base of the prepared dish. Top that with half the sliced onions, followed by half the sausage slices. Pour over half the cheese sauce, spreading it gently so that every bite is creamy. Repeat the layers with the rest of the potatoes, onions, sausage, and finally, the remaining sauce.

Step 4: Add Cheese and Bake

Sprinkle the last 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar evenly on top of your layered masterpiece. Cover the dish tightly with foil—to trap in steam and help the potatoes cook through. Bake for 45 minutes, then remove the foil so the top can become golden and bubbly. Another 20–25 minutes in the oven and that irresistible cheesy crust will be calling your name!

Step 5: Rest and Garnish

The hardest part: once the Creamy Sausage & Potato Bake is done, let it rest for about 10 minutes. This pause helps the sauce thicken and everything hold together for serving. Just before you scoop it out, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

How to Serve Creamy Sausage & Potato Bake

Garnishes

A generous sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley works wonders for color and a hint of garden-bright flavor. For a little extra decadence, a dusting of parmesan or a grind of black pepper on top can give the Creamy Sausage & Potato Bake that final, tempting finish.

Side Dishes

This hearty casserole shines alongside crisp, leafy greens—think a simple arugula salad or a crunchy cucumber and tomato salad with a splash of lemon. For weekend feasts, serve it with warm, crusty bread to mop up every drop of creamy sauce. If you’re feeling extra, lightly buttered green beans or roasted carrots are always a hit.

Creative Ways to Present

You can make individual portions in ramekins for a dinner party, or serve the Creamy Sausage & Potato Bake straight from the dish at the center of your table for family-style comfort. Try layering extra vegetables, like baby spinach or sliced bell peppers, in the bake for pops of color and nutrition. For a brunch twist, serve it with poached eggs on top!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of baking. The Creamy Sausage & Potato Bake will keep well for up to three days in the fridge, and the flavors often become even richer the next day. When you’re ready for seconds, you’ll be rewarded with a dish just as cozy as when it was fresh from the oven.

Freezing

This bake can be frozen, making it a lifesaver for busy nights. Allow the dish to cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or transfer to a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F. Cover the baking dish with foil and warm for about 20–30 minutes, or until hot throughout. For a crispier top, uncover during the last 5 minutes. Individual servings can be reheated in the microwave, but use shorter intervals and lower power to keep the sauce creamy.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! Any fully cooked sausage will work here—smoked kielbasa, turkey sausage, spicy andouille, or even a plant-based sausage if you prefer. The key is choosing a flavor you love, as it’s front and center in Creamy Sausage & Potato Bake.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Just swap the all-purpose flour in the cheese sauce for a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend. The sauce thickens just as beautifully, and your Creamy Sausage & Potato Bake will still be comfort food perfection.

Can I add extra vegetables?

Of course! Sliced bell peppers, spinach, or even thinly sliced zucchini layer in easily and add bursts of color and nutrition. Just be careful not to overfill the baking dish, as the bake might become too juicy.

What’s the best cheese for this recipe?

Sharp cheddar is classic for Creamy Sausage & Potato Bake, giving it that golden crust and bold flavor. You can mix in Gruyère, smoked gouda, or a handful of mozzarella for extra melt and flavor complexity.

How far in advance can I assemble this dish?

You can assemble the bake up to a day ahead. Cover it tightly and store in the fridge. Pull it out while the oven preheats and add 5–10 extra minutes to the baking time. It’s a wonderful time-saver for entertaining or busy evenings!

Final Thoughts

I hope this Creamy Sausage & Potato Bake finds a place in your family’s rotation as happily as it has in mine. It’s hearty, unbelievably creamy, and always a hit whether for Sunday dinner or a cozy midweek meal. If you give it a try, I promise you’re in for pure, cheesy comfort with every bite!

Creamy Sausage & Potato Bake Recipe

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4.9 from 15 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the rich and comforting flavors of this Creamy Sausage & Potato Bake. Layers of smoked sausage, Yukon gold potatoes, and a velvety cheese sauce baked to perfection, creating the ultimate hearty meal.

Ingredients

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For the Creamy Sauce:

2 tablespoons butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Bake:

1 lb smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
2 lbs Yukon gold potatoes, thinly sliced
1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Prepare the sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter, sauté garlic, whisk in flour, pour in milk and cream, cook until thickened. Stir in salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, and 1 cup of cheese until melted.
Layer the bake: In the baking dish, layer potatoes, onions, sausage, and sauce. Repeat layers and top with remaining cheese. Bake covered for 45 minutes, then uncovered for 20–25 minutes until golden and bubbly. Let rest before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.

Notes

For extra flavor, try using spicy sausage or adding a dash of Dijon mustard to the cheese sauce.
This dish can be prepped a day ahead and baked when ready to serve.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American