Pin it
Nothing brings out comfort like creamy potatoes baked with golden cheese and hearty slices of smoky kielbasa. This casserole is my ultimate pick for feeding a crowd or satisfying those cozy dinner cravings when you want something rich and fuss free.
When I first tossed this together for my family’s Sunday lunch we scraped every last bit from the pan. It has become our go to whenever I need something hearty that pleases every appetite.
Ingredients
- Russet potatoes: peeled and cubed for ideal fluffy texture and mild taste pick firm potatoes with no green spots
- Olive oil: for browning and added flavor reach for good quality extra virgin if possible
- Smoked kielbasa sausage: sliced for juicy notes and smoky depth choose a well seasoned smoked variety
- All purpose flour: helps thicken the cheese sauce opt for unbleached for a more wholesome finish
- Unsalted butter: enriches the sauce and carries flavor buy high quality butter for best taste
- Minced garlic: pops the savory notes in every bite use fresh for robust flavor
- Two percent milk: adds creaminess without too much heaviness fresher milk gives the best results
- Heavy cream: brings in extra richness pick one with a clean simple ingredient list
- Ground cumin: adds a warm background earthy note choose freshly ground if available
- Garlic powder: doubles down on the flavor boost smell for freshness
- Salt: brightens and balances all the flavors use kosher or sea salt
- Cracked black pepper: brings heat and depth always crack fresh for highest aroma
- Cheddar cheese soup: creates extra creamy texture and tang look for one with a short ingredient list
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: melts into gooey pools on top always grate your own from a block for best melt and taste
Instructions
- Prep the Baking Dish:
- Spray a standard nine by thirteen inch baking dish with light cooking spray to prevent sticking and make serving easier
- Parboil the Potatoes:
- In a large saucepan boil the cubed potatoes in plenty of salted water for about seven minutes You want them just fork tender not mushy Drain well and spread evenly in the prepared baking dish
- Sauté the Kielbasa:
- Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat Add the kielbasa slices in a single layer and cook for about five minutes until browned and crispy on the edges Stir occasionally for even browning Then scatter the cooked sausage over the potatoes
- Make the Cheese Sauce Base:
- Using the same skillet melt the butter over medium heat Whisk in the flour and cook for two to three minutes until the mixture looks golden and the raw flour smell is gone This step builds depth and thickening power for your sauce
- Flavor and Thicken the Sauce:
- Add the minced garlic then slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream as you whisk This prevents lumps and keeps the sauce velvety Sprinkle in the cumin garlic powder salt and cracked black pepper followed by the cheddar cheese soup Stir constantly for about three to four minutes until the sauce is thick and smooth
- Melt in Shredded Cheddar:
- Remove the skillet from the heat Add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and stir until completely melted and incorporated The cheese should melt without boiling ensuring a silky sauce
- Assemble and Bake:
- Pour the finished cheese sauce evenly over the potatoes and kielbasa in the baking dish Gently spread if needed Bake uncovered at three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit for thirty minutes until the casserole is golden on top and bubbling at the edges Let stand ten minutes before serving for best texture
Pin it
The sharp cheddar is always my favorite part It stretches and bubbles around the potatoes turning the top golden and irresistible My kids beg for the corner pieces with the thickest cheese
Storage Tips
Let the casserole cool to room temperature before covering tightly with foil or transferring to an airtight container Keep in the refrigerator for up to four days For best results reheat covered in the oven at three hundred twenty five degrees until hot
Ingredient Substitutions
If you are out of kielbasa try andouille or any smoked sausage For a lighter touch swap heavy cream for half and half Monterey Jack or Colby blend smoothly if sharp cheddar is too bold for your taste
Serving Suggestions
Pair this casserole with a crisp green salad or simple steamed veggies It is also great alongside a bowl of tangy pickles or sauerkraut for balance
Cultural and Historical Notes
Casseroles like this trace their roots to home cooks looking to stretch ingredients into satisfying meals Kielbasa brings a Polish touch while cheddar sauce nods to classic American comfort food My Polish grandmother always added a pinch of cumin for unique warmth
Pin it
Enjoy every comforting bite fresh baked and be sure to save a helping for leftovers tomorrow. This casserole will become a requested favorite in your kitchen too.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use different sausages instead of kielbasa?
Yes, you can substitute smoked sausages like andouille or bratwurst, though flavors may vary slightly.
- → What type of potatoes work best?
Russet potatoes hold up well during baking, but Yukon Gold potatoes also provide a creamy texture.
- → How can I make the casserole creamier?
Use extra heavy cream or add more shredded cheese to increase the richness and creaminess of the dish.
- → Can the casserole be prepped ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble it earlier, refrigerate, and bake just before serving for best taste and texture.
- → Is it possible to freeze leftovers?
Leftovers can be frozen in airtight containers, then reheated in the oven for future meals with minimal loss of texture.