Get ready to transform your ordinary dinner into a mouthwatering feast that will have your family begging for seconds! This Crock Pot Cheesy Smoked Sausage and Potato Bake is the ultimate one-pot wonder that combines hearty smoked sausage, creamy potatoes, and gooey melted cheese into a single, irresistible dish. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, this recipe is so simple yet so delicious that it'll become your new go-to comfort meal. Imagine walking into a home filled with the rich, savory aroma of slowly simmering sausage and potatoes - this recipe promises to deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 5 hrs
Total Time: 5 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
- 4 cups potatoes, diced
- 2 cups cheese, shredded
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients by slicing smoked sausage into 1/2-inch thick rounds and cutting potatoes into uniform 1-inch cubes to ensure even cooking.
- Lightly grease the interior of your 6-quart crock pot with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Layer diced potatoes evenly across the bottom of the crock pot, creating a consistent base for the dish.
- Distribute sliced smoked sausage evenly over the potato layer, ensuring balanced coverage throughout the dish.
- In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together cream of chicken soup and milk until smooth and well-combined, creating a creamy sauce.
- Pour the soup and milk mixture over the sausage and potatoes, making sure to cover all ingredients thoroughly.
- Season with salt and pepper, adjusting to personal taste preferences.
- Cover crock pot and set to low heat, cooking for 4-5 hours until potatoes are tender and fully cooked.
- During the last 30 minutes of cooking, sprinkle shredded cheese over the top, allowing it to melt and create a golden, bubbly surface.
- Once cooking is complete, let the dish rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow sauce to set and flavors to meld.
- Serve hot, garnishing with fresh chopped parsley or green onions if desired for added color and flavor.
Tips
- Choose the right potatoes: Use starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for the best texture and even cooking.
- Slice ingredients uniformly: Cut sausage and potatoes into consistent sizes to ensure even cooking throughout the dish.
- Don't rush the cooking: Low and slow is the key to developing deep, rich flavors in this crock pot recipe.
- Prevent sticking: Always grease your crock pot or use a liner to make cleanup easier.
- Customize your cheese: While the recipe calls for shredded cheese, feel free to experiment with different cheese blends like cheddar, monterey jack, or a pre-mixed cheese blend.
- Add extra vegetables: For more nutrition, consider adding diced onions, bell peppers, or frozen mixed vegetables to the base.
- Let it rest: Allow the dish to sit for 10 minutes after cooking to let the sauce thicken and flavors meld together.
- Make it spicy: If you like heat, add a dash of red pepper flakes or use a spicy smoked sausage for an extra kick.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 85mg
