Loaded Sausage & Cheese Potato Casserole 🥔🧀🌭

This Loaded Sausage & Cheese Potato Casserole is the ultimate comfort food! Made with savory sausage, tender potatoes, a rich creamy cheese sauce, crispy bacon, and plenty of melted cheddar, this hearty casserole is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or holiday gatherings.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients

For the Casserole

• 2 lbs (900 g) Yukon Gold or russet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 lb (450 g) smoked sausage or Italian sausage, sliced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Cheese Sauce

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)

Toppings

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 3 green onions, sliced
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Cook the Potatoes

Place the diced potatoes in a large pot of salted water.

Bring to a boil and cook for 8–10 minutes, just until slightly tender.

Drain well and set aside.

3. Cook the Sausage

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Add the sliced sausage and cook for 5–6 minutes, until browned.

Add the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.

Stir in the garlic, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 30 seconds.

4. Make the Cheese Sauce

In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.

Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute.

Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream until smooth.

Cook for 3–5 minutes, stirring constantly, until slightly thickened.

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, and Dijon mustard until smooth and creamy.

5. Assemble the Casserole

In the prepared baking dish, combine the cooked potatoes and sausage mixture.

Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the top and gently stir to coat.

Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and half of the crumbled bacon.

6. Bake

Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until hot and bubbly.

For a golden, crispy cheese topping, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end.

7. Garnish and Serve

Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes.

Top with the remaining bacon, green onions, and fresh parsley.

Serve with a green salad, steamed broccoli, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread.

Tips for the Best Potato Casserole

• Parboil the potatoes first to ensure they bake up tender.
• Freshly shredded cheese melts much more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
• Smoked sausage adds rich flavor, while spicy Italian sausage gives the dish a little kick.
• Add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for extra vegetables.
• Let the casserole rest before serving so the cheese sauce thickens.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use frozen diced potatoes?
Yes. Thaw them first and pat them dry before using for the best texture.

Q: Can I substitute another sausage?
Absolutely! Kielbasa, chicken sausage, turkey sausage, breakfast sausage, or andouille sausage all work well.

Q: Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Q: Can I freeze it?
Yes. Cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Q: What cheese works best?
Sharp cheddar provides the richest flavor, while mozzarella adds a perfectly gooey topping. Monterey Jack or Colby Jack are also excellent choices.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Nutrition Information

Approximate per serving:

• Calories: 720
• Protein: 29g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fat: 50g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 1,180mg

Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary depending on the ingredients and brands used.

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