If you love easy comfort food packed with flavor, this Baked Potato and Sausage Casserole is a must-try! It’s a cozy, hearty dish featuring tender potatoes, juicy beef sausage, and a rich egg-and-cream custard, all baked to golden perfection and topped with melted cheese. The fresh, tangy garlic cucumber sauce on the side adds the perfect balance — creamy, cool, and refreshing.
This recipe is simple enough for a weeknight dinner yet delicious enough to serve at brunch or family gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 4 eggs
- 200 g (¾ cup + 1 tbsp) heavy cream or table cream
- 1 chopped tomato
- 500 g (about 1 lb) potatoes, peeled and sliced thin
- Beef sausage (about 250–300 g / 10 oz), sliced or cubed
- Grated cheese, to taste (mozzarella, cheddar, or a blend)
- Chopped chives, to taste
- Salt, black pepper, oregano, and paprika, to taste
- Extra virgin olive oil or vegetable oil, for drizzling
For the Garlic Cucumber Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons sour cream (well-filled)
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (well-filled)
- 1 Japanese cucumber (or regular cucumber)
- 3 cloves garlic
- Dill, to taste (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Preparation
Step 1: Prepare the Egg Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, crack the eggs and add the cream.
- Whisk together until the mixture becomes smooth and fully combined.
- Add the chopped chives and diced tomato, then season with a pinch of salt.
- Stir lightly to incorporate.
- Tip: Avoid overmixing — you just want everything to be evenly distributed.
Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes
- Peel the potatoes, then cut them into thin slices (about ¼ inch thick).
- Arrange them in a baking dish — ideally a glass or ceramic one like a Marinex.
- If you don’t have one, you can use a greased aluminum baking pan or cake tin.
- Season the potatoes generously with salt, black pepper, oregano, and paprika.
- Drizzle with olive oil or vegetable oil and toss gently to coat.
Step 3: Add the Sausage and Egg Mixture
- Slice or cube the beef sausages as desired.
- Distribute them evenly on top of the seasoned potatoes.
- Pour the egg and cream mixture evenly over the top, making sure it seeps between the potato layers.
- Sprinkle grated cheese over everything — use as much or as little as you like.
Step 4: Bake
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Place the dish in the oven and bake for about 20–25 minutes, or until:
- The cheese is golden and bubbly.
- The potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- The egg mixture is set and lightly puffed.
If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil halfway through baking.
Step 5: Prepare the Garlic Cucumber Sauce
While the casserole bakes, make the sauce.
- In a bowl, combine sour cream and mayonnaise.
- Season with a pinch of salt and black pepper, and mix until smooth.
- Finely chop some fresh dill (if using) and add it to the sauce.
- Grate the cucumber and garlic on the smallest holes of a grater.
- Press or squeeze the grated cucumber gently to remove excess liquid.
- Add the cucumber and garlic to the creamy base and mix thoroughly.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Refrigerate until ready to serve — chilling helps the flavors meld beautifully.
Step 6: Serve
- Once the casserole is baked, remove it from the oven and allow it to rest for 5 minutes.
- Cut it into squares or slices, similar to lasagna portions.
- Serve warm with a generous spoonful of the garlic cucumber sauce on top or on the side.
This contrast of hot, cheesy casserole and cool, tangy sauce makes for an unforgettable bite!
Serving Suggestions
- Brunch or Breakfast: Serve with a side salad or toasted bread.
- Dinner: Pair with roasted vegetables or a light green salad.
- Party Dish: Cut into smaller squares for a hearty appetizer or potluck item.
- Variation: Add sautéed onions, spinach, or bell peppers for extra flavor.
Tips for Success
- Thin, even potato slices ensure the dish cooks evenly.
- Pre-cook the sausage for a few minutes in a skillet if you prefer a crispier texture.
- Use full-fat cream for a richer, silkier result.
- Cheese choice matters: Mozzarella gives stretchiness, cheddar adds sharpness, and parmesan adds a salty edge.
- Let the dish rest before slicing — this helps the custard set and keeps layers intact.
- Customize your sauce: Add lemon juice, parsley, or yogurt for a lighter twist.
Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Omit the sausage and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or broccoli.
- Spicy Twist: Add chili flakes or spicy sausage for a bolder flavor.
- Layered Version: Alternate layers of potatoes, sausage, and egg mixture for a more structured casserole.
- Cheesy Upgrade: Mix different cheeses like mozzarella, gouda, and parmesan for complexity.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 10–12 minutes or in the microwave for 1–2 minutes.
- Freeze: You can freeze portions without the sauce for up to 1 month. Reheat directly from frozen until hot throughout.
Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving)
- Calories: 380–450 kcal
- Protein: 18g
- Fat: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 780mg
FAQs
1. Can I use another type of sausage?
Yes! You can use chicken sausage, pork sausage, or even vegetarian sausage. Each variation will slightly change the flavor but still work perfectly in the recipe.
2. Can I use milk instead of cream?
You can substitute milk for a lighter version, but the casserole will be less rich. Using half milk and half cream is a good balance.
3. Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole ahead, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 12 hours before baking. Just add 5–10 extra minutes to the baking time if chilled.
4. How can I make the sauce thicker?
Add a little more mayonnaise or reduce the cucumber moisture by squeezing it with a paper towel before mixing.
5. What if I don’t have dill?
Dill adds a fresh, herby touch, but you can substitute parsley, basil, or even a bit of mint for a unique flavor.
6. Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely. Bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, or corn can be added for more color and nutrition.
7. How can I make the top extra golden?
Broil the casserole for the last 2–3 minutes of baking until the cheese turns golden brown and slightly crispy.
8. Can I make the sauce dairy-free?
Yes. Use vegan sour cream and mayonnaise, and skip the dill if preferred. Coconut yogurt also works well.
9. How long does the sauce last?
It keeps well for 2–3 days in the refrigerator. Store in a sealed container and stir before serving.
10. Can I serve this cold?
The casserole is best served warm, but it can be enjoyed at room temperature too — especially for picnics or potlucks.
Conclusion
This Baked Potato and Sausage Casserole with Creamy Garlic Cucumber Sauce is a comforting, hearty meal that blends rich, savory flavors with cool, refreshing contrast. It’s quick to prepare, uses simple ingredients, and is easily adaptable to your taste.
Perfect for any meal of the day, this dish delivers a satisfying combination of creamy, cheesy potatoes, flavorful sausage, and a tangy, garlicky sauce that takes it over the top. Whether served for family dinner or as a brunch centerpiece, it’s sure to impress every time.