A comforting and hearty casserole combining cheesy potatoes and savory sausage, perfect for family dinners.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Always preheat your oven to ensure even cooking.
Peel and dice the potatoes into bite-sized pieces.
Cut the potatoes evenly to ensure they cook uniformly.
Boil the diced potatoes in a pot of salted water until tender, about 10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Don't overcook the potatoes; they should hold their shape.
Slice the smoked sausage into half-moon pieces and cook in a frying pan over medium heat until slightly browned, about 10 minutes.
Stir the sausage occasionally to prevent sticking.
In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour to form a roux and cook for 1 minute.
Whisk constantly to avoid lumps in the roux.
Gradually whisk in the milk, salt, and pepper. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
Keep stirring to prevent the sauce from burning.
Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
Add the cheese gradually for a smoother sauce.
Combine the cooked potatoes and sausage in a greased casserole dish.
Mix gently to avoid breaking the potatoes.
Pour the cheese sauce over the potato and sausage mixture, spreading it evenly.
Use a spatula to scrape all the sauce from the pan.
Sprinkle paprika over the top for added flavor and color.
Adjust the amount of paprika to your taste preference.
Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until golden and bubbly.
Check the casserole halfway through to ensure even cooking.
Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Allowing it to cool slightly makes serving easier.