#3547 - Sausage Potato Casserole

(by Shirley McNevich)

1lb. Idaho potatoes
3/4 cup chopped onions
4 TBSP butter
4 TBSP flour
2 cups milk
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
8oz. + 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1lb. smoked sausage (casings removed, sausage crumbled)
paprika for sprinkling

Peel the potatoes. Cook the potatoes in salted water over medium heat until tender--drain them and cool completely. Cut the cooled potatoes into bite sized pieces. In a skillet over medium heat add crumbled sausage pieces and chopped onions--cook/stir until sausage is browned. In a greased 2qt. casserole dish make alternating layers of potatoes and sausage/onions. In a skillet add butter, flour, milk, salt, pepper and 8oz. shredded sharp cheddar cheese--cook/stir over medium low heat until melted and smooth. Carefully pour the cheese sauce mixture over the casserole mixture. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese over the top. Sprinkle paprika over the cheese (to your taste). Bake at 350 degrees for 35-45 minutes or until heated through.