ADVERTISEMENT
Smoky Smoked Sausage and Potato Bake: The Ultimate Comfort Food That Practically Cooks Itself
Step-by-Step Method
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). A hot oven is essential for crispy, caramelized edges.
Step 2: Prep the Ingredients
• Potatoes: Scrub them clean (no need to peel if you’re using thin-skinned types like Yukon Gold). Chop into even, bite-sized chunks to ensure they cook uniformly.
• Sausage: Slice your smoked sausage into thick, hearty rounds. The smoky flavor intensifies during roasting.
• Vegetables: Thinly slice the red onion and bell pepper if using. These add a subtle sweetness and color.
Step 3: Season and Toss
In a large mixing bowl (or directly on your baking tray if you’re lazy and proud), combine the potatoes, sausage, onion, and pepper.
Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle over the smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything well to coat evenly — every potato should get a nice slick of oil and seasoning.
Step 4: Bake Until Crispy
Spread the mixture onto a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased. Make sure it’s in a single layer — overcrowding leads to steaming, not roasting.
Pop it into the oven and bake for 35–45 minutes, flipping everything halfway through. You’ll know it’s done when the potatoes are fork-tender and golden brown, and the sausage has those irresistible crispy edges.
Step 5: Optional Cheesy Finish
For an extra indulgent twist, sprinkle shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix) over the top in the last 5 minutes of baking. Return to the oven just until the cheese melts and bubbles.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, garnish with freshly chopped parsley or thyme for a burst of color and freshness. Serve hot, straight from the pan, with a side of sour cream, mustard, or your favorite dipping sauce if you like.
Serving Suggestions
• Make it a meal: Pair with a simple green salad or steamed greens.
• Leftovers? Reheat in a skillet for crispy results or in the microwave for convenience.
• Feeding a crowd? This recipe doubles easily — just use two pans!
Final Thoughts
This smoked sausage and potato bake is a rustic, no-fuss recipe with big rewards. It’s the kind of dish you make once and crave often — perfect for weeknights, potlucks, or lazy Sunday dinners. Smoky, savory, and endlessly comforting, it might just become your new go-to!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). A hot oven is essential for crispy, caramelized edges.
Step 2: Prep the Ingredients
• Potatoes: Scrub them clean (no need to peel if you’re using thin-skinned types like Yukon Gold). Chop into even, bite-sized chunks to ensure they cook uniformly.
• Sausage: Slice your smoked sausage into thick, hearty rounds. The smoky flavor intensifies during roasting.
• Vegetables: Thinly slice the red onion and bell pepper if using. These add a subtle sweetness and color.
Step 3: Season and Toss
In a large mixing bowl (or directly on your baking tray if you’re lazy and proud), combine the potatoes, sausage, onion, and pepper.
Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle over the smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything well to coat evenly — every potato should get a nice slick of oil and seasoning.
Step 4: Bake Until Crispy
Spread the mixture onto a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased. Make sure it’s in a single layer — overcrowding leads to steaming, not roasting.
Pop it into the oven and bake for 35–45 minutes, flipping everything halfway through. You’ll know it’s done when the potatoes are fork-tender and golden brown, and the sausage has those irresistible crispy edges.
Step 5: Optional Cheesy Finish
For an extra indulgent twist, sprinkle shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix) over the top in the last 5 minutes of baking. Return to the oven just until the cheese melts and bubbles.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, garnish with freshly chopped parsley or thyme for a burst of color and freshness. Serve hot, straight from the pan, with a side of sour cream, mustard, or your favorite dipping sauce if you like.
Serving Suggestions
• Make it a meal: Pair with a simple green salad or steamed greens.
• Leftovers? Reheat in a skillet for crispy results or in the microwave for convenience.
• Feeding a crowd? This recipe doubles easily — just use two pans!
Final Thoughts
This smoked sausage and potato bake is a rustic, no-fuss recipe with big rewards. It’s the kind of dish you make once and crave often — perfect for weeknights, potlucks, or lazy Sunday dinners. Smoky, savory, and endlessly comforting, it might just become your new go-to!
