Cheesy Kielbasa & Potato Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food

If you’re looking for a warm, hearty, and ridiculously cheesy dish to satisfy your comfort food cravings, this Kielbasa Sausage Cheesy Potato Casserole is exactly what you need! Imagine tender potatoes, smoky kielbasa, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce, all baked together to golden perfection. It’s a meal that’s easy to throw together, packed with flavor, and guaranteed to be a family favorite.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd, meal-prepping for the week, or just need a cozy one-dish meal for a chilly night, this casserole delivers every time. Plus, it’s super customizable—swap the potatoes for cauliflower for a low-carb option, add in extra veggies, or play around with different cheeses. Whatever you do, just be prepared to go back for seconds!

Alright, let’s get started!

Gather Your Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this cheesy, creamy, and smoky masterpiece:

Main Ingredients

• Potatoes (or Frozen Hash Browns): The base of the casserole. Use 1 ½ lbs of peeled and diced potatoes, or for a shortcut, grab a 30 oz bag of frozen hash browns.
• Kielbasa Sausage: Smoky, savory, and absolutely delicious. 1 lb, sliced into rounds works perfectly.
• Butter: For sautéing the sausage and onion. 2 tablespoons is all you need.
• Onion & Garlic: Adds depth and flavor. You’ll need 1 small onion, diced, and 2 cloves of garlic, minced.
• Cream of Mushroom (or Cream of Cheddar) Soup: The key to a rich, creamy base. One 10.5 oz can does the trick.
• Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and makes everything extra creamy—1 cup.
• Milk: Helps create a smooth sauce—½ cup.
• Dijon Mustard (Optional): A subtle kick of flavor—1 teaspoon.
• Seasonings: ½ teaspoon each of salt and black pepper, plus ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional) for a hint of smokiness.
• Cheese: 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese for that melty goodness, plus ½ cup mozzarella (optional) for extra cheesiness.

For the Topping (Optional, but Highly Recommended!)

• Crushed Buttery Crackers or Breadcrumbs: Adds a crunchy topping—½ cup.
• Melted Butter: Helps toast the topping to golden perfection—1 tablespoon.
• Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of freshness to finish things off—2 tablespoons, chopped.

Prep Time & Cooking Time

⏳ Total Time: About 1 hour and 5 minutes
🍽 Servings: 6-8

Step 1: Preheat & Prep

First things first—preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This will ensure our casserole doesn’t stick and bakes up beautifully.

If you’re using fresh potatoes, go ahead and peel and dice them into bite-sized chunks. If you’re opting for frozen hash browns, just measure out 30 oz and set them aside.

Step 2: Cook the Kielbasa & Onions

Now, let’s add some serious flavor by browning the kielbasa and onions!

1️⃣ Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
2️⃣ Add the sliced kielbasa and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it starts to brown. This helps bring out its rich, smoky flavor.
3️⃣ Toss in the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking for another 2 minutes until softened and fragrant. Your kitchen should already be smelling amazing!
4️⃣ Remove from heat and set aside.

🔥 Pro Tip: If you want even crispier kielbasa, cook it a little longer until the edges are caramelized and slightly crispy.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

This is where things get extra rich and delicious! In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:

✔️ 1 can (10.5 oz) of cream of mushroom or cream of cheddar soup
✔️ 1 cup sour cream
✔️ ½ cup milk
✔️ 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, but recommended for extra depth of flavor!)
✔️ ½ teaspoon salt
✔️ ½ teaspoon black pepper
✔️ ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, but adds a little smoky heat)

Stir everything until it’s smooth and creamy. This mixture will coat the potatoes and sausage, making every bite rich and flavorful.

Now that we have our rich, creamy sauce and perfectly browned kielbasa and onions, it’s time to bring everything together and let the oven do its magic. This casserole is about to turn into a bubbling, golden, cheesy masterpiece that will have everyone coming back for seconds!

Let’s get right into it!

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Now that all the components are ready, it’s time to layer them in our greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

1️⃣ Spread the diced potatoes (or frozen hash browns) evenly in the baking dish. Make sure they are evenly distributed so that every bite gets that perfect mix of potato, cheese, and sausage.

2️⃣ Pour the prepared creamy sauce over the potatoes and give everything a gentle stir to coat them completely. This is what’s going to make the casserole incredibly rich and flavorful.

3️⃣ Add in the browned kielbasa and onions, stirring gently to make sure they’re evenly mixed throughout. You want to get that smoky sausage flavor in every bite!

4️⃣ Stir in 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese and ½ cup of mozzarella cheese (if using). The cheese will melt into the sauce, making the casserole extra creamy and cheesy.

Step 5: Add the Topping

Now, for the best part—the cheesy, crunchy topping!

1️⃣ If using a crunchy topping, mix ½ cup of crushed buttery crackers or breadcrumbs with 1 tablespoon of melted butter. This will give your casserole a crispy, golden crust on top.

2️⃣ Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the casserole, followed by the buttery cracker mixture (if using).

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Now it’s time to bake this beauty!

1️⃣ Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 40 minutes. Covering it helps trap moisture so the potatoes cook evenly.

2️⃣ After 40 minutes, remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the top is golden brown, crispy, and bubbling around the edges. This step gives the casserole that perfectly cheesy and slightly crunchy finish.

🔥 Pro Tip: If you like an extra crispy top, switch to broil for the last 2-3 minutes—but watch closely so it doesn’t burn!

Step 7: Let It Rest & Serve

Once the casserole is golden, bubbly, and absolutely mouthwatering, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the cheese and sauce to set, making it easier to slice and serve.

Before serving, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and a little freshness. Then, dig in and enjoy!

Serving Suggestions

This hearty, cheesy kielbasa and potato casserole is a meal on its own, but if you want to round it out, here are a few perfect pairings:

• A crisp side salad – A fresh salad with a light vinaigrette balances out the richness.
• Steamed or roasted veggies – Green beans, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts work great!
• Dinner rolls or garlic bread – Because there’s no such thing as too much comfort food.
• A dollop of sour cream – If you love extra creaminess, a spoonful on top is divine.

Tips & Variations

✔️ Low-Carb Version – Swap out the potatoes for cauliflower florets for a lighter, keto-friendly version.

✔️ Make It Spicy – Add a dash of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a little kick!

✔️ Extra Veggies – Stir in sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for extra flavor and nutrients.

✔️ Different Cheeses – Try pepper jack for a spicy kick, Gruyère for nuttiness, or Colby Jack for extra creaminess.

✔️ Bacon Upgrade – Add some crispy bacon crumbles for an even richer, smoky flavor.

Your Cheesy Kielbasa & Potato Casserole is fresh out of the oven, golden brown, bubbling with melty cheese, and filling your kitchen with the most amazing, cozy aroma. Now comes the best part—digging in!

But before you grab that first bite, let’s go over some common questions about this dish, including how to store leftovers, make it ahead, and customize it to your liking.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate until ready to bake. When baking from cold, just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.

2. How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave or reheat in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes to maintain the crispy top.

3. Can I freeze this casserole?

Absolutely! This casserole freezes well, making it a great meal-prep option. Here’s how:

• Before baking: Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.
• After baking: Let the casserole cool completely, then wrap and freeze individual portions for easy reheating.

4. Can I use a different type of sausage?

Yes! While kielbasa adds a rich, smoky flavor, you can also use smoked sausage, chorizo, bratwurst, or even spicy andouille for a different twist.

5. What if I don’t have cream of mushroom soup?

No problem! You can substitute it with cream of cheddar, cream of chicken, or even a homemade roux-based cheese sauce.

6. Can I make this without the crunchy topping?

Definitely! If you prefer a classic, gooey cheesy top, simply skip the cracker or breadcrumb topping and just sprinkle extra shredded cheese before baking.

7. How do I make this casserole healthier?

For a lighter version, try these swaps:

• Use cauliflower instead of potatoes for a lower-carb option.
• Swap Greek yogurt for sour cream to cut back on fat while keeping it creamy.
• Use reduced-fat cheese or cut back on the cheese amount.
• Add extra veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for more nutrition.

Final Thoughts: Why You’ll Love This Casserole

This Cheesy Kielbasa & Potato Casserole is everything you want in a comfort food dish—creamy, cheesy, smoky, and perfectly satisfying. It’s one of those meals that feels like a warm hug after a long day, and the best part? It’s ridiculously easy to make!

Whether you’re serving it up for a weeknight dinner, a holiday potluck, or meal-prepping for the week, this dish is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s super customizable—so feel free to make it your own!

So what are you waiting for? Give this recipe a try, and let me know how you liked it! Did you stick to the classic version, or did you add your own twist? Drop a comment below, and don’t forget to share this recipe with your fellow comfort food lovers!

Happy cooking! 🍽💛

Print