Kielbasa Sausage Cheesy Potato Casserole Recipe
Few dishes deliver that perfect combination of creamy, cheesy, and downright satisfying comfort quite like this Kielbasa Sausage Cheesy Potato Casserole. Imagine forkfuls of golden, bubbling hash browns studded with smoky kielbasa, all wrapped in a velvety sauce and finished with melty cheese. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or a relaxed weekend brunch, this casserole is the kind of dish that brings everyone running to the table, eager for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Kielbasa Sausage Cheesy Potato Casserole relies on a handful of everyday ingredients, each lending something special to the dish. From the smoky bite of kielbasa to that rich, cheesy blanket, every component brings flavor, body, or beautiful color to your casserole.
- Kielbasa Sausage: Sliced into rounds, this smoky sausage is the star attraction—feel free to brown it well for extra depth.
- Frozen Diced Hash Brown Potatoes: Thawed before mixing, these give the casserole a hearty, comforting base without the fuss of chopping potatoes.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Go for sharp cheddar to add big flavor and that classic cheesy stretch.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: Provides a creamy, savory backbone to tie everything together; swap for cream of mushroom for a twist.
- Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and guarantees every bite is rich and luscious.
- Milk: A splash helps thin out the sauce and keeps things extra creamy.
- Garlic Powder: Just enough to add warmth without overwhelming the dish.
- Onion Powder: Rounds out the flavor and pairs beautifully with the sausage.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for balancing all the other rich ingredients—season to taste!
- Unsalted Butter: Drizzled on top for that irresistible golden crust and a final touch of richness.
- Optional: Chopped Green Onions or Parsley: Brighten up the finished casserole with a fresh pop of color and flavor.
How to Make Kielbasa Sausage Cheesy Potato Casserole
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish—this makes sure your cheesy potato masterpiece lifts out effortlessly later and helps with clean-up, too.
Step 2: Brown the Kielbasa
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook your sliced kielbasa for about 5 to 6 minutes. You want the sausage rounds beautifully browned, which brings out their smoky flavor and adds a little texture contrast in the casserole.
Step 3: Mix It All Together
Grab a big mixing bowl and combine the thawed hash browns, browned kielbasa, cheddar cheese, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until everything is well coated and those cheesy, savory aromas promise good things ahead.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Spoon the mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Drizzle melted butter over the top—this helps the edges get gorgeously golden and adds a finishing touch of flavor.
Step 5: Bake and Rest
Bake uncovered for 40 to 45 minutes, until the casserole is bubbling, the cheese is melted, and the edges are just turning golden. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes before serving; this helps it set up and makes for tidy, scoopable portions.
How to Serve Kielbasa Sausage Cheesy Potato Casserole
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped green onions or parsley gives this already delicious casserole a splash of freshness and color. If you like a little kick, try a dusting of smoked paprika as well—it contrasts beautifully with the creamy potatoes.
Side Dishes
This Kielbasa Sausage Cheesy Potato Casserole pairs perfectly with a simple green salad or crisp steamed vegetables for balance. For a heartier spread, serve with fresh rolls or roasted Brussels sprouts.
Creative Ways to Present
Scoop the casserole into small ramekins for individual servings at brunch, or pile it high onto a platter for a homestyle family style dinner. For a festive touch, serve each portion topped with a fried egg or a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of chives.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Kielbasa Sausage Cheesy Potato Casserole keeps exceptionally well in the fridge. Transfer cooled slices to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days—the flavors get even better as they meld together!
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze this casserole. Wrap portions tightly in foil or place in a freezer-safe container. It’ll keep for up to three months; just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Warm individual servings in the microwave or pop the whole dish into the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. To recapture that melty, fresh-baked feeling, top with a little extra cheese before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
Yes! Just peel and dice your potatoes, then parboil them for a few minutes to soften before using. This ensures they bake up tender and blend seamlessly with the creamy sauce.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely. Swap the kielbasa for your favorite vegetarian sausage, and use cream of mushroom soup. The casserole will still have plenty of heartiness and flavor, with an extra boost from the mushrooms and cheese.
What cheeses work best besides cheddar?
Cheddar is classic, but feel free to try Monterey Jack, Colby, or pepper jack for variety. Mixing in a bit of mozzarella adds that wonderful stretchy factor; for more oomph, sprinkle some grated Parmesan on top before baking.
Can I assemble Kielbasa Sausage Cheesy Potato Casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare everything right up until baking, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Simply bake as directed, adding an extra 5 to 10 minutes to account for starting with a cold dish.
How do I prevent the casserole from becoming watery?
The key is using thawed (and well-drained) hash browns and browning the kielbasa before mixing everything together. Don’t skip the resting time after baking, as it helps the texture set and keeps everything perfectly creamy rather than soupy.
Final Thoughts
If you’re after reliable, crave-worthy comfort food that’s easy to make and guaranteed to please a crowd, this Kielbasa Sausage Cheesy Potato Casserole is going to become a fast favorite in your home. Every bite is warm, cheesy, and absolutely satisfying—so gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to share a casserole everyone will remember!
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Kielbasa Sausage Cheesy Potato Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the hearty goodness of this Kielbasa Sausage Cheesy Potato Casserole. A comforting dish perfect for family dinners or potlucks, combining the smoky flavor of kielbasa with creamy, cheesy potatoes.
Ingredients
- 1 (14 oz) package kielbasa sausage, sliced into ¼-inch rounds
- 1 (32 oz) bag frozen diced hash brown potatoes, thawed
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup milk
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- Optional: chopped green onions or parsley for garnish
Kielbasa Sausage:
Potatoes:
Cheese:
Cream of Chicken Soup Mixture:
Additional:
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook Kielbasa: Brown the kielbasa in a skillet over medium heat for 5–6 minutes.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine potatoes, kielbasa, cheese, soup, sour cream, milk, spices, salt, and pepper.
- Bake: Transfer mixture to the dish, drizzle with butter, and bake for 40–45 minutes until golden.
- Serve: Let it cool for 5–10 minutes before garnishing with green onions or parsley.
Notes
- You can use cream of mushroom soup or pepper jack cheese for variations.
- This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to bake.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 large scoop
- Calories: 530
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 980 mg
- Fat: 36 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 21 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
