This Savory Potato and Sausage Casserole with Creamy Sour Cream Sauce is a delicious, hearty dish that’s perfect for a family dinner or a cozy weekend meal. The creamy sauce, combined with tender potatoes and flavorful sausage, makes this casserole a comfort food classic!
Ingredients:
For the Casserole:
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 lb (450 g) sausage (breakfast sausage, Italian sausage, or your preferred type)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Creamy Sour Cream Sauce:
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp dried thyme (or herbs of choice)
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
2. Prepare the Potatoes:
- Peel and thinly slice the potatoes into about 1/8-inch thick slices. Place them in a bowl of cold water to prevent browning while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.
3. Cook the Sausage:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the sausage and break it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Cook until browned and fully cooked through (about 7-10 minutes).
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet, and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Once cooked, set the sausage mixture aside.
4. Make the Creamy Sour Cream Sauce:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the sour cream, heavy cream, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper until smooth and well-combined.
5. Assemble the Casserole:
- Drain the potatoes and pat them dry with a paper towel.
- Layer half of the sliced potatoes in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Top the potatoes with half of the sausage mixture, followed by ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese and ½ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Pour half of the creamy sour cream sauce over the layer, spreading it evenly.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, sausage mixture, cheese, and the rest of the creamy sauce.
6. Bake the Casserole:
- Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake it in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
- After 45 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden and bubbly.
- If you prefer a crispier top, you can broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes at the end, watching carefully to avoid burning.
7. Serve:
- Once the casserole is finished baking, let it cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or green onions if desired, and serve warm.
Optional Variations:
- Add Vegetables: You can add some vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms to the sausage mixture for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Cheese Variety: Feel free to swap in different cheeses such as Monterey Jack or Parmesan for a different flavor profile.
- Spicy Kick: If you like some heat, add red pepper flakes or use spicy sausage.
This Savory Potato and Sausage Casserole with Creamy Sour Cream Sauce is a comforting, creamy dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of tender potatoes, savory sausage, and the rich sauce will have everyone coming back for seconds! Enjoy! Let me know if you’d like more recipes or modifications. 😊
