Ingredients

For this delicious bake, you’ll need the following:

• Olive oil: for cooking and greasing
• Salt: to taste
• Ground black pepper: to taste
• Provencal herbs: to taste
• Sweet paprika: to taste
• Potatoes: 5 medium-sized, peeled and thinly sliced
• Eggs: 4 large
• Mayonnaise: 1 tablespoon
• White onion: 1 medium, chopped
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
• Carrot: 1 large, grated
• Red bell pepper: 1 medium, chopped
• Green onions: chopped, for garnish
• Butter: 60 grams (2.11 ounces)
• Flour: 50 grams (1.76 ounces)
• Milk: 400 milliliters (13.52 fluid ounces)
• Sausages: 2, sliced
• Mozzarella cheese: 100 grams (3.52 ounces), grated

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes and Bake Base

1. Preheat the Oven
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a large baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Season the Potatoes
   Slice the potatoes thinly and season them with salt, pepper, Provencal herbs, and sweet paprika. This will add flavor to the base of the bake.
3. Layer the Potatoes and Bake
   Arrange the seasoned potato slices evenly on the bottom of the baking dish. Bake the potatoes for 20-25 minutes or until they begin to soften. Remove from the oven and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Sauce

4. Make the Roux
   In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and stir continuously for 2-3 minutes until the mixture becomes a smooth paste (called a roux).
5. Add the Milk
   Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens to a creamy consistency. Add salt and pepper to taste.
6. Incorporate the Cheese
   Stir in the grated mozzarella cheese until melted and smooth. Set the sauce aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Vegetable and Sausage Mixture

7. Sauté the Vegetables
   In a skillet, heat a little olive oil and sauté the chopped onion, minced garlic, grated carrot, and chopped red bell pepper until they are soft and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
8. Add the Sausages
   Add the sliced sausages to the skillet and cook for another 3-4 minutes until they are lightly browned. Season with a little salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Assemble the Bake

9. Combine Eggs and Mayonnaise
   In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs and mayonnaise until well combined. Pour this mixture over the softened potatoes in the baking dish, creating a savory custard layer.
10. Layer with Vegetables and Sausages
    Spread the sautéed vegetables and sausage mixture evenly over the potatoes and egg layer.
11. Pour the Cheese Sauce
    Finally, pour the cheese sauce over the top of the vegetables and sausage layer, spreading it evenly across the dish. Sprinkle additional grated mozzarella if you like a more golden, cheesy topping.

Step 5: Bake and Garnish

12. Bake the Dish
    Place the assembled dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
13. Garnish and Serve
    Remove from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve warm.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

Based on 6 servings.

• Calories: 420
• Protein: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fat: 25g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugars: 5g
• Sodium: 780mg

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of sausage?
Yes! Try using spicy sausage, smoked sausage, or even breakfast sausage. Just make sure the sausage is fully cooked before adding it to the bake.

2. Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Absolutely. You can assemble the dish ahead of time, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, simply pop it in the oven and bake as directed.

3. Can I substitute the flour in the sauce?
If you need a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch as a thickener for the cheese sauce.

4. Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini would be great additions. Sauté them with the other vegetables before adding to the bake.

Tips for Making the Perfect Savory Potato and Sausage Bake

1. Use Thinly Sliced Potatoes
   Thin potato slices will cook more evenly and absorb the flavors of the dish better. Use a mandoline slicer if you have one to get even, thin slices.
2. Season Each Layer
   To maximize flavor, season each layer as you build the dish. Adding spices to the potatoes, sauce, and vegetable mixture ensures that every bite is well-seasoned.
3. Let the Dish Cool Before Serving
   Allowing the bake to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving helps it set, making it easier to slice and serve.
4. Customize the Cheese
   Mozzarella is used here for its meltiness, but you can add Parmesan, cheddar, or Gruyère for extra flavor.
5. Adjust Baking Time if Needed
   Ovens vary, so check the bake around the 30-minute mark. If the top is browning too quickly, cover loosely with foil and continue baking until fully cooked.

Storage Tips

1. Refrigeration
   Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or oven.
2. Freezing
   You can freeze this bake by cutting it into portions, wrapping each in plastic wrap, and storing them in a freezer-safe bag. It will keep for up to 2 months in the freezer. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
3. Reheating
   For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until warmed through.

Conclusion

This Savory Potato and Sausage Bake is a versatile, flavorful dish that’s perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or special occasions. With layers of tender potatoes, savory sausage, sautéed vegetables, and a creamy, cheesy sauce, it’s as satisfying as it is easy to make. Each layer is packed with flavor, from the seasoned potatoes to the golden cheese topping. Whether served as a main or a side, this bake will add a hearty touch to any meal and is sure to be a favorite at the table. Enjoy this cozy and delicious dish with your loved ones!