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### **Instructions:**
#### 1. **Preheat the Oven**
Start by preheating your oven to **375°F (190°C)**. This ensures your bake will cook evenly and develop that golden, bubbly top we all love.
#### 2. **Cook the Sausage**
In a large skillet, heat **1 tablespoon of olive oil** over medium heat. Add the **sausage** to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up into smaller pieces as it cooks. This should take about 6-8 minutes. Once cooked, transfer the sausage to a plate and set it aside.
#### 3. **Sauté the Onions and Garlic**
In the same skillet, add the **chopped onion** and cook for about 3-4 minutes, until softened and translucent. Add the **minced garlic** and cook for another minute, stirring to ensure it doesn’t burn.
#### 4. **Prepare the Creamy Sauce**
To the skillet, add the **heavy cream** and **chicken broth**. Stir well to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Season with **dried thyme**, **salt**, and **pepper**, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.
#### 5. **Assemble the Bake**
In a large baking dish, layer the **sliced potatoes** evenly across the bottom. Season with a little salt and pepper. Then, spread the cooked **sausage** and sautéed **onions and garlic** over the potatoes. Pour the creamy sauce over everything, making sure it’s evenly distributed.
Top with the **shredded cheese**, and sprinkle a little extra salt and pepper if desired.
#### 6. **Bake the Dish**
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for **30 minutes**. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and continue to bake for an additional **20-25 minutes**, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is golden and bubbly. The potatoes should easily pierce with a fork when done.
#### 7. **Serve and Enjoy**
Once baked, let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with some **fresh parsley** for a pop of color and extra flavor. Then, serve and enjoy!
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### **Why This Recipe Works:**
– **The Sausage**: The savory, flavorful sausage adds the perfect amount of richness and depth to the dish. Whether you use breakfast sausage for a little sweetness or spicy Italian sausage for a kick, the sausage ties all the flavors together.
– **Creamy Sauce**: The combination of **heavy cream** and **chicken broth** creates a luxuriously creamy base that coats the potatoes and sausage, creating that irresistible comfort-food texture we all crave.
– **Cheese**: Adding **shredded cheese** to the top creates a bubbly, golden crust that brings even more flavor and a satisfying texture to the dish. The cheese melts into the sauce, making every bite extra creamy.
– **Potatoes**: The thinly sliced potatoes cook perfectly in the creamy sauce, becoming tender while still holding their shape. They absorb all the flavors, making each forkful incredibly satisfying.
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### **Tips for Success:**
– **Slice Potatoes Thinly**: To ensure the potatoes cook evenly and become tender, slice them thinly (about 1/8 inch thick). If they’re too thick, they may not cook through in time.
– **Use a Mandolin**: If you have one, a mandolin slicer is a great tool for getting perfectly even slices of potato without any effort.
– **Add Veggies**: If you’d like to add some veggies, try throwing in some spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms. These can be sautéed with the onions and garlic or layered into the bake along with the sausage and potatoes.
– **Adjust the Creaminess**: If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute some of the heavy cream with milk, though the dish will be a little less rich. Alternatively, you can add extra cream for an even more indulgent result.
– **Make it Ahead**: This dish can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for a day or two before baking. Just assemble it as directed, cover it with foil, and refrigerate until ready to bake. This can save you time on a busy day.
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### **Variations to Try:**
– **Cheese Lovers**: If you’re a cheese enthusiast, try mixing in some **cream cheese** for an extra creamy texture or use a blend of cheeses like **cheddar**, **mozzarella**, and **parmesan** for even more flavor.
– **Spicy Sausage**: For a kick of heat, use spicy **chorizo** or **jalapeño sausage** instead of mild sausage. The heat from the sausage adds an exciting twist to this comforting dish.
– **Vegetarian Version**: You can easily make a vegetarian version by swapping the sausage for **plant-based sausage** or **tofu crumbles**. Adding vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms will bring in additional flavor and texture.
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### Final Thoughts:
This **Creamy Sausage & Potato Bake** is the epitome of comfort food—rich, hearty, and full of flavor. It’s the kind of dish that everyone will love, and it’s perfect for serving at family dinners, holiday meals, or even as a comforting weeknight option.
With minimal prep and a straightforward baking process, this recipe is as easy as it is delicious. Whether you’re a fan of creamy potatoes, savory sausage, or cheesy baked goodness, this dish has something for everyone. So, next time you’re craving a comforting, filling meal, reach for this recipe—you won’t be disappointed!
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