Cheesy Sausage & Vegetable Potato Bake – Easy One-Dish Dinner

This Cheesy Sausage and Vegetable Potato Bake is one of those cozy, heartwarming dishes that brings comfort to the table with every bite. It’s layered with tender, seasoned potatoes, flavorful sautéed vegetables, juicy sausage slices, and topped with a creamy homemade cheese sauce. The result? A golden, bubbling casserole that’s just as perfect for family dinners as it is for weekend gatherings. It’s the kind of dish that looks impressive but is easy to make—simple ingredients that come together in a deliciously satisfying way.

This recipe balances everything we love in a comforting meal—texture, flavor, and that irresistible cheesy finish. The aroma of baked potatoes mingled with Provencal herbs and paprika fills your kitchen with warmth, while the cheesy sauce ties everything together in the most luscious way possible. Whether you’re serving this as a main course or a hearty side, it’s sure to steal the spotlight.

Full Recipe

Ingredients

For the Potato Layer:

  • Olive oil, for cooking and greasing

  • Salt, to taste

  • Ground black pepper, to taste

  • Provencal herbs, to taste

  • Sweet paprika, to taste

  • 5 medium potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced

For the Egg Mixture:

  • 4 large eggs

  • 1 tablespoon mayonnaise

  • Salt, to taste

  • Ground black pepper, to taste

For the Vegetables:

  • 1 medium white onion, chopped

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 large carrot, grated

  • 1 medium red bell pepper, chopped

  • Olive oil, for sautéing

For the Cheese Sauce:

  • 60 g (2.11 oz) butter

  • 50 g (1.76 oz) flour

  • 400 ml (13.52 fl oz) milk

  • Salt and ground black pepper, to taste

For Assembly:

  • 2 sausages, sliced

  • 100 g (3.52 oz) mozzarella cheese, grated

  • Green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Cooking Directions

1. Prepare the Potatoes
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Toss the thinly sliced potatoes with olive oil, salt, black pepper, Provencal herbs, and sweet paprika until evenly coated. Spread them out evenly in a greased baking dish. Bake for about 30 minutes or until the potatoes are tender but not fully cooked. This creates the perfect base for layering the other ingredients later.

2. Prepare the Egg Mixture
In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, mayonnaise, salt, and black pepper. This egg mixture adds richness and binds the layers together during baking. Set aside for later use.

3. Sauté the Vegetables
Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 5 minutes until it turns translucent. Stir in the minced garlic, grated carrot, and chopped red bell pepper. Season with salt, pepper, and a little paprika for extra flavor. Cook for 5–7 minutes until the vegetables are tender and fragrant.

4. Prepare the Cheese Sauce
In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously for about 1–2 minutes to form a smooth roux. Gradually pour in the milk while whisking to prevent lumps. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens—this takes around 3–5 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. The result should be a creamy, velvety sauce that coats the back of a spoon.

5. Assemble the Casserole
Remove the partially baked potatoes from the oven. Pour the egg mixture evenly over them to bind the base. Next, layer the sautéed vegetables and sliced sausages over the potatoes. Pour the freshly made cheese sauce on top, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle grated mozzarella cheese over the surface.

6. Bake
Return the dish to the oven and bake for 30 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbling. The cheese will melt beautifully, creating a rich crust over the soft, creamy layers underneath.

7. Garnish and Serve
Once baked, sprinkle with freshly chopped green onions for a burst of color and freshness. Serve warm straight from the baking dish—each scoop offers layers of flavor and comfort.

Nutrients

  • Calories: ~420 kcal per serving

  • Protein: 18 g

  • Carbohydrates: 28 g

  • Fat: 26 g

  • Fiber: 3 g

  • Calcium: 200 mg

  • Iron: 2.4 mg

  • Vitamin A: High (from carrots and bell peppers)

  • Vitamin C: Excellent (from potatoes, bell peppers, and onions)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love this Cheesy Sausage and Vegetable Potato Bake because it’s everything a comforting home-cooked meal should be—creamy, cheesy, hearty, and satisfying. It combines the flavors of sautéed vegetables and sausages with creamy potatoes and a decadent cheese sauce. It’s also an adaptable dish—great for using up ingredients you already have in your fridge. Plus, it looks beautiful right out of the oven, with that golden, melted cheese crust that practically begs you to dig in.

The Origins and Inspiration Behind the Dish

This recipe draws inspiration from European comfort food traditions, particularly French and Mediterranean casseroles that celebrate simple, layered ingredients baked into a cohesive, comforting meal. The combination of potatoes, cheese, and eggs is reminiscent of classic gratins and bakes enjoyed across Europe, while the use of Provencal herbs and olive oil gives it a subtle Mediterranean flair. It’s the kind of dish you’d expect to find in a cozy countryside kitchen—rich, flavorful, and made with love.

Ingredient Spotlight

  • Potatoes: The heart of the dish—thinly sliced and baked until soft, they provide both structure and creaminess.

  • Sausages: They add a smoky, savory depth that contrasts perfectly with the mild vegetables.

  • Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully, creating a gooey, stretchy top layer that makes every bite irresistible.

  • Eggs and Mayonnaise: These two create a custard-like texture that binds everything together without drying out.

  • Provencal Herbs: A fragrant mix of thyme, rosemary, oregano, and basil that infuses the dish with aromatic warmth.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers, let the casserole cool completely before covering and storing it in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3–4 days. To reheat, place a portion in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10–15 minutes, or until hot throughout. If you’re in a hurry, you can also microwave it for 2–3 minutes, though reheating in the oven helps maintain the crisp cheesy top. Avoid freezing, as the cheese sauce may separate when thawed.

Common Variations to Try

There’s plenty of room to make this recipe your own. You can swap the sausage for bacon, ham, or shredded chicken if you prefer a different protein. For a vegetarian version, skip the meat and add zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms for a vegetable-loaded bake. If you enjoy a stronger flavor, try using sharp cheddar or gouda in the cheese sauce. You can even spice things up with a dash of chili flakes or cayenne pepper for a gentle kick.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs beautifully with a light, refreshing green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness. A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on the side adds a tangy contrast. For beverages, pair it with a crisp white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, or a light sparkling water with lemon if you prefer non-alcoholic options. It also goes wonderfully with garlic bread if you want to turn it into a full meal.

Health Benefits

While this is definitely a comfort dish, it offers several nutritional perks too. The vegetables provide fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants that support immune health. Potatoes are a great source of potassium and vitamin C, while eggs and cheese supply protein and calcium for strong bones and muscles. Using olive oil instead of butter for sautéing keeps the recipe heart-friendly, and you can easily reduce the fat content by using low-fat milk or cheese if desired.

Conclusion

In a world full of quick fixes and fast food, this Cheesy Sausage and Vegetable Potato Bake brings you back to the joy of slow, comforting cooking. It’s a dish made for sharing—a centerpiece for the dinner table that combines the earthy flavors of potatoes, the sweetness of vegetables, and the indulgence of melted cheese. Each bite feels like a warm hug, reminding you that homemade food truly nourishes both body and soul. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a weekend indulgence, this recipe is one to keep in your rotation—it never fails to impress.

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