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- 2 lbs baby potatoes, halved - 1 lb kielbasa sausage, sliced into rounds - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1 medium onion, finely diced - 3 garlic cloves, minced - 1 cup chicken broth (low sodium recommended) - 1 cup heavy cream - 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish You can use different cheeses or sausages if you want. For cheese, try gouda or pepper jack for a kick. If you prefer a healthier option, use turkey kielbasa. You can also swap out the heavy cream for a lighter milk or plant-based cream. Choosing the right baby potatoes is key. Look for firm and smooth potatoes without blemishes. For the kielbasa, pick a brand that is high in flavor and quality. When it comes to cheese, fresh blocks melt better than pre-shredded options. Grate your own for a creamier result. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by washing the baby potatoes. Cut them in half to help them cook evenly. I like to use fresh potatoes for the best taste. Next, slice the kielbasa sausage into rounds. This adds great texture to the dish. Finely dice one medium onion. The onion gives a nice flavor. Finally, mince three garlic cloves. Fresh garlic adds a wonderful aroma to the meal. For the best flavor, layer the ingredients in the crockpot. First, place the halved potatoes at the bottom. This helps them cook well. Next, add the sliced kielbasa on top of the potatoes. Then, spread the diced onion and minced garlic over the sausage. Make sure to distribute them evenly. This allows the flavors to mix perfectly. Now it’s time to cook! In a bowl, whisk together one cup of chicken broth, one cup of heavy cream, two teaspoons of Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Pour this creamy mixture over the layered ingredients in the crockpot. Cover the pot and choose your cooking setting. If you set it to low, cook for 6-7 hours. For a quicker option, set it to high and cook for 3-4 hours. The potatoes should be tender when done. After the cooking time, sprinkle one cup each of shredded sharp cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese over the top. Cover the crockpot again for 15-20 minutes. This allows the cheese to melt into delicious gooeyness. Once melted, stir everything together gently. Finally, remove the lid and garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color. To ensure the potatoes are tender and the cheese melts just right, choose the right potatoes. Baby potatoes work best. Halve them for even cooking. Once your dish is done, let it sit for 15-20 minutes. This helps the cheese melt beautifully. Stir gently after it melts to combine everything well. You can always add more flavor! Consider these spices: - A pinch of paprika for a smoky touch. - Crushed red pepper flakes for heat. - Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for brightness. Toppings can elevate your dish. Try crispy bacon bits or crunchy fried onions. A sprinkle of green onions adds freshness too! If your potatoes are undercooked, try these fixes: - Cook longer on low heat. - Add a splash of chicken broth to help. For uneven cheese melting, ensure you layer it evenly. Stir gently after melting. If it clumps, add a bit more cream or broth to smooth it out. Adjusting heat settings can also help achieve an even melt. Pro Tips Pre-cook the Potatoes: For extra tenderness, you can parboil the baby potatoes for about 10 minutes before adding them to the slow cooker. This will enhance their cooking time and texture. Use Variety in Sausage: Experiment with different types of sausage, such as smoked or spicy kielbasa, to add unique flavors to the dish. Each type brings its own character! Cheese Variations: Feel free to mix in different cheeses like gouda or pepper jack for a twist on the traditional cheese blend. This will give your dish a distinct taste profile. Make Ahead: This dish is perfect for meal prep! Assemble the ingredients the night before and store them in the fridge. Just pop it in the slow cooker in the morning for an easy dinner. {{image_4}} You can make this dish vegetarian by swapping the kielbasa for plant-based sausage. Many brands offer tasty veggie sausage that mimics the flavor and texture of meat. You can also use mushrooms for a hearty bite. Slice them thick and layer them with the potatoes. This keeps the dish filling and satisfying without meat. Cheese is the star here, so feel free to mix things up. Instead of sharp cheddar and mozzarella, try gouda or pepper jack. Each cheese brings a unique flavor. You can also use a blend of cheeses for more depth. Just remember to keep the total amount of cheese the same. Adding some heat can elevate your cheesy potatoes. Try mixing in diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes. You can also add a pinch of smoked paprika for a warm, smoky flavor. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can enhance the dish, too. Just toss them in before cooking for great results. To store your cheesy potatoes and kielbasa, let the dish cool first. Place it in an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to store it longer, freeze it. Use freezer-safe containers or bags. Make sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. When you're ready to enjoy leftovers, you have a few options. The best way is to reheat in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the dish to an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 20-25 minutes until it's warm. You can also use the microwave. Heat in short bursts of one minute, stirring in between, until heated through. This keeps the cheese from becoming rubbery. In the fridge, your cheesy potatoes and kielbasa last about three days. If frozen, it can last for up to three months. Just remember to label your containers with the date. This way, you’ll know when to enjoy them before they lose quality. Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. To do this, chop your baby potatoes and kielbasa. Also, dice the onion and mince the garlic. You can store these in the fridge for up to a day. When you're ready to cook, simply add the prepped ingredients to the crockpot. This saves time and makes meal prep easier on busy days. Yes, you can cook this dish without a slow cooker. You can use an oven for this recipe. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large baking dish, layer the ingredients as you would in the crockpot. Cover it with foil and bake for about 1.5 hours. Check if the potatoes are tender, then add the cheese and bake uncovered for an extra 15 minutes. Yes, you can double this recipe in a crockpot. Make sure your slow cooker is large enough to hold all the ingredients. If it’s too full, the cooking time may change. You might need to increase the cooking time by an hour or so. Always check the potatoes for doneness before serving. This blog post covered everything you need to know about cooking with baby potatoes and kielbasa. We explored ingredients and substitutions for a perfect dish. I shared step-by-step instructions for preparing and layering in the crockpot. You also learned tips to enhance texture and flavor. Experiment with variations to suit your taste and learn how to store leftovers. Remember, cooking is about trying new ideas. Enjoy your culinary adventure with these easy recipes!

Cheesy Kielbasa Potato Delight

A creamy and cheesy dish featuring baby potatoes and kielbasa sausage, perfect for a comforting meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs baby potatoes, halved
  • 1 lb kielbasa sausage, sliced into rounds
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 medium onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup chicken broth (low sodium recommended)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • to taste Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • for garnish Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • Begin by placing the halved baby potatoes into the bottom of a slow cooker.
  • Next, evenly layer the sliced kielbasa sausage over the potatoes.
  • Scatter the diced onion and minced garlic on top of the sausage, distributing them evenly to enhance the flavor throughout.
  • In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper until well blended.
  • Pour this creamy broth mixture over the potatoes and sausage in the crockpot, ensuring everything is well coated for maximum flavor.
  • Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork.
  • Once cooking is complete, sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the top of the dish. Cover the crockpot again and let it sit for an additional 15-20 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt into gooey perfection.
  • After the cheese has melted, gently stir to combine it with the rest of the ingredients, creating a creamy and cheesy mixture.
  • Finally, remove the lid and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a touch of color before serving.

Notes

For an appealing serving, dish up the cheesy mixture in individual bowls and sprinkle extra cheese and parsley on top. Serve alongside warm, crusty bread to scoop up the delightful blend of flavors!
Keyword cheesy, kielbasa, potatoes, slow cooker