This savory baked potato and sausage casserole is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for a cozy family dinner. Combining the richness of eggs, sour cream, and cheese with the smoky flavor of hunting sausages and the freshness of spring onions and tomatoes, this casserole promises to be a hit with everyone at the table. Its creamy and hearty nature, combined with the ease of preparation, makes it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or a special weekend meal. The ingredients come together beautifully, baking to golden perfection in just 20 minutes, making it not only delicious but also quick and convenient. Whether you’re looking to use up some leftover vegetables or want to create a dish that’s both satisfying and nutritious, this casserole has you covered.
Preparation Time
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients
- 4 chicken eggs
- 200g (3/4 cup) sour cream
- A 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
- Some vegetable oil for greasing
- Salt, ground black pepper, and ground sweet paprika to taste
Directions
Prepare Ingredients
- Chop the Vegetables and Sausages: Chop the spring onions and tomato into small pieces. Slice the hunting sausages into bite-sized pieces and grate the mozzarella cheese. Peel and slice the potatoes thinly and evenly to ensure they cook through properly.
Mix & Season
- Prepare the Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and sour cream until well combined. Add the chopped spring onions, tomato, and sausage slices to the mixture. Season with salt, ground black pepper, and ground sweet paprika to taste. Mix everything thoroughly to ensure even distribution of the ingredients.
Layer & Bake
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Grease a baking dish with vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
- Layer the Casserole: Layer the sliced potatoes at the bottom of the baking dish, ensuring they cover the entire base evenly. Pour the egg mixture over the potatoes, spreading it out to cover all the potatoes. Sprinkle grated mozzarella cheese on top.
Bake
- Bake the Casserole: Preheat the oven to 180°C (355°F). Bake the casserole for 20 minutes, or until the top is golden and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve hot with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables.
- Pair with a slice of crusty bread for a complete meal.
Cooking Tips
- Ensure the potatoes are sliced thinly and evenly for faster and more uniform cooking.
- Substitute the hunting sausages with your favorite type of sausage or a vegetarian sausage for a meat-free option.
- For extra flavor, add a handful of grated Parmesan cheese on top before baking.
Nutritional Benefits
- Protein: From eggs and sausages.
- Vitamins and Minerals: From vegetables.
- Calcium: From mozzarella cheese.
Dietary Information
- Calories: Approximately 350 per serving
- Protein: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fat: 20g
- Dietary Considerations: Contains dairy, eggs, and meat. Can be modified to be gluten-free by ensuring all processed ingredients (sausages, cheese) are gluten-free.
Storage
- Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 180°C (355°F) until warmed through.
- Freeze: The casserole can be frozen in individual portions for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comforting Flavors: The combination of creamy eggs, rich sour cream, and smoky sausages creates a comforting and satisfying dish.
- Ease of Preparation: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe accessible to everyone.
- Versatility: Great for using up leftover vegetables and can be customized with different types of sausages or vegetarian options.
- One-Dish Meal: Perfect for busy weeknights, offering a balanced meal in one dish.
Conclusion
This savory baked potato and sausage casserole is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation. Its combination of rich, creamy, and smoky flavors makes it a satisfying and delicious choice for any occasion. The ease of preparation and versatility in ingredients mean you can enjoy this dish frequently, adapting it to what you have on hand. Whether served with a fresh green salad, steamed vegetables, or crusty bread, it’s a meal that promises comfort and delight. Give it a try and see how it quickly becomes a family favorite!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use other types of sausages?
- Yes, you can use any type of sausage you prefer, including vegetarian options.
- Can I add other vegetables?
- Yes, feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms.
- How do I prevent the potatoes from being undercooked?
- Ensure the potatoes are sliced thinly and evenly for faster and more uniform cooking.
- Can I make this dish ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare the casserole in advance and bake it when ready to serve.
- Is there a way to make this dish dairy-free?
- Yes, use dairy-free sour cream and cheese alternatives.
- How do I store leftovers?
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Can I freeze this casserole?
- It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze individual portions for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
- What can I serve with this casserole?
- Serve with a fresh green salad, steamed vegetables, or crusty bread.
- Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
- Yes, sweet potatoes can be a delicious alternative.
- How do I know when the casserole is done?
- The top should be golden and the potatoes should be tender when pierced with a fork.
Enjoy making and indulging in this savory baked potato and sausage casserole!