A delightful twist on a classic potato bake, combining the rich flavors of pesto, cheese, and sausage for a comforting dish.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Preheating ensures even cooking and the right texture for the dish.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced potatoes, half of the pesto, and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella. Mix well to coat the potatoes evenly.
Ensure the potatoes are evenly coated for consistent flavor.
In a skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat until browned and crumbled. Drain any excess grease.
Use a wooden spoon to break the sausage into small pieces as it cooks.
Add the spaghetti sauce and remaining pesto to the cooked sausage. Stir to combine and heat through.
Simmer the sauce briefly to meld the flavors together.
Layer half of the potato mixture in a greased baking dish. Spread half of the sausage sauce over the potatoes. Repeat with the remaining potato mixture and sauce.
Press down gently on each layer to ensure even cooking.
Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
Covering the dish helps retain moisture during baking.
Remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top. Bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
For a golden crust, broil for the last 2 minutes.
Let the dish cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.
Allowing the dish to rest helps it set and makes serving easier.
