Potato and Sausage Skillet with Mozzarella

This hearty and flavorful skillet combines crispy fried potatoes, savory hunting sausages, smoky bacon, and a creamy mozzarella topping. It’s an easy-to-make, one-pan comfort dish perfect for a cozy dinner. With rich flavors and textures from the potatoes, meat, and melted cheese, this dish will satisfy everyone at the table.

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 400 grams of potatoes, peeled and sliced (about 3 medium potatoes)
  • Vegetable oil for frying (approximately 2 tablespoons)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Paprika, to taste
  • 1 onion, chopped (about 1 medium)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 hunting sausages, sliced (about 200 grams)
  • 100 grams bacon, chopped (about 4 slices)
  • 2 tomatoes, sliced
  • 100 ml cream (20% fat)
  • 100 grams mozzarella cheese, shredded

Directions

  1. Prepare the Potatoes:
    • Heat a generous amount of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
    • Once hot, add the peeled and sliced potatoes. Fry the potatoes until golden and crispy, about 10-12 minutes.
    • Season with salt and paprika to taste.
  2. Cook the Aromatics and Meat:
    • Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
    • Add the sliced hunting sausages and chopped bacon to the skillet. Cook until the sausages are browned and the bacon is crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Layer and Finish:
    • Arrange the sliced tomatoes over the sausage and bacon mixture.
    • Pour the cream evenly over the tomatoes and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
    • Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  4. Serve:
    • Garnish with additional paprika, if desired, and serve hot directly from the skillet.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve with a side of steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans.
  • Pair with a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette for balance.
  • Add a slice of toasted bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
  • Serve with a refreshing cucumber and tomato salad.
  • Pair with a chilled glass of white wine or a crisp beer.

Cooking Tips

  • Use a cast-iron skillet for even heat distribution.
  • Ensure you cook the potatoes until they’re golden and crispy for the best texture.
  • For a richer dish, you can substitute the cream with heavy cream or add extra cheese.
  • Feel free to swap hunting sausages with any sausage you prefer, such as Italian or breakfast sausage.
  • If you prefer more vegetables, add bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms to the skillet.

Nutritional Benefits

  • Potatoes provide potassium and are a good source of carbohydrates for energy.
  • Bacon and sausage offer protein and fat to keep you satisfied.
  • Tomatoes provide antioxidants like lycopene and are good for heart health.
  • Mozzarella cheese provides calcium and protein for healthy bones.

Dietary Information

  • Contains dairy (cheese and cream).
  • Suitable for non-vegetarians.
  • Can be made gluten-free by ensuring no cross-contamination with gluten products in the sausages and bacon.
  • Contains meat, making it unsuitable for vegetarians and vegans.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 500
  • Protein: 20g
  • Fat: 35g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 800mg

Storage

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
  • This dish does not freeze well due to the cream and cheese, which may separate when thawed.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • It’s an all-in-one meal with crispy potatoes, savory sausage, and melted cheese.
  • The flavor is comforting and satisfying with a perfect balance of creaminess, saltiness, and richness.
  • It’s easy to make in one skillet, saving you time on cleanup.
  • It can be customized with your favorite meats or vegetables.

Conclusion

This Potato and Sausage Skillet with Mozzarella is the ultimate comfort food. The combination of crispy potatoes, savory sausages, smoky bacon, and gooey cheese creates a mouthwatering dish that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Serve it with a side salad, and you’ve got a complete meal that’s sure to please everyone.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Can I use a different type of sausage?
    Yes, you can use any type of sausage you prefer. Italian sausage, breakfast sausage, or even chicken sausage would work well.
  2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
    It’s best to cook this dish fresh, but you can prep the potatoes, sausages, and vegetables in advance. Reheat when ready to serve.
  3. What if I don’t have hunting sausages?
    You can substitute with any sausage you like. Bratwurst or kielbasa would also work great.
  4. Can I make this dish without cream?
    Yes, you can substitute the cream with milk or a dairy-free cream alternative if needed.
  5. Is there a way to make this dish spicier?
    Yes, you can add a pinch of chili flakes, hot sauce, or spicy sausage to give it an extra kick.
  6. Can I use a non-dairy cheese?
    Yes, use a plant-based cheese alternative if you are lactose intolerant or following a dairy-free diet.
  7. What kind of potatoes should I use?
    Any type of waxy or all-purpose potato works well. Russet potatoes will give a fluffier texture, while Yukon Golds add creaminess.
  8. How do I prevent the potatoes from becoming soggy?
    Make sure to fry the potatoes until they are golden and crispy before adding the other ingredients. Avoid overcooking the cream topping.
  9. Can I freeze the leftovers?
    This dish doesn’t freeze well due to the cream and cheese, which may separate. It’s best enjoyed fresh or stored in the fridge.
  10. How can I make this dish healthier?
    You can reduce the fat content by using lean turkey sausage, substituting cream with skim milk, or using less cheese.