This Baked Potato and Sausage Casserole is a hearty and delicious dish that’s perfect for a family dinner or a comforting weekend meal. Combining layers of thinly sliced potatoes, savory hunting sausages, fresh vegetables, and a creamy egg mixture, this casserole is topped with melted mozzarella cheese for a golden, crispy finish. It’s easy to prepare and full of flavor, making it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights or special occasions.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
- 4 chicken eggs
- 200g (3/4 cup) sour cream
- 1 bunch of spring onions, chopped (about 1/2 cup)
- 1 tomato, chopped (about 1/2 cup)
- 500g (4 cups) potatoes, peeled and sliced
- 2 hunting sausages, sliced (about 1 cup)
- 100g (1 cup) hard mozzarella cheese, grated
- Vegetable oil for greasing
- Salt, ground black pepper, and ground sweet paprika to taste
Directions
Step 1: Prepare Ingredients
- Chop Vegetables and Sausages: Finely chop the spring onions and tomato. Slice the hunting sausages and grate the mozzarella cheese. Peel and thinly slice the potatoes.
Step 2: Mix & Season
- Whisk Eggs and Sour Cream: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and sour cream until smooth.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the chopped spring onions, tomato, and sausage slices to the egg mixture.
- Season: Season the mixture with salt, ground black pepper, and ground sweet paprika to taste. Stir until all ingredients are well combined.
Step 3: Layer & Bake
- Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a baking dish with vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
- Layer Potatoes: Arrange the sliced potatoes evenly at the bottom of the baking dish.
- Pour Egg Mixture: Pour the egg, sausage, and vegetable mixture over the potatoes, spreading it out evenly.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the grated mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
Step 4: Bake
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (355°F).
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the potatoes are cooked through.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve Hot: This casserole is best served hot, straight from the oven.
- Pair with Sides: Enjoy it with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. A slice of crusty bread also makes a great accompaniment.
Cooking Tips
- Slice Potatoes Thinly: Ensure the potatoes are sliced thinly and evenly for faster and more uniform cooking. Using a mandoline slicer can help achieve this.
- Substitute Sausages: If you prefer, you can substitute the hunting sausages with your favorite type of sausage or even a vegetarian sausage for a meat-free option.
- Extra Flavor: For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a handful of grated Parmesan cheese on top before baking.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
- Freeze: This casserole can be frozen for up to 2 months. To freeze, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Nutrition Facts (per serving, assuming 6 servings)
- Calories: 310
- Total Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
- Sodium: 550mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 20g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 13g
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on ingredient brands and specific measurements.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use a different type of cheese?
- Yes, you can use any melting cheese such as cheddar, gouda, or Swiss.
- Can I add more vegetables?
- Absolutely! Bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms would be great additions to this casserole.
- How do I prevent the casserole from becoming too watery?
- Make sure to drain any excess liquid from the vegetables before adding them to the mixture. Using a towel to pat the vegetables dry can also help.
- What if I don’t have sour cream?
- You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt or crème fraîche.
- Can this be made ahead of time?
- Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until you are ready to bake.
Conclusion
This Baked Potato and Sausage Casserole is not only easy to make but also adaptable to your taste preferences. It’s a versatile dish that can be customized with different types of sausages, cheeses, and vegetables to suit your family’s tastes. The combination of creamy eggs and sour cream with the hearty potatoes and savory sausages creates a comforting and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner or a special meal for guests, this casserole is sure to please. Its golden, cheesy top and flavorful filling make it a dish that both kids and adults will love. Plus, with simple ingredients and easy steps, it’s a recipe that even novice cooks can master.