Smoked Sausage & Potato Bake with Sour Cream & Cheese

This Smoked Sausage & Potato Bake with Sour Cream & Cheese is a hearty, comforting casserole that marries crisp-edged potatoes and spice-kissed smoked sausage with a lush, creamy topping. Layers of tender roasted potatoes, sizzling spring onions, and golden sausage slices are bound by a rich egg-cream custard, then crowned with dollops of tangy sour cream and melted cheese. Fresh cherry tomatoes add a pop of acidity, while a cool garlic-dill dressing on the side brings balance and brightness. Perfect for weeknight gatherings or casual brunches, this dish elevates simple pantry ingredients into a show-stopping meal that pleases both family and friends.

Cooking Time

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Potato Roasting: 20 minutes at 200 °C (390 °F)
Assembly & Baking: 15–20 minutes at 180 °C (355 °F)
Total Active Time: 50–55 minutes
Total Elapsed Time: 55–60 minutes

Ingredients

• 4–5 medium potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
• Vegetable oil (for greasing and drizzling)
• Salt, to taste
• Dried sweet paprika, to taste
• Dried garlic powder, to taste
• 4 chicken eggs
• Salt and ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 small bunch spring onions, chopped
• 3 smoked sausages, sliced into rounds
• 200 g sour cream
• 4–5 cherry tomatoes, halved or sliced
• 100 g hard cheese (cheddar, gouda, or similar), grated

For the Garlic-Dill Dressing:
• 60 g sour cream
• 40 g mayonnaise
• 30 g tomato sauce or ketchup
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ cucumber, diced
• A handful fresh dill, chopped
• 5–6 canned green olives, pitted and sliced
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Step-by-Step Cooking Directions

1. Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 200 °C (390 °F). Line a large baking tray with parchment or lightly grease with oil.

2. Season Potatoes: In a bowl, toss the sliced potatoes with a drizzle of vegetable oil, salt, sweet paprika, and garlic powder until evenly coated. Spread in a single layer on the tray.

3. Roast Potatoes: Roast for 20 minutes, flipping once, until potatoes are slightly tender and crisp at the edges.

4. Whisk Eggs & Cream: In a mixing bowl, whisk together 4 eggs, a pinch of salt, and pepper. Stir in 200 g sour cream until smooth; set aside.

5. Sauté Onions & Sausage: Heat a splash of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped spring onions, sauté 3–4 minutes until fragrant. Add sausage slices, cook 5–6 minutes until golden and a bit crispy. Remove from heat.

6. Assemble Layers: Remove potatoes from oven. Scatter sausage and onions evenly over potatoes. Pour the egg-cream mixture over the top, distributing it so it seeps between layers.

7. Add Cheese & Tomatoes: Sprinkle grated cheese over the casserole, then arrange cherry tomato halves on top.

8. Bake to Set: Reduce oven to 180 °C (355 °F). Bake 15–20 minutes until the egg mixture is set, cheese melts and bubbles, and edges turn golden.

9. Prepare Dressing: While the bake cooks, whisk together 60 g sour cream, 40 g mayonnaise, and 30 g tomato sauce. Stir in minced garlic, diced cucumber, chopped dill, and olives. Season with salt and pepper; refrigerate until serving.

10. Rest & Serve: Let the casserole rest 5 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with a dollop or side of garlic-dill dressing.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (1 of 6):
Calories: 520 kcal | Protein: 24 g | Fat: 32 g (Sat: 14 g) | Carbs: 35 g (Fiber: 4 g; Sugars: 5 g) | Sodium: 840 mg

The Origins and Popularity of the Recipe

Casseroles combining potatoes and meat have deep roots in European peasant cooking—think British pie and Swiss rösti. Smoked sausage adds Eastern European flair, while the egg-cream custard nods to Italian frittatas. The tangy sour cream topping is reminiscent of Central Asian plov garnishes. Modern home cooks love such bakes for their ease, make-ahead potential, and the satisfying layering of textures. Shared widely on food blogs and social media, dishes like this deliver comfort and a sense of nostalgia with minimal effort.

Reasons Why You’ll Love the Recipe

• One-Dish Wonder: Layers of flavor in a single pan, minimal cleanup.
• Texture Play: Crisp potatoes, tender sausage, creamy custard, bubbly cheese.
• Customizable: Swap sausage for bacon, chorizo, or plant-based alternatives.
• Family Favorite: Mild spices and cheese satisfy both adults and kids.
• Meal-Prep Friendly: Assemble ahead and bake just before serving.

Health Benefits

• High Protein: Eggs, sausage, and cheese support muscle repair and satiety.
• Vegetable Boost: Potatoes and onions provide fiber, potassium, and antioxidants.
• Healthy Fats: Use moderate oil and dairy fats for nutrient absorption.
• Probiotic Potential: Sour cream and mayonnaise may contain beneficial bacteria.
• Herb Phytonutrients: Garlic and dill offer anti-inflammatory and digestive support.

Serving Suggestions

• Fresh Greens: Pair with a lemon-dressed arugula salad.
• Bread: Warm crusty loaf or garlic bread rounds out the meal.
• Beverages: Crisp white wine (Pinot Grigio) or a light lager cleanses the palate.
• Extras: Offer hot sauce or chili flakes for spice seekers.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overlapping Potatoes: Crowding prevents crisping—spread evenly.
• Undercooking Sausage: Ensure sausage rounds are golden before assembling.
• Pouring Cold Mixture on Hot Potatoes: Let potatoes rest 2 minutes to avoid curdling.
• Skipping Rest: Slicing too soon leads to a runny casserole—allow it to set.

Pairing Recommendations

• Beer: A pilsner or wheat beer complements the smoky sausage.
• Non-Alcoholic: Sparkling water with cucumber or mint fends off richness.
• Sauces: A dollop of pesto or salsa verde adds herbal brightness.

Cooking Tips

• Uniform Slicing: Use a mandoline for even potato thickness.
• Season in Layers: Salt and spice potatoes and sausage separately for balanced flavor.
• Room-Temp Eggs: Ensure eggs and sour cream are not fridge-cold to mix smoothly.
• Quality Cheese: Grate fresh cheese for best melt and flavor.

Similar Recipes to Try

• Bacon & Potato Breakfast Casserole: Eggs, bacon, potatoes, and cheddar.
• Sausage & Peppers Skillet: Quick stovetop dish with peppers and onions.
• Hungarian Langos Bake: Flatbread squares with sour cream and cheese.
• Spanish Tortilla Española: Classic potato and egg omelet.

Variations to Try

• Vegetarian Version: Omit sausage; double mushrooms and spinach.
• Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeño or smoked paprika for heat.
• Mediterranean Twist: Swap dill for oregano and olives for feta.
• Low-Carb Option: Use zucchini or cauliflower slices in place of potatoes.

Ingredient Spotlight

Smoked Sausage: Imparts deep, savory umami and smoky aroma that infuses the potatoes and custard layer, elevating a humble bake into a flavor-rich dish.

Conclusion

This Smoked Sausage & Potato Bake with Sour Cream & Cheese offers the ultimate comfort-food experience: golden roasted potatoes, savory sausage, creamy custard, and melted cheese, all complemented by a bright, herby dressing. Versatile, crowd-pleasing, and easy to customize, it’s destined to become a staple for weeknight dinners, potlucks, and lazy brunches alike.

10 Comprehensive FAQ Section

1. Can I use different sausages?
   Yes—chorizo, kielbasa, or vegetarian sausage work equally well.

2. What if I don’t have sour cream?
   Substitute Greek yogurt or crème fraîche for the topping.

3. Can I make this dairy-free?
   Use plant-based cream, mayo, and cheese alternatives.

4. How far ahead can I assemble?
   Assemble layers, cover, and refrigerate up to 6 hours; bake from cold, adding 5 minutes.

5. My casserole was watery—why?
   Potatoes may release excess moisture; pat dry before tossing with oil.

6. Can I freeze leftovers?
   Freeze individual portions in airtight containers for up to 1 month.

7. How do I prevent eggs from curdling?
   Ensure the egg-cream mixture and potatoes are at similar temperatures before mixing.

8. Is this recipe gluten-free?
   It is naturally gluten-free if you use a gluten-free sausage and check label condiments.

9. Why did my cheese not melt smoothly?
   Use a melting cheese (cheddar, gouda) and shred it finely for even coverage.

10. How do I get a crispier top?
    Broil for the final 2–3 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.

Enjoy this comforting bake that’s sure to become a family favorite!