Italian-Inspired Potato and Sausage Casserole with Creamy Herb Sauce

This Potato and Sausage Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish that’s perfect for dinner. The combination of creamy potatoes, savory sausage, and rich eggs topped with Parmesan cheese makes this casserole a delicious and satisfying meal. Paired with a fresh and zesty herb sauce, this dish is a true taste of Italian comfort food.

Ingredients

For the Casserole:

  • 4 eggs
  • 200 g (7 oz) cream
  • A handful of chopped chives
  • 1 tomato, chopped
  • 500 g (17.6 oz) potatoes
  • 2 large sausages
  • 50 g (1.8 oz) hard Parmesan cheese, grated
  • Optional: A pinch of nutmeg for the cream

For the Creamy Herb Sauce (Optional):

  • 60 g (2.1 oz) cream
  • 40 g (1.4 oz) mayonnaise
  • A handful of fine herbs (such as parsley, dill, or chives)
  • 1 cucumber, grated
  • 3 cloves garlic, crushed

Instructions

1. Prepare the Potatoes

Start by peeling 500 g of potatoes and boiling them in salted water until they are tender but still firm, about 10-15 minutes. Drain the potatoes and let them cool slightly before cutting them into slices. These potato slices will form the base of your casserole, providing a hearty and comforting layer.

2. Prepare the Sausages

While the potatoes are boiling, place 2 large sausages in a separate pot of boiling water. Cook them for about 8-10 minutes or until fully cooked through. Once cooked, remove the sausages from the water and let them cool slightly before cutting them into small bite-sized pieces. The sausages add a savory and flavorful element to the casserole.

3. Make the Egg and Cream Mixture

In a mixing bowl, beat 4 eggs together with 200 g of cream until well combined. Stir in a handful of chopped chives, which will add a fresh, mild onion flavor to the dish. For an extra layer of flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg to the cream mixture, which complements the richness of the eggs and cream.

4. Assemble the Casserole

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a baking dish with a bit of butter or oil to prevent sticking.

Start assembling the casserole by evenly distributing the potato slices across the bottom of the baking dish. Next, scatter the sausage pieces over the potatoes, ensuring they are evenly spread out. This layering will ensure that each bite is filled with a perfect combination of potatoes and sausage.

Chop 1 tomato into small pieces and sprinkle them over the sausage and potatoes. The tomato adds a touch of acidity and freshness to the dish.

Pour the egg and cream mixture over the layered ingredients in the baking dish, ensuring that the liquid is evenly distributed.

5. Add the Cheese and Bake

Grate 50 g of hard Parmesan cheese and generously sprinkle it over the top of the casserole. The Parmesan will melt and create a golden, crispy topping as it bakes.

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the eggs are set. The baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on the casserole during the last few minutes.

6. Prepare the Creamy Herb Sauce (Optional)

While the casserole is baking, prepare the optional creamy herb sauce. This sauce is a fresh and zesty complement to the rich casserole.

Grate 1 cucumber and place it in a bowl. Add 60 g of cream, 40 g of mayonnaise, a handful of finely chopped herbs (such as parsley, dill, or chives), and 3 cloves of crushed garlic. Mix everything together until well combined. The cucumber adds a refreshing crunch, while the herbs and garlic provide a flavorful punch.

7. Serve

Once the casserole is baked to a golden perfection, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly. Serve the casserole hot, accompanied by the creamy herb sauce if desired. The combination of warm, savory casserole and cool, tangy sauce is truly delightful.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Calories: 350 kcal
Carbohydrates: 30 g
Protein: 15 g
Fat: 20 g
Saturated Fat: 8 g
Cholesterol: 150 mg
Sodium: 600 mg
Fiber: 3 g
Sugars: 4 g

Yield: 4-6 servings

Enjoy this Italian-Inspired Potato and Sausage Casserole for dinner, and savor the rich, comforting flavors of this classic dish. The combination of creamy eggs, savory sausage, and golden-baked Parmesan cheese will have everyone coming back for seconds!