Ingredients
Potatoes and Sausage
- 4 cups diced, peeled russet potatoes
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 (14-ounce) package smoked sausage, sliced
Cheese Sauce
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups half-and-half or milk
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 8 ounces Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the baking dish: Lightly grease a 9-inch square baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Cook the potatoes: Place diced potatoes in a pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook until just tender but still firm, as they will finish cooking in the oven. Drain well and transfer the potatoes to the prepared baking dish.
- Brown the sausage: Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and sliced smoked sausage. Cook until the sausage is browned and slightly caramelized. Remove sausage from the skillet and place it into the baking dish with the potatoes.
- Make the roux: Wipe the skillet clean and return to medium heat. Add butter and melt completely. Stir in flour and cook, stirring continuously, for 1 minute to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Add the milk: Gradually whisk in half-and-half or milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then add garlic powder for flavor.
- Melt the Velveeta: Reduce heat to low and stir in the cubed Velveeta cheese until fully melted and smooth.
- Incorporate cheddar cheese: Add half of the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and stir until melted. Remove the sauce from heat and season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Combine and bake: Pour the creamy cheese sauce evenly over the potatoes and sausage in the baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top to create a golden crust. Bake the dish as desired (note: baking time is not specified but typically 25-30 minutes at 350°F to melt cheese and heat through).
Notes
- Boiling potatoes until just tender is key to prevent them from turning to mush during baking.
- You can substitute half-and-half with whole milk for a lighter sauce, but the sauce may be less creamy.
- For a spicier twist, consider adding smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- If desired, add chopped green onions or parsley as garnish before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American