Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or sheet pan with olive oil.
- Parboil the Potatoes: If you prefer your potatoes extra soft, parboil them first by boiling in salted water for 5-7 minutes until slightly tender. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
- Mix the Potatoes and Sausage: In a large bowl, toss the halved potatoes, sausage slices, onion, and bell pepper together. Drizzle with olive oil and season with smoked paprika, garlic powder, dried thyme (or rosemary), crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to ensure everything is evenly coated with the seasoning.
Step 3: Bake
- Transfer to the Baking Dish: Spread the sausage and potato mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish or sheet pan. Make sure the potatoes are in a single layer so they cook evenly.
- Bake the Dish: Bake for 30-40 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the potatoes are golden brown and tender, and the sausages are slightly crispy around the edges.
Step 4: Add Cheese (Optional)
- Optional Cheesy Topping: If you’re adding cheese, sprinkle the shredded cheddar over the top during the last 5-10 minutes of baking. Continue baking until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 5: Serve
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of freshness. Serve hot.
Tips for Success
- Customize the Sausages: You can use any type of sausage you prefer—Italian sausage, chicken sausage, or even spicy chorizo will add unique flavors to the dish.
- Veggie Add-Ins: Feel free to add more vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes to bulk up the dish and add extra nutrients.
- Make It Ahead: This dish can be prepped ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. Simply assemble everything in the baking dish and pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake.
- One-Pan Option: For easy clean-up, you can bake everything on a single sheet pan instead of a baking dish.
Conclusion
This Hearty Potato and Sausage Bake is a flavorful, satisfying dish that’s easy to throw together but delivers big on taste. The crispy potatoes, juicy sausage, and aromatic herbs come together in a hearty, warm meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. Plus, with the option to add cheese or more veggies, it’s a versatile recipe that can be adapted to your taste and what you have on hand. Enjoy!