Pin This cheesy potato and sausage skillet brings together all my favorite comfort food flavors in one pan—crispy golden potatoes, juicy sausage, and sweet caramelized veggies, crowned with gooey cheddar and a sprinkle of fresh herbs. It is a weeknight dinner I rely on when I want something hearty and fuss free that cleans up in a snap.
The first time I made this skillet meal was on a chilly evening after a long day. We devoured every bite straight from the pan, and it has kept a place in our regular rotation ever since.
Ingredients
- Smoked sausage or kielbasa: brings rich, savory depth and a satisfying chew. Look for sausage with a firm texture and a bit of natural casing snap
- Baby potatoes: add tender creaminess and golden crisp edges. Try to select small potatoes of similar size for even cooking
- Olive oil: helps crisp the potatoes and brown the sausage. Use a fruity extra virgin variety if you can
- Yellow or white onion: brings sweetness and flavor depth. Choose onions with tight skins and feel for firmness
- Bell peppers: provide bright color and natural sweetness. Go for firm peppers in any color you love
- Garlic: gives a fragrant, punchy aroma. Look for plump cloves for the best flavor
- Smoked paprika: delivers a warm, subtle smokiness. Spanish smoked paprika gives especially bold flavor
- Dried oregano and onion and garlic powders: add earthy undertones and amplify savory notes. Choose high quality dried herbs for a fresher taste
- Salt and black pepper: highlight all the flavors. Freshly ground black pepper offers the best aroma and heat
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: melts lusciously and brings a creamy, tangy finish. Always shred cheese from a block for best melting
- Fresh parsley and green onions: add an herbal pop and brightness at the end. Choose perky leaves and crisp stalks
- Sour cream: creamy coolness for topping. Use if you like extra richness
Instructions
- Prep the Potatoes:
- Wash baby potatoes thoroughly and cut each one in half. Aim for all pieces to be about the same size. This guarantees every bite cooks at the same rate and you will get golden crisp edges with fluffy centers
- Brown the Potatoes:
- Heat olive oil in a large heavy skillet or cast iron pan over medium high. Place potatoes cut side down in a single layer. Let them cook undisturbed for eight to ten minutes until the bottoms are golden brown and the flesh is tender when poked with a fork
- Brown the Sausage:
- Push the potatoes to one side of the skillet. Place the sliced sausage on the empty side and let it sizzle for three to four minutes until each side starts to caramelize and the sausage is heated through
- Cook the Vegetables:
- Spread sliced onion and bell peppers over the skillet. Stir them gently into the sausage and potatoes. Sauté five to six minutes until the veggies are softened and starting to caramelize at the edges. Add minced garlic and stir for thirty seconds until the aroma is unmistakable
- Mix in the Seasonings:
- Dust the top of the skillet with smoked paprika, dried oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Toss everything gently so the spices and seasonings coat each layer for even flavor
- Add the Cheese:
- Turn off the heat. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese all over the skillet evenly. Place a lid on top for two to three minutes. The residual heat melts the cheese into a gooey delicious blanket
- Finish and Serve:
- Top everything with chopped parsley and green onions for a fresh bite. Serve directly from the skillet so everyone can dig in. Offer sour cream on the side for a creamy cool topping
Pin The cheddar cheese is my must have for this recipe. It melts into every corner and creates those gooey, savory bites that everyone fights over. Some of my fondest memories are plating this up straight from the skillet at the table and letting everyone grab their favorite cheesy portion.
Storage Tips
Leftovers hold up beautifully in the fridge. Store any cooled skillet mixture in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat in a covered skillet or in the oven for best texture. I find adding a splash of water helps it steam back to a just cooked softness without drying out.
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap out the sausage for any smoked meat you love such as turkey kielbasa, chorizo, or even cubed leftover chicken. Use red or gold potatoes, or even sweet potatoes for a different flavor. Feel free to go dairy free with a plant based cheese or skip the cheese and sour cream entirely.
Serving Suggestions
Dish this skillet meal up as the star of your dinner table with a crisp green salad or some roasted veggies alongside. For brunch, top with a fried or poached egg for extra breakfast comfort. Warm tortillas or crusty bread go perfectly if you want to scoop up every cheesy bite.
Cultural and Historical Context
Sausage and potatoes have been a classic pairing for generations, popping up in cuisines from Polish to German and Southern American to Tex Mex. This one pot approach draws inspiration from old fashioned skillet suppers when families needed comfort food that also stretched ingredients.
Seasonal Adaptations
Swap in whatever seasonal vegetables you have on hand such as zucchini in summer or carrots in fall Toss in cooked greens like spinach or kale just before serving to pack in some extra color and nutrients Go spicy by adding red pepper flakes or swapping in spicy sausage for a bolder flavor profile
Success Stories
Friends have told me this recipe has become their weeknight lifesaver, especially on nights when everyone is hungry and no one wants to wash dishes. My own kids cheer when they spot the potatoes and sausage coming together in the pan because they know something cozy is on the way.
Freezer Meal Conversion
To make ahead as a freezer meal, assemble everything except cheese and toppings. Let cool completely and pack in a freezer bag or container. Defrost overnight, reheat in a skillet or oven, top with cheese, and serve fresh herbs at the last minute.
Pin This skillet is a family favorite for its coziness and convenience. Try it soon and you might find it becomes a regular on your weeknight menu too.
Recipe Q&A
- → Can I use a different sausage?
Yes, any smoked sausage, kielbasa, or even breakfast sausage can work for unique flavors.
- → Do I have to use baby potatoes?
No, any potato variety is fine; just cut them to similar size pieces for even cooking.
- → Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Check sausage packaging to confirm.
- → How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheat in a covered skillet or bake at 350°F with foil until hot throughout.
- → What toppings go well with this dish?
Fresh parsley, green onions, and sour cream add extra brightness and creaminess.
- → Can I make this ahead of time?
It stores and reheats well. Prepare ahead, refrigerate, and warm up when ready to serve.