Kielbasa Sausage Cheesy Potato Casserole Recipe

Hearty Kielbasa Sausage Cheesy Potato Casserole Recipe for All

Comfort food reaches new heights with this hearty kielbasa sausage cheesy potato casserole that promises to warm every corner of your soul.

Packed with robust flavors and creamy textures, this dish delivers pure satisfaction in each delectable bite.

Tender potatoes mingle with smoky kielbasa, creating a delightful symphony of tastes that dance across your palate.

Melted cheese blankets the ingredients, adding a rich and indulgent layer of goodness to every forkful.

The aroma alone will draw hungry diners to the kitchen, anticipating the delicious meal ahead.

Simple ingredients come together effortlessly to create a crowd-pleasing recipe that feels like a warm embrace.

This casserole stands ready to become your new go-to meal for weeknight dinners or potluck gatherings.

Get ready to savor every comforting, cheesy moment of this irresistible dish.

Why Kielbasa Potato Casserole Is Comfort Food Gold

Savor Hearty Comfort: Delicious Kielbasa Potato Casserole Highlights

  • Minimal Prep Mastery: Combine ingredients effortlessly in one pot, reducing kitchen cleanup and making cooking a breeze for busy home cooks.
  • Family-Friendly Feast: Packed with bold flavors and satisfying ingredients that appeal to both kids and adults, creating a crowd-pleasing meal everyone will love.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Convenience: Perfect for potlucks, weeknight dinners, and gatherings where you want a delicious, filling dish that requires minimal complicated techniques.
  • Customizable Comfort: Easily adaptable with optional cheese toppings and potential ingredient swaps to suit different taste preferences and dietary needs.

Ingredients for Kielbasa Sausage Cheesy Potato Casserole

Main Protein:
  • Kielbasa Sausage: A hearty Polish sausage packed with rich flavor.
Dairy Components:
  • Cheddar Cheese Soup, Heavy Cream, Shredded Cheese: Creamy ingredients that create a luxurious and indulgent sauce.
Vegetables and Aromatics:
  • Potatoes, Onions, Garlic: Tender vegetables that provide a comforting and classic base for the casserole.
Seasonings and Liquids:
  • Chicken Broth, Pepper, Seasoning: Flavor enhancers that add depth and warmth to the dish.
Additional Ingredients:
  • Non-Stick Cooking Spray, Water, Foil: Essential preparation and cooking components.

Making the Best Kielbasa Potato Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Set your oven to a cozy 350°F and give a light spray of non-stick cooking spray to a 13 x 9 or 3-quart baking dish.

Step 2: Brown the Kielbasa

Place sliced kielbasa in a Dutch oven with water.

Cook over medium heat, adding small amounts of water as needed until sausage gets golden and water disappears.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics

Add diced onions to the browned sausage and cook for 3-4 minutes.

Toss in minced garlic and continue cooking until onions become translucent and soft.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Base

Add potatoes to the pot and pour in:
  • Chicken broth
  • Heavy cream
  • Cheddar cheese soup
  • Seasonings
  • Black pepper

Stir the mixture and let it simmer until it starts to bubble slightly.

Step 5: Melt in the Cheese

Turn off the heat and fold in cheese until everything is well combined.

Step 6: Prepare for Baking

Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.

Sprinkle extra cheddar cheese on top if you want extra cheesiness.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 65-75 minutes until potatoes are tender.

Remove foil and return to oven for 10 more minutes to create a golden top.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Carefully remove from oven and serve this comforting, cheesy potato and kielbasa casserole hot.

Pro Tips for Cheesy Kielbasa Potato Casserole

  • Select fresh, high-quality kielbasa for the best flavor and texture in your casserole.
  • Add water sparingly when browning sausage to prevent excess moisture and ensure proper caramelization.
  • Remove pot from heat before adding cheese to prevent separation and achieve a smooth, creamy consistency.
  • Test potato tenderness with a fork after 65 minutes of baking to ensure they're perfectly cooked.
  • Prepare the casserole in advance and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld before baking for enhanced taste.

How to Store and Reheat Kielbasa Potato Casserole

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Transfer casserole to freezer-safe container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freezes well for up to 3 months.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover casserole with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 20-25 minutes until heated through, checking internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  • Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Stop when food is steaming hot throughout.

Perfect Sides for Kielbasa Sausage Potato Casserole

  • Pair with Bold Red Wine: Choose a robust Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon that complements the rich, hearty flavors of kielbasa and cheesy potatoes.
  • Chill with German-Style Beer: Select a crisp pilsner or amber lager that cuts through the creamy texture and matches the sausage's smoky profile.
  • Create Fresh Salad Contrast: Prepare a light arugula salad with tangy vinaigrette to balance the casserole's heavy, decadent elements and provide refreshing counterpoint.
  • Add Zesty Side Pickles: Serve cold, spicy dill pickles or quick-pickled vegetables to introduce a sharp, acidic note that brightens the overall meal experience.

Flavorful Variations of Kielbasa Cheesy Potato Casserole

  • Vegetarian Comfort Casserole: Replace kielbasa with plant-based sausage or chopped mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian alternative that maintains rich flavor and texture.
  • Gluten-Free Potato Bake: Swap cheddar cheese soup with gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for sensitive diets.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Version: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower florets to reduce carbohydrate content while keeping the creamy, cheesy essence of the original recipe.
  • Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced green chiles, jalapeños, and swap some cheddar with pepper jack cheese to create a zesty, southwestern-inspired casserole with a kick.

FAQs

  • Can I use different types of sausage for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute kielbasa with other smoked sausages like andouille, bratwurst, or Polish sausage for a similar flavor profile.

  • Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! This casserole reheats well and can be made ahead of time. It’s perfect for preparing in advance and enjoying throughout the week.

  • What if I don't have heavy cream?

You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce might be slightly less rich and creamy.

  • Can I make this dish gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free cheddar cheese soup or replace it with additional cream and cheese, and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free certified.

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Kielbasa Sausage Cheesy Potato Casserole Recipe

Kielbasa Sausage Cheesy Potato Casserole Recipe


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4.5 from 39 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty Polish Kielbasa Sausage Cheesy Potato Casserole brings comfort straight from Eastern European kitchens to dinner tables. Creamy potatoes, smoky kielbasa, and melted cheese create a satisfying meal that connects family and flavor in one delicious bite you’ll crave again.


Ingredients

Scale

Meat:

  • 1 lb (454 g) kielbasa sausage, cut 1/4 inch thick then cut each piece into 4

Vegetables:

  • 3 large potatoes, peeled, diced into 1/2 inch cubes
  • 1 cup diced onions
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Liquids:

  • 1 teaspoon Slap Ya Mama seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 10.5 ounces (298 g) cheddar cheese soup
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup water, may need more, use 1/8 cup at a time

Instructions

  1. Warm the oven to 350°F and coat a 13 x 9 or 3-quart baking dish with non-stick spray.
  2. Slice kielbasa sausage and place in a large pot with minimal water, cooking over medium heat until slightly browned.
  3. Add diced onions to the sausage and sauté until they become translucent, then incorporate minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
  4. Introduce diced potatoes to the pot and pour in chicken broth, heavy cream, cheddar cheese soup, and seasonings.
  5. Simmer the mixture on low heat until it just begins to bubble, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  6. Remove from heat and fold in shredded cheese until thoroughly melted and combined.
  7. Transfer the creamy sausage and potato mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly.
  8. Sprinkle additional cheddar cheese across the top for extra richness.
  9. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 65-75 minutes, ensuring potatoes become tender.
  10. Remove foil and return to oven for a final 10 minutes to create a golden, crispy top layer.
  11. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle and mixture to firm up.

Notes

  • Swap kielbasa with turkey or chicken sausage for a leaner protein option that reduces overall fat content.
  • Use low-fat cream and reduced-sodium broth to create a lighter version of this hearty casserole without sacrificing flavor.
  • Dice potatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking and prevent some pieces from becoming mushy while others remain undercooked.
  • Add chopped fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary during the last cheese mixing stage to elevate the dish’s aromatic profile and introduce additional depth of flavor.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Polish

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 950 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 15 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg
Marcus Hale

Marcus Hale

Founder & Recipe Storyteller

Expertise

  • Demystifying knife work, sauce emulsification, and pastry basics.
  • Curating seasonal guides that adapt global recipes to local, in-season produce.
  • Crafting blog posts, videos, and social media tips.

Education

Holyoke Community College – HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Hands-on global cuisine training emphasizes sustainable cooking and recipe development under accredited chefs.

Marcus grew up surrounded by maple trees, farm stands, and the smell of Sunday stew simmering on the stove. After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from the HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute, he knew he didn’t want to work in fancy kitchens, he wanted to cook for real people.

At Whip Up Cook Up, Marcus is the guy turning memories into meals. His recipes are fast, full of flavor, and built for home cooks who want big taste without the drama.

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