Skillet

Sausage and Potato Skillet

Name: Sausage and Potato Skillet
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) smoked sausage, sliced; 2 large potatoes, peeled and diced; 6 slices of bacon, diced; 1 large onion, diced; 3 cloves of garlic, minced; 1 tsp (5g) dried thyme; 1 tsp (5g) paprika; Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 tbsp (30g) olive oil; 1 cup (250ml) chicken broth

By Jake Thornton · June 18, 2026 · Skillet

Prep20 min

Cook30 min

Total50 min

Serves4

I still remember the first time I made a Sausage and Potato Skillet. It was a chilly winter evening, and I was looking for a hearty, comforting dish to warm up my family. I had some smoked sausage and potatoes on hand, and I thought, why not throw them together in a skillet and see what happens? The result was a flavorful, satisfying meal that quickly became a staple in our household.

As a home cook, I love experimenting with different ingredients and techniques to create new and exciting dishes. But sometimes, it's the simple, classic recipes that really hit the spot. The Sausage and Potato Skillet is one of those recipes - it's easy to make, requires minimal ingredients, and is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

So, what makes this recipe so special? For starters, the combination of smoky sausage and crispy potatoes is a match made in heaven. The sausage adds a rich, meaty flavor, while the potatoes provide a nice crunch and texture. And let's not forget the bacon - because everything is better with bacon, right?

This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves comfort food and is looking for a simple, satisfying meal. It's also a great option for families, as it's easy to scale up or down depending on the number of people you're serving. And the best part? It's ready in under an hour, making it a great option for busy weeknights.

In this recipe, we'll walk through the steps to make a delicious Sausage and Potato Skillet. From prep to finish, we'll cover everything you need to know to create this tasty dish. So, let's get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients
It's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion
The combination of smoky sausage, crispy potatoes, and crunchy bacon is a match made in heaven
It's a great option for families, as it's easy to scale up or down depending on the number of people you're serving
It's ready in under an hour, making it a great option for busy weeknights
It's a comforting, satisfying meal that's sure to become a staple in your household

Why This Recipe Works

The key to this recipe is the combination of smoky sausage, crispy potatoes, and crunchy bacon. The sausage adds a rich, meaty flavor, while the potatoes provide a nice texture and crunch. The bacon, of course, adds a nice smoky flavor and a satisfying crunch.

Another important aspect of this recipe is the cooking technique. By cooking the sausage and potatoes in a skillet, we're able to achieve a nice brown crust on the bottom, which adds flavor and texture to the dish. And by using a combination of low and high heat, we're able to cook the ingredients evenly and prevent them from burning.

Finally, the seasoning is also important in this recipe. By using a combination of salt, pepper, and herbs, we're able to add depth and complexity to the dish without overpowering the other ingredients. And by seasoning the ingredients in layers, we're able to build a rich, satisfying flavor that's sure to please.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this recipe, you'll need a few simple ingredients, including smoked sausage, potatoes, bacon, and herbs. You'll also need some basic pantry staples, such as salt, pepper, and olive oil. Be sure to choose high-quality ingredients, as they'll make a big difference in the flavor and texture of the final dish.

When shopping for ingredients, look for smoked sausage that's made with high-quality meat and has a good balance of flavor and spice. You'll also want to choose potatoes that are high in starch, such as Russet or Idaho, as they'll yield a nice crispy exterior and a fluffy interior.

1 lb (450g) smoked sausage, slicedLook for smoked sausage that's made with high-quality meat and has a good balance of flavor and spice. You can also use other types of sausage, such as Andouille or kielbasa, if you prefer.
2 large potatoes, peeled and dicedChoose potatoes that are high in starch, such as Russet or Idaho, as they'll yield a nice crispy exterior and a fluffy interior.
6 slices of bacon, dicedThick-cut bacon works best for this recipe, as it'll yield a nice crunchy texture. You can also use other types of bacon, such as applewood-smoked or peppered, if you prefer.
1 large onion, dicedLook for a sweet onion, such as Vidalia or Maui, as it'll add a nice flavor to the dish. You can also use other types of onions, such as yellow or white, if you prefer.
3 cloves of garlic, mincedFresh garlic is essential for this recipe, as it'll add a nice flavor and aroma to the dish. You can also use other types of garlic, such as roasted or elephant, if you prefer.
1 tsp (5g) dried thymeFresh thyme is also delicious in this recipe, but dried thyme works just as well. You can also use other herbs, such as rosemary or sage, if you prefer.
1 tsp (5g) paprikaSmoked paprika adds a nice smoky flavor to the dish, but you can also use sweet paprika if you prefer.
Salt and pepper, to tasteBe sure to season the dish liberally, as it'll bring out the flavors of the other ingredients.
2 tbsp (30g) olive oilChoose a high-quality olive oil, as it'll add a nice flavor to the dish. You can also use other types of oil, such as avocado or grapeseed, if you prefer.
1 cup (250ml) chicken brothLow-sodium chicken broth works best for this recipe, as it'll add moisture to the dish without overpowering the other ingredients. You can also use other types of broth, such as beef or vegetable, if you prefer.

Ingredients for Sausage and Potato Skillet

Equipment You’ll Need

Large heavy skillet or Dutch ovenSharp chef's knifeCutting boardMeasuring cups and spoonsWooden spoon or spatulaInstant-read thermometer

How to Make Sausage and Potato Skillet

1
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced bacon and cook until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate.
2
Add the sliced sausage to the skillet and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside with the bacon.
3
Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
4
Add the diced potatoes to the skillet and cook for about 10-12 minutes, until they're tender and lightly browned. Season the potatoes with salt, pepper, and thyme.
5
Add the chicken broth to the skillet and bring to a simmer. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan and cook until the liquid has reduced by half, about 5 minutes.
6
Add the cooked sausage and bacon back to the skillet and stir to combine. Season the dish with paprika and salt and pepper to taste.
7
Reduce the heat to low and simmer the skillet for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the flavors have melded together and the potatoes are tender.
8
Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Serve the skillet hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired.
9
Let the skillet rest for 10-15 minutes before serving, to allow the flavors to meld together and the potatoes to retain their texture.
10
Serve the skillet with your choice of sides, such as crusty bread or a green salad.
11
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to prevent drying out.

Expert Tips

Use high-quality ingredients, such as smoked sausage and thick-cut bacon, to add depth and complexity to the dish.
Don't overcrowd the skillet, as this can prevent the ingredients from cooking evenly. Cook in batches if necessary.
Let the skillet rest for 10-15 minutes before serving, to allow the flavors to meld together and the potatoes to retain their texture.
Experiment with different types of sausage and bacon to find your favorite combination.
Add other ingredients to the skillet, such as diced bell peppers or chopped fresh herbs, to add flavor and texture.
Serve the skillet with a fried egg on top, for a hearty and satisfying breakfast or brunch dish.
Use the skillet as a base for other dishes, such as a sausage and potato soup or a bacon and potato salad.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcrowding the skillet, which can prevent the ingredients from cooking evenly.
Not letting the skillet rest before serving, which can cause the potatoes to become mushy and the flavors to become dull.
Not using high-quality ingredients, such as smoked sausage and thick-cut bacon, which can result in a lackluster dish.
Not seasoning the dish liberally, which can result in a bland and uninspiring flavor.
Not cooking the potatoes until they're tender, which can result in a crunchy and unappetizing texture.

Variations and Substitutions

Add diced bell peppers or chopped fresh herbs to the skillet, to add flavor and texture.
Use different types of sausage, such as Andouille or kielbasa, to add a unique flavor to the dish.
Add a splash of wine or beer to the skillet, to add a rich and depthful flavor.
Serve the skillet with a fried egg on top, for a hearty and satisfying breakfast or brunch dish.
Use the skillet as a base for other dishes, such as a sausage and potato soup or a bacon and potato salad.
Add some heat to the dish, by incorporating diced jalapenos or red pepper flakes into the skillet.

What to Serve With Sausage and Potato Skillet

Serve the Sausage and Potato Skillet hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired. This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, and can be served with a variety of sides, such as crusty bread or a green salad.

Some other serving suggestions include:

Crusty breadGreen saladRoasted vegetablesGrilled meatsSoupsStews

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to prevent drying out.

To freeze the skillet, let it cool completely and then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. Label and date the container, and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.

To reheat the frozen skillet, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat it over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to prevent drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of sausage should I use for this recipe?

You can use any type of sausage you like, such as smoked sausage, Andouille, or kielbasa. Just be sure to choose a high-quality sausage that's made with good ingredients and has a good balance of flavor and spice.

Can I use other types of potatoes for this recipe?

Yes, you can use other types of potatoes, such as Yukon gold or red potatoes. Just be sure to choose potatoes that are high in starch, as they'll yield a nice crispy exterior and a fluffy interior.

How do I prevent the potatoes from becoming mushy?

To prevent the potatoes from becoming mushy, be sure to not overcook them. Cook the potatoes until they're tender, but still slightly firm in the center. You can also try adding a splash of chicken broth to the skillet, to help keep the potatoes moist and prevent them from drying out.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time. Simply cook the skillet as directed, and then let it cool completely. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months. Reheat the skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to prevent drying out.

What are some variations I can make to this recipe?

There are many variations you can make to this recipe, such as adding diced bell peppers or chopped fresh herbs to the skillet. You can also try using different types of sausage, or adding a splash of wine or beer to the skillet for added flavor.

How do I serve this recipe?

You can serve this recipe hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired. It's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, and can be served with a variety of sides, such as crusty bread or a green salad.

Can I freeze this recipe?

Yes, you can freeze this recipe. Simply let it cool completely, and then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. Label and date the container, and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to prevent drying out.

How do I reheat this recipe?

To reheat this recipe, simply place it in a skillet or saucepan over low heat, and add a splash of chicken broth if needed to prevent drying out. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be careful not to overheat the potatoes.

The Full Recipe

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