## Creamy Cheesy Potato and Sausage Bake: A Comforting Delight
Nothing satisfies the soul like a comforting Creamy Cheesy Potato and Sausage Bake. Perfect for gatherings or a dinner with family, this dish combines beautifully the heartiness of sausage, the creaminess of cheese, and the comfort quotient of potatoes.
## Why Make This Recipe?
Because it allows you to experience all the flavors one desires in a comforting meal: a bit salty, a bit creamy, with a tang given by cheddar and, of course, the wonderful texture of potatoes and sausage. Anyone can prepare this tasty heart-warming dish as it uses simple, basic ingredients and easy to follow steps.
## How to Make Creamy Cheesy Potato and Sausage Bake
### Ingredients
For this hearty dish, you will need:
– 4 cups potatoes, thinly sliced or diced
– 1-pound sausage, sliced or crumbled
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 cup milk
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 1 tablespoon butter
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
### Directions
Let’s cook this culinary delight by following steps:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, brown the sausage. Remove it from the skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add butter and onion. Sauté until onions are translucent. Stir in flour, followed by gradually whisking in milk, and heavy cream. Let it cook until this mixture thickens.
4. Take the skillet off heat and stir in the shredded cheddar until it smoothly melts.
5. Use the greased baking dish to layer the potatoes evenly. Sprinkle garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add the cooked sausage on top, then pour the cheese sauce over everything.
6. Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes or until the potatoes are tender, and the top is bubbly and golden.
7. Let it cool slightly and garnish it with fresh parsley if desired.
## How to Serve Creamy Cheesy Potato and Sausage Bake
This dish can be served with a side of steamed or sautéed vegetables or a crunchy salad. It pairs beautifully with a glass of crisp white wine.
## How to Store Creamy Cheesy Potato and Sausage Bake
The leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in a refrigerator for up to 3 days.
## Tips to Make Creamy Cheesy Potato and Sausage Bake
For a bit of crunch add a layer of crumbs mixed with melted butter. Simply sprinkle the mix on top before baking.
## Variations
You can experiment with this dish by adding bell peppers or mushrooms for added flavor.
## FAQs
**Q. Can I use any other type of cheese?**
A. Yes, you can use any type of melting cheese like Gouda, mozzarella, Swiss, or a combination.
**Q. Can I pre-prepare this dish?**
A. Certainly! You can slice, dice, and prepare the layers, cover and keep it in the fridge. However, remember to bake it only before you want to serve it.
**Q. Can I use a different type of meat?**
A. Yes, the sausage can be replaced with ham, chicken, or even tofu for vegetarian option.
Savor this delightful dish and let it warm the heart and comfort the soul. Enjoy!