Delicious Sausage Potatoes au Gratin: A Comforting Casserole for Any Occasion
Welcome to another delightful recipe exploration! Today, we’re diving into the realm of comfort food with a twist – Sausage Potatoes au Gratin. This hearty and satisfying dish is perfect for cozy family dinners or potluck gatherings. With layers of savory sausage, tender potatoes, and gooey cheese, it’s sure to become a new favorite in your recipe repertoire.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground sausage
- 5-6 Russet potatoes, peeled and sliced
- 1 green pepper, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 1/2 cups shredded cheddar or colby jack cheese, divided
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1 cup sour cream
- 4 tablespoons (1/4 cup) butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground sausage until browned and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and green pepper. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of shredded cheese, milk, sour cream, butter, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and flour. Mix until well combined.
- Layer half of the sliced potatoes in the prepared baking dish. Top with half of the cooked sausage, onion, and green pepper mixture.
- Pour half of the cheese mixture over the layers in the baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, sausage, onion, and green pepper mixture.
- Pour the remaining cheese mixture over the top, ensuring all the ingredients are well coated.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheese over the top. Dust with paprika for added flavor and a pop of color.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Cook’s Notes and Variations:
- Make-Ahead: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the sausage and add extra vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for a flavorful vegetarian version.
- Spice it Up: Add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the cheese mixture for a bit of heat.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free alternative like almond flour or cornstarch.
- Cheese Lover’s Delight: Experiment with different types of cheese like Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella for a unique flavor profile.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use a different type of meat instead of sausage? A: Absolutely! Ground beef, turkey, or chicken are all great alternatives.
Q: How do I store leftovers? A: Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Q: Can I freeze this dish? A: Yes, you can freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.
Q: Can I make this recipe keto-friendly or low-carb? A: Certainly! Replace the potatoes with cauliflower florets for a low-carb version. You can also reduce the amount of flour or omit it altogether for a keto-friendly option.
Sausage Potatoes au Gratin is a timeless classic that never fails to impress. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or simply craving some hearty comfort food, this casserole is sure to satisfy. With its layers of flavor and gooey cheese, it’s bound to become a new favorite in your household. So why wait? Gather your ingredients and get ready to indulge in a truly delicious dining experience!
