Introduction:
This Potato and Sausage Bake with Sour Cream Sauce is a hearty, comforting, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any meal. The combination of tender potatoes, savory sausage, and a creamy sour cream sauce creates a satisfying, warm casserole that’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or taking it to a potluck, this dish will surely be a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients:
6 medium potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
1 lb (450g) sausage (pork or turkey), casing removed and crumbled
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a little butter or cooking spray.
Prepare Potatoes: Peel and thinly slice the potatoes into rounds. Set them aside in a bowl of water to prevent browning.
Cook the Sausage: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the crumbled sausage and cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks (about 5-7 minutes). Once cooked, remove it from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté Onion and Garlic: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Prepare Sour Cream Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the sour cream, milk, chicken broth, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
Layer the Casserole: In the prepared baking dish, layer the sliced potatoes evenly. Then, add a layer of the cooked sausage, followed by the sautéed onions and garlic. Pour half of the sour cream sauce over the top. Repeat with another layer of potatoes, sausage, and the remaining sauce.
Bake the Dish: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. After 45 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown.
Top with Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top of the casserole in the last 10 minutes of baking. Let it melt and bubble.
Garnish and Serve: Once done, remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley for added color and flavor.
Description:
This Potato and Sausage Bake with Sour Cream Sauce is a flavorful and indulgent casserole that combines layers of sliced potatoes, savory sausage, and a creamy sauce that enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients. The dish is rich, creamy, and perfectly spiced, with the tangy sour cream sauce balancing the richness of the sausage and potatoes. This bake is ideal for family meals, gatherings, or when you need to make a comforting, filling dish with minimal effort.
Tips:
For extra crispiness: If you prefer crispy edges, you can bake the casserole uncovered for the last 15-20 minutes to allow the top and sides to brown.
Make it spicy: Add some chili flakes or diced jalapeños to the sausage mixture to give the dish a little heat.
Use a different cheese: Swap the cheddar for mozzarella, gouda, or a blend of cheeses for a different flavor profile.
Make ahead: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it until ready to bake. This can save time on busy days.
Variations:
Vegetarian Version: Replace the sausage with a plant-based sausage or simply use vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, and spinach for a vegetarian alternative.
Bacon: For extra smoky flavor, add crispy bacon bits or crumbled bacon in place of the sausage.
Cheesy Spinach: Stir in some spinach into the layers for added nutrients and color.
Sausage and Pepper: Add bell peppers to the sausage mixture for a sweet and savory combination.
Corrections:
Adjust Cooking Time: If the potatoes are sliced thicker, you may need to extend the cooking time by 10-15 minutes to ensure they are tender.
Check Sauce Consistency: If the sour cream sauce seems too thick before baking, you can add a little more milk or chicken broth to achieve a pourable consistency.
Enjoy:
Serve this hearty casserole with a simple side salad or some crusty bread to make it a complete meal. It’s sure to be a hit with family and friends alike! Enjoy every bite of this rich, comforting dish!