Smoked sausage potato bake has a way of bringing everyone to the table, and I can’t get enough of it! It reminds me of cozy Sunday dinners at my aunt’s house, where the aroma of smoky sausage and savory potatoes would fill her entire kitchen. This easy smoked sausage and potato casserole is packed with tender baby potatoes, juicy smoked sausage, sweet onions, and colorful bell peppers, all tossed in a zesty seasoning blend. It’s the ultimate comfort food that’s surprisingly simple to whip up. Let’s get this delicious smoked sausage potato bake in the oven!
Why You’ll Love This Smoked Sausage Potato Bake
This dish is a weeknight winner for so many reasons!
- Incredible Flavor: The smoky sausage combined with tender potatoes and savory seasonings is pure comfort food magic.
- Super Fast Prep: You can have everything prepped and ready for the oven in just about 15 minutes, making it an easy smoked sausage potato bake.
- Budget-Friendly: Simple, wholesome ingredients mean you get a hearty meal without breaking the bank.
- Minimal Cleanup: It’s a one-pan wonder, which means less time scrubbing pots and pans and more time enjoying your meal.
- Perfect for Families: This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters will devour, making it ideal as an smoked sausage potato bake for family gatherings.
- Versatile: Easily adaptable with different veggies or spices to suit your taste.
- Hearty and Satisfying: It’s a complete meal that will keep you full and happy.
Ingredients for Smoked Sausage Potato Bake
Gathering your smoked sausage potato bake ingredients is the first step to this amazing dinner. You’ll need:
- 2 1/2 lbs baby creamer potatoes, halved – these little gems cook up perfectly tender
- 1 1/2 lbs beef smoked sausage, sliced into 1-inch pieces – the star of the show, adding that smoky depth of flavor
- 1 large yellow onion, diced – for a touch of sweetness that balances the sausage
- 1 green bell pepper, diced – adds a fresh crunch and a bit of color
- 2 Tbsp olive oil – to help everything get coated and roast beautifully
- 2 tsp Slap Ya Mama seasoning – my secret weapon for a savory punch!
- 1 tsp garlic powder – essential for that classic savory flavor
- 1 tsp black pepper – for a little warmth
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes – just a hint of heat to wake up your palate
- 4 Tbsp butter, cubed – dotted on top for richness and to help everything brown
How to Make Smoked Sausage Potato Bake
Ready to learn how to make smoked sausage potato bake? It’s surprisingly simple, and I promise you’ll have this delicious one-pan meal on the table in no time. Let’s get started!
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take a moment to grease a standard 9×13 baking dish with some nonstick cooking spray. This ensures nothing sticks, making cleanup a breeze for your smoked sausage potato bake one pan creation.
- Step 2: Grab a large bowl and toss the halved baby creamer potatoes with the olive oil. Sprinkle generously with the Slap Ya Mama seasoning, garlic powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Give it a good toss until every potato half is coated in that zesty goodness.
- Step 3: Now, add your sliced smoked sausage, diced yellow onion, and green bell pepper to the same bowl. Gently toss everything together. You want to combine all these wonderful ingredients without mashing the potatoes. This mixture is the heart of your delicious smoked sausage potato bake.
- Step 4: Carefully transfer the entire mixture into the prepared baking dish. Make sure it’s spread out evenly. Then, dot the top with the cubed butter. Those little cubes will melt and create a rich, savory sauce as it bakes.
- Step 5: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This traps the steam, helping the potatoes cook through and become wonderfully tender. Pop it into the preheated oven and let it bake for 30 minutes.
- Step 6: After 30 minutes, carefully remove the foil. You’ll already start to smell that amazing smoky aroma! Continue baking for another 15–20 minutes, uncovered. This allows the potatoes to get fork-tender and develop those beautiful golden-brown edges. This final bake is crucial for the perfect texture of your smoked sausage potato bake.
- Step 7: Once it’s done, remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This short resting period allows the flavors to meld and makes it easier to serve. Enjoy your fantastic smoked sausage potato bake!
Pro Tips for the Best Smoked Sausage Potato Bake
Want to elevate your already delicious smoked sausage potato bake? I’ve picked up a few tricks over the years that make this comforting dish even better.
- For an extra crispy finish on your potatoes and sausage, try broiling for the last 3-5 minutes after removing the foil. Keep a close eye on it, though!
- Don’t be afraid to swap out the sausage! Kielbasa or even a good quality turkey sausage works wonderfully if you’re looking for a different flavor profile.
- Serving this with a dollop of sour cream or some fresh, chopped green onions really brightens up the flavors and adds a lovely finishing touch.
What’s the secret to perfect Smoked Sausage Potato Bake?
The key to a truly perfect smoked sausage potato bake is ensuring the potatoes are tender and slightly browned. Tossing them with oil and seasonings *before* adding the other ingredients helps them cook evenly and absorb all that flavor. For more potato inspiration, check out this cheesy scalloped potatoes recipe.
Can I make Smoked Sausage Potato Bake ahead of time?
Yes, you absolutely can! For a stress-free smoked sausage and potato bake dinner, you can assemble the entire dish up to 24 hours in advance. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate. You might need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the covered baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Smoked Sausage Potato Bake?
A couple of common pitfalls are overcrowding the pan or not cooking the potatoes long enough. Make sure your baking dish isn’t too full, as this can steam rather than roast the ingredients. Also, always check potato tenderness with a fork before serving to ensure they’re perfectly cooked. For tips on cooking vegetables, you might find this veggie glow-up guide helpful.
Best Ways to Serve Smoked Sausage Potato Bake
This hearty smoked sausage potato bake is practically a meal in itself, but I love pairing it with a few simple sides to make it extra special. It’s the ultimate smoked sausage potato bake comfort food experience!
- Simple Green Salad: A crisp, fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette is the perfect counterpoint to the rich, savory flavors of the bake. It adds a nice brightness and balances the dish beautifully.
- Steamed Green Beans or Broccoli: For a bit of extra green and a healthy boost, a side of steamed vegetables like green beans or broccoli is fantastic. They complement the smoky sausage and potatoes without overpowering them.
- Cornbread or Crusty Bread: Don’t forget something to soak up all those delicious pan juices! A warm piece of cornbread or some crusty bread is absolutely divine for sopping up any extra goodness. Consider trying these cranberry feta pinwheels as a unique side.
Nutrition Facts for Smoked Sausage Potato Bake
Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional information for one serving of this delicious smoked sausage potato bake. This hearty dish is packed with flavor and satisfying ingredients.
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Protein: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 1150mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes used in your smoked sausage potato bake. For more healthy eating tips, explore breakfast bowl recipes.
How to Store and Reheat Smoked Sausage Potato Bake
This hearty smoked sausage potato bake is a fantastic meal to make ahead, perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping. Once your delicious smoked sausage potato bake casserole recipe has cooled down completely, store any leftovers in an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to store it for longer, it freezes beautifully! Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, and pop them into the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, the best way to reheat is in the oven. Simply place the desired portion on a baking sheet or in an oven-safe dish and reheat at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat smaller portions in the microwave, though the potatoes might not be quite as crispy. For other make-ahead meal ideas, consider these beef and cheese chimichangas.
Frequently Asked Questions About Smoked Sausage Potato Bake
What other vegetables can I add to a Smoked Sausage Potato Bake?
You can easily customize your smoked sausage potato bake with vegetables! Besides the onion and bell pepper, try adding diced zucchini, chopped broccoli florets, sliced mushrooms, or even corn kernels. Just make sure to cut them to a similar size as the potatoes so they cook evenly.
Can I make this a Smoked Sausage Potato Bake with cream?
Absolutely! For a creamier, richer dish, you can add about 1/2 cup of heavy cream or half-and-half to the mixture before baking. Pour it over the ingredients in the baking dish after you’ve added the sausage and veggies, but before dotting with butter. This will give your smoked sausage potato bake a delicious creamy texture.
What kind of smoked sausage is best for this bake?
I love using beef smoked sausage for its robust flavor, but feel free to experiment! Kielbasa, andouille, or even a good quality turkey smoked sausage will work wonderfully. The key is to use a sausage that’s already smoked and cooked so it just needs to heat through and mingle with the other flavors in your smoked sausage potato bake.
How do I ensure the potatoes are fully cooked?
The most reliable way is to test them with a fork. They should be tender enough to pierce easily. If after the initial covered bake and the uncovered bake they aren’t quite there, just cover them again and give them another 10-15 minutes. Proper halving of the potatoes also ensures they cook through for your smoked sausage potato bake.
Variations of Smoked Sausage Potato Bake You Can Try
While this recipe is fantastic as is, I love experimenting with variations to keep things exciting. It’s so easy to adapt this easy smoked sausage potato bake to your liking!
- Smoked Sausage Potato Bake with Cheese: For a cheesy twist, sprinkle about 1 cup of shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese over the top during the last 10 minutes of baking. It makes this already comforting dish even more decadent.
- Spicy Kick: If you love a bit more heat, swap the red pepper flakes for diced jalapeños or use a spicier smoked sausage like andouille. This adds another layer of flavor to your smoked sausage potato bake.
- Add Different Vegetables: Feel free to toss in some chopped broccoli, mushrooms, or even sweet potato cubes along with the potatoes and sausage for added color and nutrients.
- Air Fryer Method: For a quicker cook and extra crispy results, try making this in your air fryer! Cook in batches at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until everything is tender and browned. This is a fantastic shortcut for a delicious smoked sausage and potato bake dinner.
Smoked Sausage Potato Bake: Amazing 15-Min Prep
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This smoked sausage potato bake is a hearty, one-dish dinner that feels like home. It combines tender baby potatoes, smoky sausage, sweet onions, and bell peppers, all baked together with savory seasonings for a comforting meal.
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
- Nonstick cooking spray for greasing the pan
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13 baking dish with nonstick spray.
- In a large bowl, toss the halved potatoes with olive oil. Season with Slap Ya Mama seasoning, garlic powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Add sausage, diced onion, and bell pepper to the bowl. Toss gently to combine. This smoked sausage and potato bake mixture is now ready for the oven.
- Transfer the mixture to the greased baking dish. Dot the top evenly with the cubed butter.
- Cover tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake another 15–20 minutes, until the potatoes are fork-tender and golden brown. This step ensures your smoked sausage potato bake is perfectly cooked.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serve hot and enjoy this delicious smoked sausage potato bake.
Notes
- For extra crispy potatoes, finish the bake under the broiler for 3-5 minutes after removing the foil.
- You can swap in kielbasa or turkey sausage if preferred for your smoked sausage potato bake.
- Serve with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of green onions for a complete plate.
- This smoked sausage and potato casserole is a great make-ahead meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420 kcal