Can I prepare Kielbasa Sausage Cheesy Potato Casserole the night before?

Yes. You can fully assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to cook, remove it from the refrigerator while the oven preheats and bake as directed. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if the casserole is still cold.

What are the best potatoes to use for Kielbasa Sausage Cheesy Potato Casserole?

Russet potatoes are a popular choice because they become tender and absorb the creamy sauce well. Yukon Gold potatoes are another excellent option, offering a naturally buttery flavor and creamy texture. Both varieties work beautifully in this cheesy potato casserole.

Can I freeze Kielbasa Sausage Cheesy Potato Casserole?

Yes. This casserole freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it securely or transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating or baking.

How do I know when the casserole is fully cooked?

The casserole is done when the potatoes are fork-tender and the cheese sauce is bubbling around the edges. Insert a fork into the center of the casserole to check the potatoes. If they slide off easily, your Kielbasa Sausage Cheesy Potato Casserole is ready to serve.

Kielbasa Sausage Cheesy Potato Casserole

Name: Kielbasa Sausage Cheesy Potato Casserole
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 1 h 25 min
Total time: 1 h 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb kielbasa sausage, sliced into bite-sized pieces; 3 large potatoes, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes; 1 cup onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp seasoning blend (such as Cajun seasoning); 1 tsp black pepper; 1 cup chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 5.25 oz cheddar cheese soup (1/2 of a 10.5 oz can); 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded; 1/2 cup water (plus additional as needed for browning sausage); 1/2 cup additional shredded cheddar cheese for topping (optional)

Description

Kielbasa Sausage Cheesy Potato Casserole is a hearty comfort food recipe featuring smoky kielbasa sausage, tender potatoes, onions, garlic, and a rich cheddar cheese sauce baked until hot, creamy, and delicious. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, and make-ahead meals.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb kielbasa sausage, sliced into bite-sized pieces
3 large potatoes, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes
1 cup onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp seasoning blend (such as Cajun seasoning)
1 tsp black pepper
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
5.25 oz cheddar cheese soup (1/2 of a 10.5 oz can)
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1/2 cup water (plus additional as needed for browning sausage)
1/2 cup additional shredded cheddar cheese for topping (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 13×9-inch baking dish.
Add the sliced kielbasa sausage and 1/2 cup water to a large Dutch oven or stockpot. Cook over medium heat until the water evaporates and the sausage begins to brown.
Add the diced onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
Add the diced potatoes to the pot and stir to combine.
Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, cheddar cheese soup, seasoning blend, and black pepper. Stir well.
Cook over low heat until the mixture just begins to simmer, then remove from heat.
Stir in 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese until melted.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
Sprinkle the optional additional cheddar cheese over the top.
Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 65 to 75 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
Let the casserole rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Cut potatoes into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
Freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
Smoked sausage or turkey sausage can be substituted for kielbasa.
For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freeze for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container.
Allow the casserole to rest before serving to help the sauce thicken.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 85 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 515
Sugar: 2 g
Sodium: 1200 mg
Fat: 45 g
Saturated Fat: 22 g
Unsaturated Fat: 21 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 10 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 18 g
Cholesterol: 129 mg