Easy Sausage and Potatoes

Content… A Southern Classic Recipe Ingredients How to Make It Recipe Variations Tips and Tricks Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions What to Serve More Hearty Potato Recipes to Try

Sausage and Potatoes – A Southern Classic

Most cultures enjoy various sausage and potato recipes – especially in the south. You may have heard them called fried potatoes and sausage, and some people even call them home fries.

No matter the name, you can find them on breakfast and dinner menus everywhere in the southern US and beyond. So enjoy a practical meal made with readily available ingredients, a cast iron skillet, and oil or bacon drippings (all key elements in Southern comfort food). 👌

Recipe Ingredients

1. Potatoes – Russets are my potatoes of choice, but you can use red potatoes or any variety you have on hand.
2. Sausage – Smoked and fully cooked sausage (beef or pork sausage) makes this meal come together in no time. However, you can use turkey sausage instead.
3. Fat – Olive oil and butter fry up your taters and deliver rich flavor. Ghee works as a lactose-free, high-heat alternative. Avocado oil works great if you’re looking for a healthier alternative.
4. Veggies – Onions, a red bell pepper, and minced garlic add flavor, texture, and color to this dish.
5. Seasonings – Keep it simple and let the sausage shine with just salt and pepper, along with some thyme and paprika.

How to Make Sausage and Potatoes

Prep Potatoes and Sausage

• Season your potatoes with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Toss them thoroughly to coat every potato chunk with the seasoning. (Photo 1)
• Heat oil in a large skillet over medium, then carefully add the seasoned potatoes, spreading them out in a single layer for even cooking.
• Cook the potatoes for approximately 3 minutes on each side. Turn them occasionally to ensure they brown evenly and develop a crisp, golden crust (about 6 minutes total). Once the potatoes are nicely browned, transfer them to a plate with a slotted spoon. Set aside. (Photo 2)
• Sausage – Add the butter to the same skillet and let it melt. Add the sausage to the skillet. Cook, turning occasionally, until the sausage is browned and cooked through (6-8 minutes). Once cooked, remove the sausage from the skillet, place it on a separate plate, and set aside. (Photos 3-4)
• Onions – In the same skillet, add the chopped onions. Sauté over medium heat for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions become translucent and slightly softened. (Photos 5-6)

Put it All Together

• Seasonings – Add minced garlic, dried thyme, and paprika to the skillet with the onions. Continue to sauté for 2 more minutes, stirring frequently, until the garlic becomes fragrant and the spices combine well with the onions. (Photo 7)
• Bell Pepper – Add the chopped red bell pepper. Cook for a minute, occasionally stirring, until the pepper starts to soften. (Photos 8-9)
• Assemble – Return the browned potatoes and sausage to the skillet. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients and allow them to heat through for 2-3 minutes. (Photo 10)
• Serve – Transfer the mixture to a serving dish. Garnish with fresh greens, such as parsley or chives, for color and flavor. Serve immediately while hot.

Recipe Variations

1. Add a sauce. You can drizzle a creamy Dijon sauce or a herby chimichurri sauce if you feel like it.
2. You could also add a cup of frozen corn to the mix when adding the chopped onions to the skillet. It looks beautiful and tastes great too. 🌽
3. Make sausage and potato soup by adding 2 cups of chicken broth at the same time you assemble everything. Then simmer for about 5 minutes to heat it through.
4. Italian sausage and potatoes. Replace the smoked sausage with mild or hot Italian sausage for a delicious flavor twist.
5. Roasted potatoes and sausage. Mix all your ingredients (potatoes, sausage, oil, veggies, and seasonings) in a large bowl, then spread it out on a baking sheet. Bake at 350℉ (180℃), stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are crispy and the sausage is heated through (20-30 minutes).

Tips and Tricks

1. Starchy potatoes like Russets have a fluffy interior. On the other hand, waxy potatoes like red or Yukon Gold provide a creamier texture.
2. For extra crispiness, consider parboiling the potatoes before sautéing. Boil them in salted water for 5-7 minutes until slightly tender. Drain and cool before cooking.
3. Season the potatoes and sausage well with salt, pepper, and preferred herbs or spices. Don’t be afraid to use a generous amount of seasoning for full flavor.
4. Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the oil and butter. That ensures a good sear and prevents sticking.
5. A cast-iron skillet retains heat well and provides an excellent sear. If you don’t have one, any heavy-bottomed pan will work.
6. Avoid overcrowding the skillet when cooking potatoes and sausage. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure everything gets a good sear and browns evenly.
7. Always taste your dish before serving. Adjust seasoning if needed by adding a pinch of salt or pepper.

Make-Ahead Instructions

You can make this dish a day before, but I don’t recommend it. If you reheat it in the microwave, the potatoes get pretty mushy. And if you reheat it on the stovetop, you’ll need to add more oil to the pan to keep things from mushing, sticking, and burning.

If you’re up for a challenge – go for it anyway. Let the sausage and potatoes cool completely before refrigerating them in an airtight container, and then reheat the next day.

Serving and Storage Instructions 

Serve sausage and potatoes hot out of the pan while the potatoes are still nice and crispy. You might want to drizzle some hot sauce on top, like I do.

Refrigerate leftover potatoes and sausage in an airtight container and reheat in the microwave or stovetop with a tablespoon or two of oil. Please note that this dish tastes best fresh from the skillet but also goes great in a cleaning-out-the-fridge soup.

What Goes With Sausage and Potatoes

This meal can certainly stand on its own two feet, but it also goes great with Southern fried cabbage or sauerkraut. Some hot water cornbread or oven-roasted corn on the cob wouldn’t hurt either. 😉 

More Hearty Potato Recipes to Try

1. German Potato Salad
2. Green Beans and Potatoes
3. Smothered Potatoes
4. Roasted Fingerling Potatoes
5. Fried Potatoes and Onions