Oven Roasted Smoked Sausage and Potatoes is a hearty, comforting dish that combines the smoky, savory flavors of sausage with the earthy, satisfying taste of roasted potatoes. This dish is perfect for those times when you need a quick and easy meal that still feels like a warm hug in food form. The recipe brings back fond memories of family dinners, where the aroma of roasting sausage and potatoes filled the house, signaling that something delicious was about to be served. It’s a versatile recipe that can be customized to suit various tastes and dietary needs, making it a staple in many households. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner for your family or hosting friends for a casual gathering, this dish is sure to be a hit.
Ingredients
1 package of smoked sausage, sliced into rounds
1 large onion, peeled and chopped
5 large potatoes, peeled and chopped into ½ inch cubes
Olive oil
Fine sea salt
Freshly ground black pepper
Sweet paprika
Dried thyme
A handful of grated strong cheddar cheese
Instructions
Preparation
Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (204°C). This high temperature will help the potatoes and sausage develop a beautiful golden brown color and a deliciously crispy texture.
Prepare the Baking Tray: Line a large baking tray with sides with several sheets of aluminum foil. This will make cleanup much easier and prevent the ingredients from sticking to the tray. Spray the foil generously with cooking spray and set the tray aside.
Preparing the Ingredients
Slice the Sausage: Take the package of smoked sausage and slice it into rounds. Aim for slices that are about 1/4 inch thick to ensure they cook evenly alongside the potatoes.
Chop the Onion: Peel and chop one large onion into medium-sized pieces. The onion will add sweetness and depth of flavor to the dish as it roasts.
Cube the Potatoes: Peel the potatoes and chop them into 1/2 inch cubes. It’s important to cut the potatoes into uniform pieces to ensure they cook evenly. Five large potatoes should yield enough to balance the sausage and onion.
Seasoning and Mixing
Combine Ingredients in a Bowl: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sausage rounds, chopped onions, and potato cubes. Drizzle with a couple of tablespoons of olive oil to help the seasonings adhere and to promote even browning.
Season the Mixture: Season the mixture generously with fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Add about a teaspoon of sweet paprika and a teaspoon of dried thyme. These spices will enhance the natural flavors of the sausage and potatoes, adding a warm, aromatic note to the dish.
Toss to Coat: Using your hands, toss the ingredients together until everything is evenly coated with the olive oil and seasonings. This step ensures that every bite is flavorful.
Roasting
Spread on Baking Tray: Pour the seasoned mixture out onto the prepared baking tray. Spread it out as much as possible to create a single layer. This allows the heat to circulate around the ingredients, promoting even cooking and browning.
Roast in the Oven: Place the baking tray in the preheated oven and roast for 45 minutes to an hour. Stir the mixture every 15 minutes to ensure even cooking and to prevent the edges from burning. The dish is ready when the potatoes are golden brown and tender, and the sausage is slightly crispy.
Adding the Cheese
Scatter the Cheese: Once the sausage and potatoes are cooked, turn off the oven. Scatter a handful of grated strong cheddar cheese over the top of the hot ingredients. The residual heat from the oven and the dish will help melt the cheese.
Melt the Cheese: If you want the cheese to be extra melty and gooey, pop the baking tray back into the still-warm oven for a few minutes until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
Serving
Serve Immediately: Once the cheese has melted, remove the tray from the oven. Serve the oven roasted smoked sausage and potatoes hot, straight from the tray. This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or some steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Variations and Substitutions
Vegetable Additions: Feel free to add other vegetables to the mix. Bell peppers, carrots, and zucchini are great choices that add color and nutrition to the dish.
Cheese Alternatives: If cheddar cheese isn’t your favorite, you can substitute it with other types of cheese such as mozzarella, gouda, or even blue cheese for a different flavor profile.
Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs and spices to suit your taste. Rosemary, basil, or oregano can be used in place of thyme, and a bit of cayenne pepper can add a nice kick of heat.
Healthier Options: For a lighter version, you can use turkey sausage or chicken sausage instead of traditional smoked sausage. Additionally, you can use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a slightly sweeter and more nutrient-dense option.
Conclusion
Oven Roasted Smoked Sausage and Potatoes is a delicious, easy-to-make dish that brings comfort and satisfaction with every bite. Its simplicity allows for endless customization, making it a versatile recipe that can be adjusted to meet different dietary needs and preferences. The combination of smoky sausage, tender potatoes, and melted cheese creates a flavor profile that’s hard to resist. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights, casual gatherings, or any time you need a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Enjoy the warm, inviting flavors and the delightful texture of this timeless recipe, and don’t hesitate to make it your own with your favorite ingredients and spices.
