Smoked Sausage and Hashbrown Casserole

A comforting one-dish meal combining savory smoked sausage, cheesy hashbrowns, tender veggies, and a creamy sauce—perfect for family dinners, brunches, or potlucks.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• All-in-one convenience: Protein, starch, veggies, and cheese in one hearty bake.
• Make‑ahead friendly: Assemble in advance, refrigerate, then bake when ready.
• Customizable: Easy to swap or add ingredients like peppers, jalapeños, or different cheeses.
• Crowd‑pleaser: Rich, satisfying flavors and gooey cheese make it a hit with kids and adults alike.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Smoked sausage (e.g., kielbasa or Andouille), sliced
• Frozen or refrigerated hashbrown potatoes
• Onion, diced
• Bell pepper (any color), diced
• Garlic, minced
• Cream of mushroom or chicken soup (or homemade sauce)
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Milk
• Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
• Salt, pepper, and optional spices (paprika, onion powder)
• Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (optional garnish)

directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350 °F (175 °C).
2. In a skillet over medium heat, sauté sausage slices until lightly browned. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same pan, add a bit of oil and sauté onion, bell pepper, and garlic until softened.
4. In a large bowl, combine hashbrowns, cooked sausage, sautéed veggies, cream soup, sour cream, milk, half of the cheese, and seasonings. Mix gently until evenly coated.
5. Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish (about 9×13 in).
6. Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly on top.
7. Bake for 35–45 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Servings and timing

• Servings: Serves 6–8 people
• Prep time: ~15 minutes
• Cook time: 40 minutes
• Total time: ~55 minutes

Variations

• Spicy upgrade: Use Andouille or chorizo and add diced jalapeño.
• Veggie boost: Stir in frozen peas, corn, or chopped broccoli.
• Cheesy twist: Top with pepper jack or a three‑cheese blend.
• Breakfast version: Stir in scrambled eggs or top with a layer of beaten eggs before baking.
• Healthier swap: Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and reduced‑fat cheese; add shredded zucchini or cauliflower rice.

storage/reheating

• Refrigerator: Cool completely, cover, and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Bake until just bubbly (before full browning), cool, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
• Reheating:
  • From fridge: Microwave individual portions for 2–3 minutes or reheat in a 350 °F (175 °C) oven for 15–20 minutes covered, then uncover to brown cheese.
  • From frozen: Thaw overnight, then bake at 350 °F (175 °C) for 30–35 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh potatoes instead of hashbrowns?

Yes—use about 4 cups of diced or shredded potato. Par‑bake or sauté lightly to remove excess moisture before combining.

2. What types of sausage work best?

Smoked kielbasa, Polish sausage, Andouille, chorizo, or even breakfast sausage all work. Adjust spices accordingly.

3. Can I make this vegetarian?

Sure—omit the sausage and substitute sautéed mushrooms, extra veggies, or a plant‑based sausage alternative.

4. How can I make it gluten‑free?

Use gluten‑free cream soup or make your own, and ensure your sausage and hashbrowns are gluten‑free.

5. Can I double the recipe?

Yes—use a larger baking dish (like two 9×13‑inch or one 12×18‑inch) and increase bake time slightly until bubbly and hot in the center.

6. Do I need to thaw frozen hashbrowns first?

No—toss them in frozen. They’ll cook in the casserole, though thawing slightly can reduce water and help set faster.

7. Can I prepare it the day before baking?

Absolutely—assemble, cover, refrigerate overnight, then bake directly, adding a few extra minutes to cook time.

8. How do I prevent a watery casserole?

Use non‑thawed hashbrowns or drain them well if thawed, and don’t overdo the milk or soup. A binder like egg or extra cheese helps absorb moisture.

9. What’s a good side dish to serve with this?

A crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or fresh fruit help balance the richness.

10. Can I reheat it in an air fryer?

For single portions, air fry at 350 °F (175 °C) for 5–8 minutes until warmed and cheese is gooey again.

Conclusion

This Smoked Sausage and Hashbrown Casserole is a versatile, tasty, and satisfying dish perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week. With simple prep, customizable ingredients, and fluffy, cheesy goodness in every bite, it’ll quickly become a staple. Enjoy!

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