What is Smoked Sausage and Potato Bake?
Looking for a hearty, crowd-pleasing meal that practically makes itself? This smoky, savory smoked sausage and potato bake is the answer! It’s one of those beautifully simple yet deeply satisfying dishes that hits all the right comfort food notes.
Chunks of flavorful smoked sausage nestle together with baby potatoes, onions, bell pepper, and a blend of zesty spices, creating layers of smoky, peppery, heart-warming flavor in each forkful. As it bakes away, all those mouthwatering savory aromas from the sausage, peppers, and buttery potatoes will have everyone’s stomachs growling in anticipation.
Why You’ll Love This Smoked Sausage and Potato Bake
- It’s incredibly easy. With just 10 minutes of active prep time, you can have this crowd-pleasing meal in the oven and ready to bake.
- Feeds a crowd. This generously portioned casserole-style bake makes enough for the whole family, with likely some leftovers to enjoy.
- Endlessly customizable. While the basic smoked sausage and potato combo is delicious on its own, you can also load it up with extra veggies, cheeses, herbs, spices – the possibilities are endless!
- Budget-friendly. Using affordable ingredients like sausage, potatoes, and simple spices makes this a deliciously economical meal.
- Deeply comforting. There’s just something so nostalgic and homey about that combination of smoky meat, tender potatoes, and peppers. It’s like an edible hug!
Ingredients in Smoked Sausage and Potato Bake
- Baby creamer potatoes: These small, thin-skinned spuds get deliciously crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside.
- Smoked sausage: I prefer using a beef smoked sausage but you can use any kind of pre-cooked smoked or cured sausage.
- Onion & bell pepper: Adding fresh, crunchy veggies lends pops of flavor and texture.
- Olive oil & butter: To lightly coat the potatoes and sausage, ensuring maximum browning and savoriness.
- Seasoning: A blend of garlic powder, smoky paprika, cayenne, salt and pepper brings everything together.
FAQ
What kind of sausage should I use?
Any pre-cooked, cured or smoked sausage like andouille, kielbasa, chorizo, etc. Just avoid fresh, raw sausages.
Can I use different potatoes?
Absolutely! Try with yukon gold potatoes, red potatoes or even cubed russet potatoes. Just cut them into 1-2 inch pieces before baking.
How do I know when it’s done?
The potatoes should be easily pierced with a fork when the bake is ready. For meat, use a thermometer to ensure the sausage reaches 165°F.
Smoked Sausage and Potato Bake Tips and Variations
- Add more veggies like sliced carrots, celery, mushrooms or broccoli florets
- Bake with chicken sausage or vegan sausage if preferred
- Top with shredded cheese like cheddar or pepper jack during the last 10 minutes
- Toss in garlic, onion or cajun seasoning for extra kick
- Swap the potato variety for sweet potatoes or butternut squash cubes
- Sprinkle with sliced green onions or parsley before serving
Storing Instructions
Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days. To freeze, let the bake cool completely then portion into freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
This hearty bake makes an excellent make-ahead meal! You can fully assemble it 1-2 days ahead, refrigerate, then bake when ready. Let it come to room temperature first for best results.
Smoked Sausage and Potato Bake
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 lbs baby creamer potatoes halved
- 1 1/2 lbs beef smoked sausage sliced into 1-inch pieces
- 1 large yellow onion diced
- 1 green bell pepper diced
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp Slap Ya Mama seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- 4 Tbsp butter cubed
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13 baking dish with nonstick spray.
- In a large bowl, toss the halved potatoes with the olive oil until coated. Season with the Slap Ya Mama, garlic powder, black pepper and red pepper flakes.
- Add the sausage pieces, diced onion and bell pepper to the bowl and gently toss to combine with the potatoes and seasonings.
- Transfer everything to the prepared baking dish. Dot the top evenly with the cubed butter.
- Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking for 15-20 more minutes, until potatoes are fork-tender.
- Let rest 5 minutes, then serve while hot. Enjoy!
There you have it – the perfect simple yet incredibly satisfying family dinner! This smoked sausage and potato bake is destined to be a new comfort food favorite. Let me know if you give it a try!
