—
# 🥔 Scalloped Potatoes and Kielbasa – A Comforting, Cheesy One-Pan Wonder
If you’re craving a hearty, satisfying dish that brings the warmth of a home-cooked meal straight to your table, look no further than **Scalloped Potatoes and Kielbasa**. This creamy, cheesy casserole features layers of tender potatoes, savory smoked sausage, and golden melted cheddar – all baked to bubbling perfection in a rich, garlicky cream sauce.
It’s the kind of meal that feels like a hug on a plate: easy to make, budget-friendly, and perfect for feeding a hungry family or a table of guests.
—
## 🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
* **4 medium potatoes**, peeled and thinly sliced
* **1 lb kielbasa sausage**, sliced into rounds (smoked or Polska kielbasa)
* **2 cups shredded cheddar cheese** (mild or sharp)
* **1 ½ cups heavy cream**
* **½ cup milk**
* **2 tablespoons butter**
* **1 teaspoon garlic powder**
* **Salt and black pepper**, to taste
Optional garnishes:
* Chopped parsley
* Extra cheese on top
* A sprinkle of paprika for color
—
## 👩🍳 Instructions
### Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to **375°F (190°C)**. Grease a large baking dish (9×13 inches) with butter or nonstick spray.
—
### Step 2: Prepare the Cream Sauce
1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt **2 tablespoons of butter**.
2. Add **heavy cream** and **milk**, stirring gently.
3. Mix in **garlic powder**, **salt**, and **pepper** to taste.
4. Heat the mixture until just starting to bubble – do not boil. Remove from heat.
> This rich, creamy base infuses the entire dish with deep flavor and helps soften the potatoes as they bake.
—
### Step 3: Layer the Ingredients
In your prepared baking dish, layer the ingredients as follows:
1. **First layer**: Add a layer of sliced potatoes (about 1/3 of the total).
2. **Second layer**: Add a layer of kielbasa slices.
3. **Third layer**: Sprinkle with **cheddar cheese**.
Repeat these layers until all ingredients are used, ending with a generous topping of cheese.
> **Tip:** Try to overlap the potatoes slightly to help them bake evenly and absorb the creamy sauce.
—
### Step 4: Pour the Sauce
Evenly pour the warm cream sauce over the layered ingredients, ensuring everything is well coated.
—
### Step 5: Bake the Dish
1. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for **40 minutes**.
2. Remove the foil and bake for an additional **15–20 minutes**, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly, and the potatoes are fork-tender.
Let it cool for about **10 minutes** before serving – this helps the sauce thicken and the flavors settle.
—
## 🍽️ Serving Suggestions
This dish is incredibly versatile and filling on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with:
* A crisp **green salad**
* **Steamed broccoli** or green beans
* **Crusty bread** or garlic rolls
* A cold glass of **beer** or sparkling water with lemon
—
## 💡 Tips & Variations
* **Make it spicy**: Add sliced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper for heat.
* **Extra cheesy**: Mix in mozzarella or pepper jack for a stretchy, cheesy upgrade.
* **Vegetable boost**: Add sautéed onions, mushrooms, or bell peppers between the layers.
* **Make ahead**: Assemble the dish a few hours in advance and keep it refrigerated. Bake when ready to serve.
—
## 🧡 Final Thoughts
**Scalloped Potatoes and Kielbasa** is more than just a weeknight dinner—it’s a warm, satisfying meal that feels like home. The layers of creamy, cheesy potatoes and smoky sausage are baked into an irresistible casserole that’s perfect for cozy nights or casual gatherings.
**Give this recipe a try and don’t forget to share it with someone who loves hearty comfort food. Leave a comment to let us know how it turned out!**
—
Would you like me to create a printable version of this recipe, a social media caption, or add a variation with a creamy cheese sauce?
