Baked Potato and Sausage Casserole with Mozzarella

### Step-by-Step Guide to Making Baked Potato and Sausage Casserole with Mozzarella

#### Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking.

Next, peel and slice the potatoes thinly, about 1/8-inch thick. This ensures that they cook evenly in the casserole. You can use a mandoline slicer for uniform slices, which helps with even cooking.

#### Step 2: Cook the Sausage
In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage, breaking it up with a spatula into small pieces as it cooks. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, until the sausage is browned and cooked through.

Add the diced onion and garlic to the skillet and sauté for an additional 3-4 minutes, until the onions soften and become fragrant. Season with oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine. Once the sausage mixture is cooked, remove from heat and set aside.

#### Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Now it’s time to layer the casserole. Begin by layering the bottom of the greased baking dish with a portion of the sliced potatoes. Next, spoon half of the cooked sausage mixture over the potatoes. Repeat the layers, finishing with a final layer of potatoes on top.

Pour the heavy cream evenly over the layered potatoes and sausage. This will help create a creamy texture as the casserole bakes.

#### Step 4: Add Mozzarella Cheese
Top the casserole with the shredded mozzarella cheese, spreading it evenly over the surface. The cheese will melt and form a golden, bubbly crust as the casserole bakes.

#### Step 5: Bake
Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. After 45 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is melted and golden brown.

If you want a crispier top, you can broil the casserole for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end of baking.

#### Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once the casserole is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes to set. Slice into squares and serve.

For an extra touch, you can garnish with freshly chopped herbs like parsley or thyme before serving. The fresh herbs will add a pop of color and flavor to the dish.

### Why This Casserole is So Delicious

– **Creamy Texture**: The heavy cream creates a rich and creamy base, which soaks into the potatoes and enhances the flavor.
– **Savory Sausage**: The sausage adds depth of flavor, and its savory taste pairs perfectly with the mild potatoes. You can choose your favorite type of sausage to tailor the dish to your taste, whether you prefer spicy Italian sausage, mild breakfast sausage, or something else.
– **Melted Mozzarella**: The mozzarella cheese brings a gooey, melt-in-your-mouth quality that adds both flavor and texture to the casserole. The melted cheese on top turns golden and bubbly, creating a satisfying contrast to the tender potatoes and sausage.
– **Versatility**: This casserole can easily be adapted to suit your tastes. You can swap in different types of cheese (cheddar, gouda, or provolone would be great alternatives), add extra vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach, or use different seasonings based on your preferences.

### Tips for the Best Baked Potato and Sausage Casserole

– **Slice Potatoes Thinly**: For even cooking, make sure to slice the potatoes thinly. Thick slices may not cook through in the time it takes for the casserole to bake.
– **Use a Starchy Potato**: Russet potatoes work best for casseroles because they hold their shape and have a fluffy texture when baked. You can also use Yukon Gold potatoes for a creamier texture.
– **Add Extra Veggies**: Feel free to include more vegetables for added flavor and nutrients. Sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach can be layered into the casserole for extra taste.
– **Make Ahead**: This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it a great option for meal prep or when you want to prepare dinner in advance.
– **Leftovers**: Leftover casserole can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. It reheats beautifully in the microwave or in the oven.

### Serving Suggestions

This **Baked Potato and Sausage Casserole with Mozzarella** is hearty enough to serve as a complete meal, but it pairs well with a variety of side dishes:

– **Green Salad**: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette can provide a nice contrast to the richness of the casserole.
– **Garlic Bread**: A slice of garlic bread or crusty French bread is perfect for soaking up any extra creamy sauce.
– **Roasted Vegetables**: Roasted vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or carrots would add a nice balance to the casserole’s richness.

### Final Thoughts

**Baked Potato and Sausage Casserole with Mozzarella** is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, cheesy, savory, and filling. This dish has everything you want in a hearty meal, from tender potatoes to flavorful sausage, all topped with melted mozzarella. It’s the perfect choice for family dinners, meal prep, or any time you need a satisfying, one-pan meal.

This recipe is simple to prepare, but it’s packed with flavor and sure to impress everyone at the table. Whether you’re serving it on a chilly evening or for a casual weekend dinner, this casserole is sure to be a hit. So grab your ingredients and get baking—you won’t regret it!