Cheesy Baked Chicken Sausage: The Easy Recipe That’s Perfect for Weeknights

By boom Last updated Nov 13, 2024

If you’re looking for a quick, delicious dinner that combines protein and cheesy goodness, this baked chicken sausage with cheese recipe is a must-try. This dish is ideal for weeknights when you want something hearty but simple, with minimal prep and cleanup. The combination of savory chicken sausage and melty cheese is a surefire way to please everyone at the dinner table. Let’s dive into this easy recipe, along with tips and variations to make it your own.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things simple with just a few ingredients that you might already have on hand. Here’s what you’ll need:

Chicken Sausage – Look for pre-cooked chicken sausages for the easiest prep, but uncooked sausages will work too if you allow a bit more cooking time.

Cheese – Shredded mozzarella, cheddar, or a cheese blend that melts well. You can also add a sprinkle of Parmesan for extra flavor.
Olive Oil – A drizzle of olive oil helps to coat the baking dish and prevents the sausage from sticking.
Seasonings – Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and a pinch of garlic powder to enhance the flavors.

Optional Vegetables – Add some vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or cherry tomatoes for a complete meal with extra flavor and nutrition.

Step-By-Step Guide to Baked Chicken Sausage with Cheese

This recipe is straightforward, making it easy to prepare in just a few steps. Here’s how to make it:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Dish

Preheat Your Oven – Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat fully. This temperature is perfect for getting the cheese bubbly and golden while cooking the sausage to perfection.

Prepare the Baking Dish – Lightly coat a baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking. You can use a 9×13-inch dish for a larger batch or an 8×8-inch dish for a smaller portion.

Step 2: Arrange the Sausage and Cheese

Slice the Chicken Sausage – Slice the sausages into 1/2-inch rounds for even cooking. This also makes serving easier, as everyone can scoop out the sausage and cheese with minimal fuss.
Layer in the Baking Dish – Place the sausage slices in a single layer in the baking dish. If you’re adding vegetables, layer them in with the sausage for a balanced dish.

Add the Cheese – Generously sprinkle shredded cheese over the sausage. Mozzarella is a popular choice for its meltiness, but feel free to mix in some cheddar or Parmesan for a richer, more complex flavor.

Step 3: Season and Bake

Season the Dish – Sprinkle Italian seasoning, a pinch of salt, black pepper, and a bit of garlic powder over the cheese and sausage. Adjust the seasoning to your taste preference.
Bake – Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden. If you prefer a crispier top, broil the dish for 2-3 minutes at the end, watching closely to avoid burning.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Once the sausage and cheese are baked to perfection, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a minute before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or basil for a burst of color and freshness.

Tips for the Perfect Baked Chicken Sausage with Cheese

This dish is simple, but a few tips can make it even better:

Use Pre-Cooked Sausages for Convenience: Pre-cooked chicken sausage shortens the cooking time and makes the dish even more convenient for busy nights.

Choose Melting Cheeses: Mozzarella and cheddar are fantastic choices for melting, but a little Parmesan or Gouda can add depth. Experiment to find your favorite combination.
Add Veggies for Extra Flavor: Vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and cherry tomatoes not only add flavor but also make this dish more nutritious. Try mixing in a handful of spinach for a boost of greens.
Broil for a Golden Finish: For an extra-crispy, golden cheese topping, turn on the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes of baking. Just be sure to keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.

Delicious Variations to Try

One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. Here are some ways to change things up:

1. Italian Style

For an Italian-inspired twist, use Italian chicken sausage, sprinkle on some oregano and basil, and add a layer of marinara sauce before topping with cheese. This creates a comforting, lasagna-like dish that’s perfect with garlic bread.

2. Mexican Style

For a Mexican flair, use spicy chicken sausage, add some sliced jalapeños, and top with a mix of shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. Serve with a side of salsa and guacamole.

3. Add Pasta or Rice

For a heartier dish, mix cooked pasta or rice into the sausage and cheese mixture before baking. This transforms it into a cheesy casserole that’s filling and perfect for feeding a crowd.

4. Mediterranean Twist

Add olives, cherry tomatoes, artichoke hearts, and feta cheese along with the shredded cheese for a Mediterranean-inspired dish. Serve with a green salad for a light but satisfying meal.

Serving Suggestions

This baked chicken sausage with cheese is a versatile main dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are a few ideas:

With a Green Salad: Balance the richness of the cheese with a fresh, crunchy salad. A mix of leafy greens, cucumbers, and tomatoes works well with a simple vinaigrette.
Garlic Bread or Dinner Rolls: Serve with garlic bread or warm dinner rolls to scoop up the cheesy goodness.
Roasted Vegetables: For a more substantial meal, pair this dish with roasted veggies like zucchini, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts.

Mashed Potatoes or Rice: To make the meal heartier, serve it alongside creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice to soak up the melted cheese.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

If you have leftovers, this dish stores well and is easy to reheat:

Refrigerating – Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Reheating – Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 10-15 minutes. For a quicker option, reheat in the microwave in 30-second increments, though the cheese may not be as crispy.

Fun Facts about Chicken Sausage

Chicken sausage is a great choice for this recipe, and here’s why:

Lower in Fat: Chicken sausage typically contains less fat than pork sausage, making it a lighter but still flavorful option.

Packed with Protein: Chicken sausage is a good source of protein, making it a filling choice that complements other dishes well.
Flavor Varieties: Chicken sausage comes in many flavors, from Italian and spicy to herb-infused options, giving you plenty of room to experiment in your cooking.

Final Thoughts

Baked chicken sausage with cheese is the perfect combination of comfort food and convenience. With minimal prep and only a few ingredients, you can create a dish that’s as satisfying as it is easy. Whether you keep it simple or customize it with your favorite flavors, this recipe is sure to become a weeknight staple in your household.

Try it with different cheeses, experiment with seasonings, and don’t be afraid to add your own twist. With this recipe as your base, you’re only a few steps away from a delicious, cheesy, and satisfying meal. Enjoy!