Cheesy Smoked Sausage and Potatoes Skillet Recipe

I absolutely love how this Cheesy Smoked Sausage and Potatoes Skillet Recipe comes together—it’s like a warm hug on a plate. The combination of tender potatoes, smoky sausage, and gooey melted cheese always feels like a little celebration, whether it’s for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. You’ll find that this recipe is not only comforting but also super easy to throw together, perfect for those busy days when you want something hearty without fuss.

When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how crispy the potatoes became while still staying soft inside, and that smoky sausage adds just the right punch of flavor. What makes this Cheesy Smoked Sausage and Potatoes Skillet Recipe worth trying is how flexible it is—you can tweak the seasoning or cheese to match what you have on hand, and it still turns out fantastic every time. Trust me, once you try it, this skillet will become your go-to quick comfort food.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Cheesy Smoked Sausage and Potatoes Skillet Recipe plays a key role—potatoes pack the comfort factor, sausage brings smokiness, and the cheese ties it all together for that indulgent finish. I recommend using fresh, quality ingredients to get the best flavor and texture.

• Yellow Potatoes: These hold their shape well and crisp up beautifully; keep the skin on for extra texture and nutrients or peel if you prefer.
• Chicken Flavored Bouillon: Adds a subtle depth to the potatoes while boiling—trust me, it makes a difference.
• Smoked Sausage: Look for a flavorful smoked sausage like kielbasa or Andouille for that smoky punch.
• Yellow Onion: Diced and caramelized, it brings a touch of sweetness that balances the savory sausage.
• Garlic Powder and Black Pepper: Simple seasonings that lift the whole dish without overpowering.
• Neutral Oil (Avocado or Canola): For browning the sausage without burning—neutral oils have a high smoke point.
• Bacon Grease: The secret to ultra-rich potatoes—if you don’t have bacon grease, butter or oil works well too.
• All Purpose Seasoning: I love “The Usual” from Fire and Smoke Society, but any seasoning blend you love works great here.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Freshly grated for the best melt and flavor; feel free to use your favorite cheese for a twist.

Variations

I love tweaking this Cheesy Smoked Sausage and Potatoes Skillet Recipe depending on the season or what’s in my fridge. Feel free to swap out ingredients or add extras to make it your own—it’s a very forgiving recipe that welcomes personalization.

• Vegetable Boost: I sometimes add diced bell peppers or spinach towards the end for a fresh veggie boost.
• Spicy Kick: Adding a pinch of cayenne or hot paprika kicked up the heat just right for my spice-loving friends.
• Dairy-Free: Swap cheese for a dairy-free alternative or skip it altogether for a lighter version.
• Herb Variation: Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley sprinkled on top bring a bright, fresh twist.

How to Make Cheesy Smoked Sausage and Potatoes Skillet Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Par-Boil the Potatoes

Bring a large pot of water to a boil, then stir in the chicken-flavored bouillon—it’s a little trick I discovered that flavors the potatoes from the inside out. Add your thinly sliced potatoes and let them boil for about 5 minutes, just until they’re slightly tender but not falling apart. Drain them well and set aside—this step ensures you get tender potatoes that crisp up in the skillet without becoming mushy.

Step 2: Brown the Smoked Sausage and Caramelize Onions

While the potatoes are boiling, heat a tablespoon of neutral oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and diced onions, cooking until the sausage is beautifully browned and the onions get soft, golden, and caramelized—about 6 to 8 minutes. This step brings out the sausage’s smoky flavor and sweetens the onions, creating a fantastic flavor base for the skillet.

Step 3: Crisp Up the Potatoes in Bacon Grease

Carefully wipe out excess oil from the skillet if needed, then melt 2 tablespoons of bacon grease (or butter/oil if you don’t have any). Add the drained potatoes and sprinkle your all-purpose seasoning blend evenly on top. Let the potatoes cook undisturbed—only stir occasionally—for about 20 minutes. This slow cooking allows the potatoes to turn golden and crispy on the outside while staying soft inside, which is the secret to why this skillet rocks.

Step 4: Combine and Melt the Cheese

Once your potatoes are cooked to a crispy golden perfection, return the sausage and onions back into the skillet. Give everything a gentle stir to combine the flavors, then sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover the skillet with a lid and let the cheese melt for a few minutes until it’s beautifully gooey and inviting. And just like that, your Cheesy Smoked Sausage and Potatoes Skillet Recipe is ready to serve!

How to Serve Cheesy Smoked Sausage and Potatoes Skillet Recipe

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle a handful of chopped fresh parsley or green onions on top—it adds a fresh pop of color and a nice mild oniony bite. A dollop of sour cream on the side also takes it up a notch and balances the smoky richness beautifully. If you want some heat, a few dashes of hot sauce or sliced jalapeños work great too.

Side Dishes

This skillet is pretty hearty on its own, but I like pairing it with a crisp green salad or some roasted veggies for balance. A simple cucumber and tomato salad or steamed green beans with a squeeze of lemon cut through the richness without competing with the flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For special gatherings, I’ve served this skillet straight in a cast iron pan right at the table—it keeps everything warm and looks rustic and inviting. You can also portion it into individual ramekins or large muffin tins for cute, single servings that are perfect for brunch parties or potlucks.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, but the potatoes lose some crispiness—don’t worry, reheating fixes that! Just make sure to cool the skillet completely before storing to keep everything fresh.

Freezing

Freezing is possible, but I recommend skipping the cheese before freezing since melted cheese can sometimes become grainy after thawing. Freeze the sausage and potatoes mixture in a sturdy container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and add fresh cheese before reheating.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat—this revives the crispiness of the potatoes nicely. Add a splash of water or broth if it looks dry, cover it to warm through, then add fresh cheese and cover again until melted. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Smoked Sausage and Potatoes Skillet Recipe truly feels like a cozy, satisfying meal that’s easy to make and hard not to love. Whether you’re feeding family, friends, or just treating yourself, it’s one of those dishes that brings warmth and comfort to the table. Give it a try—you might just find a new weeknight favorite that feels like a little celebration every time.

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