Slow Cooker Sausage and Cheesy Potatoes

Ah, the beauty of a slow cooker when you're swamped with school pickups and work deadlines! I remember the first time I whipped up this Slow Cooker Sausage and Cheesy Potatoes—it felt like discovering a secret shortcut in busy Manhattan life. With tender potatoes and savory sausage, this dish has become Donald’s answer to “Mom, what’s for dinner?” Plus, it fills the apartment with an aroma so comforting it feels like a warm hug. If you’re pressed for time but crave a homemade meal, this recipe is your perfect midweek savior.

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Why you’ll love this recipe
Ingredients
Step-by-step instructions
Recipe tips & variations
Storage & reheating
FAQs
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Slow Cooker Sausage and Cheesy Potatoes

Actually, you might also enjoy warming up to these gluten-free lemon crinkle cookies for dessert.

Why you’ll love this recipe

This delightful dish saves you from juggling stove-top duties, as everything cooks together in one pot. It’s perfect for those lazy Sundays when relaxing is your main goal. Alex and Sarah love coming home to the smell of these cheesy potatoes after a long day of school and activities. The minimal cleanup makes it even better for hectic weeknights.

Ingredients

3 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all purpose flour
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups milk
2 bouillon cubes, crumbled
1 teaspoon fresh thyme
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
3-4 large Russet potatoes, diced ¼ inch (7-8 cups)
14 ounces smoked sausage link, cut into slices
1 medium onion, diced
2 cups cheese, divided (cheddar and pepper jack)
Fresh chopped parsley for garnish

Step-by-step instructions

Heat a skillet on medium-high and add butter and garlic. Once melted, add flour and whisk until combined.
Whisk in milk, bouillon cubes, thyme, salt, and pepper, and let it simmer.
Place diced potatoes, sausage, onions, and half of the cheese in the slow cooker. Mix in the sauce until combined.
Cover and cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 7 hours, until potatoes are tender.
In the last 30 minutes, sprinkle in the reserved cheese and let it melt.
Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

Recipe tips & variations

One thing I discovered: if you’re out of fresh thyme, dried works just fine. Swap in whatever cheese your family loves or what's in the fridge—Swiss or mozzarella add a nice twist. Don’t like sausage? Try diced ham or seasoned chicken for a change.

Storage & reheating

Leftovers are a blessing with this dish! Store them in an airtight container in the fridge and they’ll keep for up to three days. Reheat slowly, either in the oven at 350°F or in the microwave. The flavors meld beautifully, making it just as comforting the next day.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of sausage for Slow Cooker Sausage and Cheesy Potatoes?

Absolutely, any sausage you fancy will work. We've tried and loved chicken and even turkey sausage!

How do I prevent the potatoes from becoming mushy in the slow cooker?

Cut them into larger chunks or use less cooking time if you prefer them firmer.

Can I substitute another cheese for cheddar or pepper jack?

You bet! Swiss or mozzarella are yummy alternatives that won't overpower the dish.

Does this sausage and cheesy potato dish reheat well for leftovers?

Definitely! It reheats beautifully, just like the day you made it.

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