1. Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Potatoes:
- Peel and slice the potatoes into thin rounds. It’s important to slice them evenly so they cook uniformly. Set aside.
2. Cook the Sausage
- Brown the Sausage:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the sliced sausage. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is browned and slightly crispy on the edges.
- Remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside.
- Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
- In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Make the Cheese Sauce
- Melt the Butter:
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Create a Roux:
- Once the butter is melted, add the flour and whisk continuously to form a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Add the Milk:
- Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens and begins to bubble.
- Add the Sour Cream and Seasonings:
- Stir in the sour cream, paprika, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth and well combined.
- Incorporate the Cheese:
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese and the mozzarella cheese. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
4. Assemble the Casserole
- Layer the Ingredients:
- In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half of the sliced potatoes evenly across the bottom.
- Top with half of the browned sausage, followed by half of the sautéed onion and garlic mixture.
- Pour half of the cheese sauce over the layered ingredients.
- Repeat the Layers:
- Add the remaining potatoes, sausage, and onion mixture in a second layer.
- Pour the rest of the cheese sauce over the top.
- Top with Cheese:
- Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
5. Bake and Serve
- Bake the Casserole:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes.
- After 40 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with chopped fresh chives if desired.
- Serve hot and enjoy the rich, cheesy goodness of this hearty dish!
Tips for Success
- Potato Slicing: Use a mandoline for even, thin slices of potatoes. This ensures they cook evenly and absorb the flavors of the sauce.
- Sausage Options: Smoked sausage or kielbasa adds a rich, smoky flavor to the dish, but you can also use Italian sausage or chorizo for a spicier kick.
- Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. Sharp cheddar, Gruyère, or even pepper jack can add unique flavors to the casserole.
- Make Ahead: This casserole can be assembled the day before and stored in the refrigerator. Simply bake it when you’re ready to serve.
- Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
This Cheesy Sausage and Potato Casserole is the epitome of comfort food, combining all the best elements of a hearty meal into one dish. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, making it a perfect dish for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding a family or bringing a dish to share, this casserole is sure to be a hit!