Easy and Tasty Cheese Potato & Smoked Sausage Casserole You’ll Love

Looking for a hearty, This Grilled Cheese Potato & Smoked Sausage Casserole is a perfect blend of cheesy, savory goodness and lean protein, all in one dish! It combines the classic flavors of grilled cheese sandwiches, smoky sausage, and tender potatoes into a casserole that’s sure to satisfy. It’s delicious, easy to make, and fits perfectly into your WW lifestyle.

Ingredients

For the Casserole:

• 4 medium potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
• 2 cups reduced-fat shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup light sour cream
• 1/2 cup milk (1% or fat-free)
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 pound smoked sausage, thinly sliced (choose turkey sausage or a lower-fat version to keep it WW-friendly)
• 1/2 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or lightly coat it with olive oil.

Cook the Potatoes

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the sliced potatoes and cook for 5-7 minutes or until slightly tender but not fully cooked. Drain and set aside.
2. This step ensures your potatoes cook through in the casserole without becoming mushy.

Make the Cheese Sauce

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the light sour cream, milk, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat the mixture over medium heat, whisking until smooth and heated through, about 3-5 minutes.
3. Once heated, add 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese and stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.

Cook the Sausage

1. While the cheese sauce is heating, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the smoked sausage slices and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is browned and slightly crispy on the edges.

Assemble the Casserole

1. Layer the bottom of your prepared baking dish with half of the sliced potatoes.
2. Pour half of the cheese sauce over the potatoes, followed by half of the sausage. Repeat the layers: another layer of potatoes, cheese sauce, and sausage.
3. Sprinkle the top of the casserole with 1/2 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs and the remaining 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese.

Bake and Serve

1. Cover the casserole with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
2. Remove the foil, and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden and the casserole is bubbling.
3. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired.

Nutritional Information

(Per Serving)

• Calories: ~300
• Protein: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fat: 13g
• Fiber: 4g
• WW Points: ~7

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Comfort Food with a Healthy Twist: This casserole is loaded with all the comfort food flavors you love but made WW-friendly with reduced-fat ingredients and lean sausage.
2. Perfect for Meal Prep: Make this casserole ahead of time and store it in the fridge for easy reheating. It’s a perfect make-ahead dish for busy weeks.
3. Satisfying and Filling: The combination of potatoes, sausage, and cheese will fill you up without going overboard on calories.

Tips for Success

• Potato Prep: To ensure even cooking, try slicing the potatoes uniformly. If you prefer crispy potatoes, you can bake them on their own in a single layer for a few minutes before adding them to the casserole.
• Alternative Protein: If you prefer a different protein, try substituting the smoked sausage with turkey bacon, ground turkey, or lean chicken sausage.
• Make It Spicy: Add a little heat by incorporating some crushed red pepper flakes into the cheese sauce or using a spicier sausage.
• Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh thyme or rosemary can add an extra layer of flavor to the casserole.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a Side Salad: A simple side salad of mixed greens with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the casserole.
• Pair with a Veggie: Add some roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or broccoli on the side for extra fiber and nutrients.

This Grilled Cheese Potato & Smoked Sausage Casserole is a great example of how you can still enjoy classic, comfort food flavors while staying on track with your health goals. With layers of creamy cheese, savory sausage, and tender potatoes, it’s a dish the whole family will love – and it’s WW-friendly! Perfect for dinner, meal prep, or even a potluck, this casserole is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation.