Kielbasa Sausage Cheesy Potato Casserole

Category: Dinner Ideas That Actually Work

Discover a comforting dish featuring layers of sliced smoked kielbasa, creamy cheddar cheese sauce, and russet potatoes. The potatoes are boiled for tenderness, then combined with seared sausage and a from-scratch sauce made rich with milk, heavy cream, and sharp cheddar. Finished in the oven until golden and bubbly, this classic casserole delivers savory, smoky, and cheesy notes in every bite. The cumin and garlic amplify the flavors, making it a crowd-pleaser for cozy weeknights or family gatherings.

Clare Recipes
Created By Lily Chen
Updated on Mon, 21 Jul 2025 17:26:03 GMT
A bowl of food with sausage and potatoes. Save
A bowl of food with sausage and potatoes. | lilicooks.com

Kielbasa sausage cheesy potato casserole is the dish I turn to when my family craves big comfort and nostalgia. Each forkful has everything I love: creamy cheddar sauce, smoky rounds of sausage, and pillowy russet potatoes. This is the ultimate bake to bring to potlucks or celebrations—people always ask for the recipe.

I first baked this after coming home from a snowy football game—my husband actually asked for seconds before I sat down at the table. It is that kind of guaranteed crowd pleaser.

Ingredients

  • Russet potatoes: They hold their shape and soak up maximum flavor from the sauce Check for firm and unblemished skins
  • Olive oil: Helps brown the kielbasa for more savory notes Choose extra virgin for fresh taste
  • Smoked kielbasa sausage: Brings smoky depth and hearty texture Sliced evenly cooks best
  • All purpose flour: Thickens the cheese sauce making it creamy and rich Sift ahead for even mixing
  • Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps with browning Go for high quality for better flavor
  • Minced garlic: Infuses every bite with aromatic warmth Freshly minced has the biggest punch
  • 2 percent milk: Keeps the sauce smooth and a touch lighter than whole milk
  • Heavy cream: Balances with extra creaminess Choose fresh for the silkiest finish
  • Ground cumin: Adds subtle earthy warmth Try to use freshly ground for best aroma
  • Garlic powder: Boosts the garlicky flavor for deeper savoriness
  • Salt: Seasons all ingredients evenly Use kosher for better control
  • Cracked black pepper: Gives some gentle heat Crack fresh for best flavor
  • Cheddar cheese soup: This shortcut makes the sauce supremely cheesy and smooth
  • Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Melts into a gooey topping Buy a block and shred for the best melt and flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the Potatoes:
Peel and cube potatoes in even pieces so they cook consistently Boil them in well salted water until fork tender about seven minutes Drain well and arrange in a lightly sprayed nine by thirteen baking dish
Brown the Kielbasa:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat Add sliced kielbasa and sauté until each piece is caramelized and deeply browned about five minutes Scatter over the potatoes
Start the Roux:
In the same pan melt butter and add the flour Whisk and cook gently until the mixture becomes pale gold and the raw flour taste disappears This happens in two to three minutes
Build the Sauce:
Add minced garlic and let it bloom for thirty seconds Pour in milk and cream whisking quickly to get out lumps Add cumin, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and cheddar cheese soup Cook and stir over medium heat until the mixture is thick and glossy This takes about three to four minutes
Add the Cheese:
Remove the pan from heat and stir in shredded sharp cheddar Let it melt fully so the sauce is rich and smooth
Combine and Bake:
Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the potatoes and kielbasa Use a spoon to help it seep into all the edges Bake uncovered at three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit for thirty minutes until bubbly and golden on top
A delicious Kielbasa Sausage Cheesy Potato Casserole. Save
A delicious Kielbasa Sausage Cheesy Potato Casserole. | lilicooks.com

I am obsessed with the crust of bubbling cheese that forms on top Nothing beats the scoop when you serve it fresh from the oven to the table My kids fight over who gets the cheesiest corner

Storage Tips

Cool the casserole fully before storing Cut into squares and place in an airtight container for up to four days in the fridge For longer storage wrap tightly and freeze up to one month To reheat simply warm covered in the oven at a low temperature to keep the sauce creamy

Ingredient Substitutions

Golden potatoes or Yukon Golds can swap in for russets for a creamier texture If you want the dish lighter use turkey smoked sausage Swap cheddar cheese soup for nacho cheese or another melty cheese variety if that is what you have

A close up of a delicious Kielbasa Sausage Cheesy Potato Casserole. Save
A close up of a delicious Kielbasa Sausage Cheesy Potato Casserole. | lilicooks.com

Serving Suggestions

I love this casserole as the star of a comfort dinner with a side of garlicky green beans or a crisp green salad It also travels well for potlucks and is the first dish to disappear A dollop of sour cream over each slice takes it to another level

Origins of Kielbasa Potato Dishes

Cheesy potato casseroles with sausage have roots in hearty European cooking Kielbasa is a staple in Polish cuisine and pairing it with potatoes is classic The American casserole twist with smooth cheese sauce and a golden bake brings generations together for family feasts

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of potatoes work best?

Russet potatoes are preferred for their starchy texture, which creates a creamy and hearty base.

→ Can other sausages be substituted for kielbasa?

Yes, smoked sausage or andouille are tasty alternatives, bringing depth and a hint of spice.

→ Is it possible to prepare this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving for best results.

→ How do I achieve a perfectly creamy sauce?

Gradually whisk milk and cream into the flour-butter mixture and simmer until thickened before adding cheese.

→ Can this casserole be frozen?

Yes—cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Kielbasa Sausage Cheesy Potato Casserole

Tender potatoes and smoky sausage baked with a creamy, bubbling cheese topping for pure comfort food.

Preparation Time
15 min
Cooking Time
40 min
Overall Time
55 min
Created By: Lily Chen

Category: Main Dishes

Skill Level: Moderate

Cuisine Type: American

Output: 6 Serves

Dietary Options: ~

Ingredients

01 3 cups russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
02 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 1 pound smoked kielbasa sausage, sliced
04 ¼ cup all-purpose flour
05 ¼ cup unsalted butter
06 2 teaspoons minced garlic
07 1½ cups 2% milk
08 ½ cup heavy cream
09 ½ teaspoon ground cumin
10 ½ teaspoon garlic powder
11 1 teaspoon salt
12 ½ teaspoon cracked black pepper
13 1 can (284ml) cheddar cheese soup
14 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Steps

Step 01

Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.

Step 02

Boil cubed potatoes until tender for about 7 minutes. Drain and place them in the prepared baking dish.

Step 03

Heat olive oil in a skillet and sauté the kielbasa slices until browned, about 5 minutes. Add to the potatoes in the baking dish.

Step 04

In the same skillet, combine flour and butter, cooking until the mixture no longer appears white.

Step 05

Add garlic, 2% milk, heavy cream, ground cumin, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and the cheddar cheese soup to the skillet. Stir until the mixture thickens, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 06

Remove the skillet from heat and stir in shredded sharp cheddar cheese until fully melted.

Step 07

Pour the cheese sauce over the potatoes and kielbasa mixture in the baking dish. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the casserole is golden and bubbly.

Required Tools

  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Large skillet
  • Pot for boiling
  • Cooking spray

Allergy Information

Always check each ingredient for allergens, and consult a medical professional if unsure.
  • Contains dairy ingredients
  • Contains gluten (all-purpose flour)

Nutritional Information (per serving)

These details are shared for general guidance and don’t replace professional advice.
  • Calories: 425
  • Fats: 28 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Proteins: 16 g