Ingredients

- 8 +

• 2 pounds Italian sausage, casings removed and crumbled into bite-sized pieces
• 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
• 2 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced into half-moons
• 3 cloves garlic, finely minced or pressed
• 2 cups heavy cream or half-and-half, brought to room temperature
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated and divided
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves, stripped from stems
• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped
• 2 teaspoons paprika for enhanced color and flavor
• 1 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
• 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided for layering

Instructions

1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and position the rack in the middle for optimal heat distribution

✓ Done

2

Generously butter a deep 9x13 inch casserole dish, making sure to coat all sides thoroughly

✓ Done

3

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the crumbled sausage until golden and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes

✓ Done

4

Remove the cooked sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the flavorful drippings in the pan

✓ Done

5

In the same skillet, sauté the sliced onions until golden and caramelized, about 12-15 minutes

✓ Done

6

Add minced garlic to the onions and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant

✓ Done

7

Layer half of the sliced potatoes in the prepared casserole dish, slightly overlapping them

✓ Done

8

Sprinkle half of the salt, pepper, and herbs over the potato layer

✓ Done

9

Add half of the sausage, onion mixture, and cheeses as the next layer

✓ Done

10

Repeat the layering process with remaining ingredients, ending with the cheese on top

✓ Done

11

Pour the heavy cream evenly over the entire casserole, allowing it to seep between layers

✓ Done

12

Cover tightly with foil and bake for 45 minutes

✓ Done

13

Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until golden brown and bubbly

✓ Done

14

Let rest for 15 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set properly

✓ Done

Kitchen Tools

• Deep 9x13 inch casserole dish for proper layering and even cooking
• Large skillet for browning sausage and sautéing vegetables
• Mandoline slicer or sharp knife for uniform potato slices
• Cheese grater for freshly grated cheese
• Measuring cups and spoons for precise ingredient portions

Chef's Tips

Use a mandoline slicer for uniformly thin potato slices that will cook evenly

Choose high-quality Italian sausage for the best flavor profile in your casserole

Allow dairy ingredients to come to room temperature before assembling for better incorporation

Par-boil the potato slices for 5 minutes if you prefer a softer texture in the final dish

🔧 Troubleshooting Tips

️

If potatoes are still firm, cover with foil and continue baking in 10-minute increments

️

If too watery, let rest longer before serving to allow sauce to thicken

️

If top browns too quickly, cover with foil for remainder of cooking time

️

If cheese isn't melting properly, ensure it's freshly grated and at room temperature

🔄 Recipe Variations

Italian Version: Use spicy Italian sausage and add sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil

German Style: Incorporate bratwurst and sauerkraut between layers

Breakfast Version: Add scrambled eggs and use breakfast sausage instead of Italian

Southwest Style: Use chorizo and add corn, black beans, and diced green chilies

🥗 Healthy Alternatives

Substitute heavy cream with whole milk or half-and-half to reduce calories while maintaining creaminess

Use turkey or chicken sausage instead of pork sausage for a leaner protein option

Replace half the potatoes with cauliflower florets for a lower-carb version

Use reduced-fat cheese and increase the herbs and spices for fuller flavor

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Serve with a fresh arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette for a peppery contrast

Pair with roasted green beans or asparagus for added vegetable content

Offer crusty whole grain bread on the side to soak up the creamy sauce

Garnish with additional fresh herbs and a sprinkle of paprika before serving

Nutrition Facts

450

Calories

22g

Protein

35g

Carbs

28g

Fat

🥗 Suitable Diets

High-protein main dish suitable for omnivorous diets

Can be adapted for gluten-free diets as it contains no wheat products

Not suitable for vegetarian or vegan diets without major modifications

Can be made dairy-free using coconut cream and dairy-free cheese alternatives

🎨 Presentation Ideas

Fresh chopped parsley or chives sprinkled on top before serving

Additional grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor

Crispy fried onions for textural contrast

A light dusting of paprika for color and warmth

📦 Storage & Conservation

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days

When reheating, add a splash of milk to maintain moisture and creaminess

Freeze individual portions for up to 2 months in freezer-safe containers

Thaw frozen portions overnight in the refrigerator before reheating

♻️ Leftover Ideas

Transform leftovers into a breakfast hash by chopping and crisping in a skillet

Use as a filling for savory crepes or omelettes

Create a shepherd's pie by adding vegetables and topping with mashed potatoes

Make into hand pies using refrigerated pie crust

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

Slicing potatoes too thick, which results in undercooked, crunchy layers

Not allowing enough resting time after baking, causing the layers to slide apart

Skipping the foil covering step, which can lead to dry, overcooked potatoes

Using pre-shredded cheese, which contains anti-caking agents that prevent proper melting

FAQ

Can I prepare this casserole the night before? ▶

Yes, assemble completely, cover, and refrigerate. Add 15-20 minutes to baking time when cooking from cold

What type of potatoes work best? ▶

Russet potatoes are ideal due to their starch content and ability to hold shape while baking

Can I use pre-cooked sausage? ▶

Yes, but the flavor won't be as rich. If using pre-cooked sausage, slice and brown lightly before adding

How do I prevent the potatoes from turning brown? ▶

Keep sliced potatoes in cold water until ready to use, then pat dry thoroughly before assembling

Why is my casserole watery? ▶

This usually happens if the potatoes weren't dried well or if the cream was too cold when added

Reviews

Sarah M.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Jan 17, 2026

This casserole is absolutely incredible! The layers of flavor are amazing and it's so comforting.

Michael P.

⭐⭐⭐⭐☆

Jan 21, 2026

Great recipe but needed a bit more seasoning for my taste. Added extra garlic and loved it.

Jennifer B.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Jan 12, 2026

Perfect comfort food! My entire family asks for this weekly now.

Robert K.

⭐⭐⭐☆☆

Jan 7, 2026

Decent recipe but took longer to cook than stated. Flavors were good though.

Emma T.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Jan 12, 2026

Best casserole I've ever made! The sausage adds such amazing flavor.