Hearty Smoked Sausage And Potatoes Skillet Recipe

Try This Soul-Warming Smoked Sausage And Potatoes Skillet Recipe

Savory aromas fill the kitchen when you sizzle smoked sausage and potatoes skillet over a hot pan.

Tender potatoes and perfectly browned sausage create a mouthwatering melody of flavors.

Each bite promises comfort and satisfaction with its robust ingredients.

The golden-brown edges of sausage blend beautifully with crispy potato chunks.

Robust seasonings dance across the surface, enhancing every delectable morsel.

This one-pan wonder delivers a hearty meal that comes together quickly and easily.

You’ll be amazed how simple ingredients can transform into such a delightful dinner.

Prepare to dig in and enjoy this classic skillet sensation.

Hearty Smoked Sausage and Potatoes Skillet That Hits the Spot

  • Savor Simplicity: This peanut butter cake recipe offers straightforward steps that even novice bakers can master with confidence.
  • Create Crowd-Pleaser: The combination of rich peanut butter and sweet chocolate chips makes this dessert irresistible for family gatherings and potlucks.
  • Quick Comfort: Minimal ingredients and simple mixing technique mean you can satisfy sweet cravings without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap chocolate chips for peanut butter chips or add a drizzle of caramel to make this recipe uniquely yours.

What Goes Into a Hearty Smoked Sausage and Potatoes Skillet

Main Ingredients:
  • Potatoes: Hearty root vegetables that form the base of this delicious skillet dish.
  • Smoked Sausage: Flavorful protein that adds a rich, smoky dimension to the recipe.
Seasoning and Spices:
  • Cajun Seasoning: Spice blend that provides a zesty and bold flavor profile to the dish.
  • Salt: Essential for enhancing the overall taste of the potatoes.
Sauce and Coating Ingredients:
  • Olive Oil, Butter: Cooking fats that help create a crispy texture and add richness.
  • Flour, Milk, Cheese: Creamy ingredients that combine to make a smooth and indulgent cheese sauce.
  • Ranch Dressing: Tangy condiment that complements the savory elements of the dish.

Step-by-Step for Making Hearty Smoked Sausage and Potatoes

Step 1: Prepare Potato Fries

Thoroughly wash and scrub potatoes under cool running water. Pat them completely dry with paper towels.

Using a sharp knife, carefully slice potatoes into thick, rustic fries about 3/4 inch wide and 3 inches long.

Step 2: Steam Potato Strips

Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil.

Add salt to the water for extra flavor. Place potatoes in a steamer basket or colander, ensuring they hover above the boiling water.

Steam the potato strips for 10-12 minutes until they’re tender but still maintain a firm texture.

Step 3: Crisp and Golden Baking

Transfer steamed potato strips to a mixing bowl.

Drizzle with olive oil and gently toss to ensure even coating. Spread potatoes in a single layer on a nonstick baking sheet.

Slide into a preheated oven at 450°F. Bake for 10 minutes, then rotate the pan and continue baking for another 5-10 minutes.

Watch carefully to prevent burning, aiming for a golden, crispy exterior.

Step 4: Create Velvety Cheese Sauce

Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.

Gradually whisk in flour to create a smooth base. Slowly pour in milk, continuing to whisk until the mixture becomes silky.

Add cheese and stir continuously until completely melted and creamy.

Step 5: Final Assembly and Serving

Sprinkle Cajun seasoning over the baked potato fries, gently tossing to distribute evenly.

Drizzle with ranch dressing and cheese sauce. Serve additional cheese sauce and ranch on the side for dipping, allowing everyone to customize their plate.

Pro Tips to Perfect Hearty Smoked Sausage and Potatoes

  • Cut potatoes into uniform 3/4-inch thick fries to ensure consistent cooking and crispy texture.
  • Use the recommended 3 tablespoons of salt when steaming potatoes to enhance their natural flavor and create a perfect base.
  • Watch fries closely during baking, rotating the pan halfway through to achieve golden-brown edges without charring.
  • Whisk flour and milk thoroughly to create a smooth base before adding cheese, preventing lumpy sauce texture.
  • Enjoy fries while hot and crispy, with extra cheese sauce and ranch dressing on the side for optimal flavor and experience.

Flavor Swaps for Hearty Smoked Sausage and Potatoes

  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Fries Variation: Replace potatoes with cauliflower florets for a lower-carb alternative. Follow the same steaming and baking process, adjusting cooking time to prevent overcooking.
  • Spicy Southwestern Spin: Swap Cajun seasoning for a blend of chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Use pepper jack cheese in the sauce for extra heat and southwestern flair.
  • Vegetarian Veggie Loaded Version: Substitute smoked sausage with plant-based sausage or roasted portobello mushrooms. Add sautéed bell peppers and onions for extra flavor and protein.

Great Side Dishes to Pair with Smoked Sausage and Potatoes

  • Elevate Flavor Pairing: Crisp German Pilsner matches perfectly with the smoky sausage and spicy Cajun fries, cutting through the richness and refreshing the palate.
  • Complementary Side Salad: Prepare a tangy coleslaw with apple cider vinegar dressing to balance the hearty dish, adding crunch and acidity that enhances the overall meal experience.
  • Wine Companion: Select a medium-bodied Zinfandel with bold fruit notes to stand up to the robust sausage and spicy seasoning, creating a harmonious flavor profile.
  • Cool Dipping Contrast: Serve homemade garlic aioli alongside the ranch and cheese sauce, introducing another layer of creamy, herbal complexity to the dish.

How to Store Smoked Sausage and Potatoes Skillet

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days, ensuring the sausage and potatoes remain fresh and safe to eat.
  • Transfer cooled dish to freezer-safe containers. Properly sealed, it can last 2-3 months. Avoid freezing cheese sauce separately as it may separate upon thawing.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Spread leftovers on a baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through, maintaining crispy potato texture.

FAQs

  • Can I use a different type of potato for this recipe?

Yes, you can use Russet, Yukon Gold, or red potatoes. Each variety will give a slightly different texture and flavor to the fries.

  • Is it necessary to steam the potatoes before baking?

Steaming helps create a crispy exterior and fluffy interior. It’s a key step for achieving the perfect texture in these fries.

  • How can I make the cheese sauce thicker or thinner?

Adjust the thickness by adding more milk to thin it out or cooking it slightly longer to thicken. Whisk constantly to prevent lumps.

  • What can I do if I don't have Cajun seasoning?

You can substitute with a mix of paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to create a similar spicy flavor profile.

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Hearty Smoked Sausage And Potatoes Skillet Recipe

Hearty Smoked Sausage And Potatoes Skillet Recipe


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4.9 from 20 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Smoky sausage meets crispy potatoes in this irresistible one-pan wonder that brings comfort straight to your dinner table. Packed with robust flavors and simple ingredients, this skillet meal promises a satisfying feast you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 6 medium russet potatoes
  • 1 smoked sausage

Seasonings and Spices:

  • 12 tablespoons Cajun seasoning

Oils and Dressings:

  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 cup creamy ranch dressing (plus extra for dipping)

Instructions

  1. Thoroughly cleanse potatoes, removing any dirt, then dry completely. Slice into robust, uniform fries approximately 3/4 inch thick.
  2. Create a steaming environment by bringing water to a rolling boil. Season water generously with salt. Suspend potatoes in a steamer basket, cooking for 10-12 minutes until they reach a tender yet structured consistency.
  3. Gently cascade olive oil over steamed potatoes, ensuring each piece receives an even coating. Distribute fries across a nonstick baking surface in a single, uncrowded layer.
  4. Position potato fries in a preheated oven at 450°F. Roast for initial 10 minutes, then rotate pan for balanced browning. Continue baking 5-10 minutes until edges turn golden and crisp.
  5. Initiate cheese sauce preparation by melting butter in a saucepan over medium temperature. Introduce flour, whisking continuously to create a smooth roux. Gradually incorporate milk, stirring until mixture thickens.
  6. Integrate shredded cheese into the sauce, stirring until completely melted and achieving a luxurious, creamy texture.
  7. Sprinkle Cajun seasoning over roasted fries, tossing delicately to distribute spices evenly. Drizzle with ranch dressing and cheese sauce.
  8. Present additional cheese sauce and ranch dressing alongside fries for personalized dipping.

Notes

  • Pre-cook potatoes carefully to maintain firm texture, preventing mushiness during baking.
  • Use starchy potatoes like Russet for crispier fries that hold shape better during cooking process.
  • Rotate baking sheet midway to ensure even browning and prevent burning of potato edges.
  • Adjust cheese sauce consistency by gradually adding milk if too thick or more cheese if too thin.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Steaming
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 306 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 430 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 39 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 5 mg
Jess Martinez

Jess Martinez

Contributing Recipe Writer & Nutrition Consultant

Expertise

Southwestern and Latin American cooking, Nutritional analysis and healthy recipe planning, Cultural food traditions, Modifying traditional dishes for better health

Education

Santa Fe Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focused on mastering the flavors and cooking methods of traditional Southwestern cuisine.


Jess’s love for bold, homegrown flavors led her straight into the world of Southwestern cooking and cultural nutrition.
After completing her Certificate in Culinary Arts at Santa Fe Community College, she made it her mission to show that good-for-you food can still taste incredible.
At saltytart.com, Jess shares vibrant, health-conscious recipes with roots in tradition but a fresh, modern twist. When she’s not testing new recipes, you’ll find her at local growers’ markets, tending her herb garden, or digging into food history books.

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