There is something about the scent of hot smoked sausage mingling with roasted potatoes that makes a kitchen feel like home, the scent promising comfort on a chilly evening or a crowd-pleasing dish for a casual get together. This Smoked sausage and potato recipe brings caramelized edges, a smoky savory bite, and tender, buttery potatoes together in one sheet pan, perfect for busy weeknights or slow Sunday suppers.
What Makes This Special
This Smoked Sausage Casserole Bake works because it balances ease and flavor. A single pan roasts everything together so the sausages release smoky juices into the potatoes, while a touch of olive oil and herbs crisps the edges without much fuss. The dish is forgiving, so you can scale it up for a potluck or down for two, and it stores beautifully for leftovers.
- Hands off for most of the cooking, just a quick toss halfway through
- Smoky, caramelized edges with tender potato centers
- Crowd friendly and adaptable, great for meal prep
- Swap in turkey bacon for a lighter, leaner touch if you like a crisp garnish
What You’ll Need
The ingredients here do three jobs, they build a smoky backbone, add caramelized sweetness, and bring herbaceous brightness. I use smoked chicken sausage to keep the dish lean and flavorful, and if you like the extra crisp of bacon, swap in turkey bacon for a lighter, leaner touch. For more on variations of this combination, see a similar take on smoked sausage and potatoes in this recipe, or try pairing with a lighter fish like baked salmon for contrast.
- 1.5 pounds smoked chicken sausage, sliced into 1/2 inch rounds
- 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, scrubbed and cut into 3/4 inch chunks
- 1 large yellow onion, cut into wedges
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1 inch pieces
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 4 slices turkey bacon, chopped and crisped, optional for garnish
- 1/2 cup low sodium chicken broth or stock, optional for a saucier bake
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar or fontina, optional for melting on top
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for finishing
- Lemon wedges for serving, optional
Step by Step
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit, make sure the rack is in the center, the hot oven helps the potatoes crisp and the sausage brown.
- Toss the potatoes, onion, and bell pepper with olive oil, smoked paprika, thyme, garlic, salt, and pepper until every piece glistens, this helps form golden edges.
- Spread the vegetables in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet, nestle the sliced smoked chicken sausage among the potatoes so the juices mingle.
- Roast for 20 minutes, then use a spatula to turn the potatoes and move the sausage so everything browns evenly, you should smell a rising caramel aroma and see edges turning deep gold.
- If you want a saucier finish, drizzle the chicken broth over the pan now and return it to the oven for 8 to 12 more minutes, until potatoes are fork tender and sausage edges are slightly crisped.
- If using turkey bacon, crisp the chopped slices in a skillet while the bake finishes, or crisp them in the oven on a separate sheet for about 10 minutes.
- Remove the pan from the oven, sprinkle with cheese if using, and let it sit for 3 to 5 minutes to melt and settle, the resting time allows flavors to meld.
- Scatter chopped parsley and the crisp turkey bacon on top, squeeze a little lemon if you like brightness, then serve straight from the sheet pan or transfer to a warmed platter.
Prep ~ 15 minutes, Cook ~ 35 minutes, Total ~ 50 minutes, Servings ~ 6, Kcal ~ 520 per serving
Plan Ahead
You can make several parts of this Smoked Sausage Casserole Bake in advance to save time on the day you want to serve it. Parboil or halve the potato prep the day before, and keep them refrigerated in a sealed container to speed roasting. Slice the smoked chicken sausage and chop vegetables up to 24 hours ahead, stored separately in airtight containers to preserve texture. Make a batch of crisp turkey bacon ahead and refrigerate, then re-crisp in a hot oven for a few minutes before serving to restore crunch.
Storing and Reheating
Store leftovers from Smoked Sausage Casserole Bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze in a freezer safe container for up to 3 months, make sure pieces are in a single layer before freezing if possible to avoid clumping. To reheat from the refrigerator, spread leftovers on a baking sheet and warm in a 375 degree Fahrenheit oven for 10 to 15 minutes until heated through, this helps revive crisp edges. From frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator then reheat in the oven, a freshness cue is bright herb aroma and restored crispiness on the potatoes, if it smells dull or sour discard it.
Perfect Pairings
If you want to round out the meal, these pairings bring contrast and balance to the smoky, hearty bake.
- A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette for brightness
- Steamed green beans tossed with toasted almonds
- Soft buttered dinner rolls for sopping up juices
- Light roasted carrots glazed with honey and mustard
- A simple bowl of quick coleslaw for crunchy texture and tang
- For a different protein contrast, a light baked salmon pairs nicely with the smoky flavors, check this baked salmon recipe for ideas
Make It Your Own
This Smoked Sausage Casserole Bake adapts well to many tastes, try one of these ideas to personalize it.
- Swap the smoked chicken sausage for turkey sausage or beef sausage if you prefer a different flavor profile, both work well and change the character of the dish.
- Turn it vegetarian by replacing sausage with thick slices of smoked or roasted tofu and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Add a spicy kick by tossing the sausage and vegetables with 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper or a drizzle of hot sauce before roasting.
- Make it Mediterranean by swapping smoked paprika for cumin and tossing in halved cherry tomatoes and kalamata olives for the last 10 minutes of roasting.
- Add greens at the end, stir in a couple of handfuls of baby spinach right after the pan comes out so it wilts into the warm mixture.
- For cheesy comfort, sprinkle 3/4 cup shredded cheddar over the pan, return to the oven for 3 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Use baby potatoes to shorten cooking time and give a creamier interior, they also roast faster and offer more crisp surface area.
- If you like crunch, top with toasted panko tossed with a little olive oil and bake 5 minutes at the end for a crunchy finish.
Pro Tips for Best Results
- Use a rimmed baking sheet and do not overcrowd the pan, spacing helps the potatoes crisp instead of steam.
- Cut potatoes into even sized pieces, about 3/4 inch, so they finish at the same time as the sausage.
- Preheat the oven fully to 425 degrees Fahrenheit, the high heat encourages caramelization and those deeply flavored edges.
- If your sausage is already very smoky and salty, reduce added salt by about half, taste and adjust at the end.
- Let the pan rest 3 to 5 minutes before serving, the juices settle and flavors deepen.
- Use a thermometer to check sausage, fully cooked smoked chicken sausage should read 165 degrees Fahrenheit when heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What type of smoked sausage should I use
- Choose smoked chicken sausage for a lean option that complements potatoes without overpowering them. Turkey or beef smoked sausages also work well and maintain the smoky character. Avoid pork sausage to follow leaner protein guidelines.
- Can I make this in a casserole dish instead of a sheet pan
- Yes, you can use a shallow casserole, but expect slightly softer edges since heat circulation differs. For a crisper result, finish under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes while watching closely.
- How do I keep the potatoes from becoming mushy
- Cut them into uniform pieces, give them enough space on the pan, and roast at a high temperature, 425 degrees Fahrenheit, so they brown quickly. If they are wet after tossing, pat them briefly to remove excess moisture, this helps promote crisping.
- Is it safe to reheat more than once
- It is best to reheat only once for food safety and quality, store leftovers promptly and reheat only the portion you plan to eat. If you must reheat again, cool quickly, refrigerate, and heat to a safe internal temperature before serving.
- Can I cook this on the grill instead of the oven
- Yes, use a grill-safe sheet pan or a cast iron skillet and cook over medium heat, turning occasionally, until potatoes are tender and sausage is browned. Covering with a grill lid can help the potatoes cook through, but keep an eye on flare ups from the sausage fat.
- How do I make this gluten free
- The recipe as written is naturally gluten free if you use gluten free sausage and skip any breadcrumb toppings, check labels for hidden gluten in smoked sausages and broths. Most fresh vegetables and seasonings are naturally gluten free.
- What if my smoked sausage is raw and not pre-cooked
- If the sausage is raw, brown it first in a skillet until partially cooked, then roast with the potatoes until the sausage reaches a safe internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Pre-cooked smoked sausage just needs to be heated through.
- Can I double the recipe for a party
- Yes, you can double and use two sheet pans, rotate them halfway through cooking for even browning. Avoid stacking on a single pan as crowding will prevent crisping.
Final Thoughts
This Smoked Sausage Casserole Bake is one of those dependable recipes that delivers warmth and ease, whether you are feeding family on a weeknight or entertaining friends. The smoky sausage, golden potatoes, and bright finishing touches create a comforting plate that is simple, adaptable, and satisfying. Give it a try this week, and enjoy how little effort yields so much flavor.
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Smoked Sausage Casserole Bake
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Pork Free
Description
A comforting smoked sausage and potato dish that combines smoky flavors with caramelized edges, perfect for weeknights or gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds smoked chicken sausage, sliced into 1/2 inch rounds
- 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, scrubbed and cut into 3/4 inch chunks
- 1 large yellow onion, cut into wedges
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1 inch pieces
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 4 slices turkey bacon, chopped and crisped (optional for garnish)
- 1/2 cup low sodium chicken broth or stock (optional for a saucier bake)
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar or fontina (optional for melting on top)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for finishing
- Lemon wedges for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F, making sure the rack is in the center.
- Toss the potatoes, onion, and bell pepper with olive oil, smoked paprika, thyme, garlic, salt, and pepper until well coated.
- Spread the vegetables in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet, nestling the sliced smoked chicken sausage among the potatoes.
- Roast for 20 minutes, then turn the potatoes and sausage for even browning.
- If desired, drizzle chicken broth over the mixture and roast for an additional 8 to 12 minutes until potatoes are fork tender.
- If using turkey bacon, crisp the chopped slices in a skillet or in the oven while the bake finishes.
- Remove from the oven, sprinkle with cheese if using, and let sit for 3 to 5 minutes.
- Top with chopped parsley and crispy turkey bacon. Serve with lemon wedges if desired.
Notes
For best results, cut potatoes into uniform pieces and avoid crowding the pan.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: smoked sausage, casserole, potatoes, family meal, comfort food




