If you’re craving a comforting Southern classic that’s both hearty and packed with Cajun flavor, Swamp Potatoes and Sausage should be at the top of your list! This all-in-one slow cooker dish combines creamy gold potatoes, savory smoked sausage, fresh green beans, and bold seasonings—delivering a cozy meal that feels like a big, warm hug from the bayou.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pot Wonder: Everything simmers together in your slow cooker, so cleanup is a total breeze.
- Big, Bold Flavor: Creole spices and smoked sausage mingle for layers of flavor in every bite.
- Hearty & Filling: Gold potatoes and green beans deliver stick-to-your-ribs comfort perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
- So Simple—Set It & Forget It: Get dinner started in minutes, then let it cook hands-off while you go about your day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things easy yet packed with robust Cajun-inspired flavor. Each ingredient for Swamp Potatoes and Sausage shines—bringing a perfect balance of heartiness, spice, buttery richness, and vibrant color to your table.
- Gold potatoes: They cook up lusciously creamy and soak in all those savory-sweet, buttery juices—a true comfort food base.
- Small onion: Adds the just-right touch of sweetness and savory depth as it melts into the potatoes.
- Olive oil: Helps the seasonings cling and adds a round note of richness.
- Kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper: The classic duo for highlighting every flavor in the pot.
- Cajun seasoning: Brings a zesty kick, peppery warmth, and Louisiana-style flair.
- Smoked sausage: Infuses the dish with rich, meaty savor and a gentle smokiness—Andouille or any smoked variety works wonderfully.
- Fresh green beans: They add color and crunch, holding their structure perfectly even after slow cooking.
- Onion soup mix: A shortcut to umami-laden flavor with just a few shakes.
- Garlic powder: Rounds out the aromatic base, blending seamlessly into the sauce.
- Butter: Melts over everything to add that signature down-home creaminess and gloss.
Variations
Don’t hesitate to put your own spin on Swamp Potatoes and Sausage—it’s one of those recipes that encourages delicious creativity! With a few simple swaps, you can easily tailor it to suit what you have on hand or any special dietary preferences.
- Spicy Sausage Swap: Use hot smoked sausage or andouille for a real Cajun kick, or choose turkey sausage if you’d like something lighter.
- Veggie-Packed: Toss in sliced bell peppers, okra, or corn for extra color and sweet crunch.
- Low-Sodium: Opt for a homemade Cajun spice blend and a reduced-sodium onion soup mix to cut down on salt, without sacrificing flavor.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace sausage with hearty plant-based links and bump up the green beans for a meatless main.
How to Make Swamp Potatoes and Sausage
Step 1: Prep the Base
Start by adding your gold potatoes and chopped onion to the bottom of the slow cooker. Drizzle with olive oil, then shower everything with salt, pepper, and Cajun seasoning. Give it all a toss so those potatoes are evenly coated and ready to soak up maximum flavor as they cook.
Step 2: Layer & Season
Arrange the sliced smoked sausage and trimmed green beans right on top of the potatoes. Sprinkle everything with the onion soup mix and garlic powder—these are key for developing that deep-down, soulful flavor the dish is known for.
Step 3: Add the Butter & Slow Cook
Dot the top of the mixture with pieces of butter, cover the slow cooker, and cook on Low for 6 to 7 hours. Stir once or twice if you’re nearby! The potatoes will become gloriously tender and every bite will be infused with savory, buttery goodness.
Step 4: Serve & Enjoy
Give everything a good stir before serving to blend the flavors and ensure each plate gets a little of everything. Swamp Potatoes and Sausage is best served piping hot and is the definition of comforting home-cooked goodness!
Pro Tips for Making Swamp Potatoes and Sausage
- Potato Size Matters: Cutting your potatoes into even 1 1/2-inch pieces ensures they all cook at the same rate—no mushy bits, no raw surprises!
- Let the Seasoning Shine: Use a quality Cajun blend (or make your own!), and don’t skip tossing the potatoes before layering; it helps the spices and oil coat every bite.
- Butter Placement: Distribute the butter pieces evenly over the top—this way, when it melts, it drips its silky goodness down through all the layers.
- Stirring Secret: If you get a chance, stir the pot gently about halfway through cooking; it helps the potatoes get coated in the sausage-infused juices for ultimate flavor.
How to Serve Swamp Potatoes and Sausage
Garnishes
Fresh parsley or scallions deliver a pop of color and a light herbal note that lifts the buttery richness of Swamp Potatoes and Sausage—just sprinkle right before serving. If you love a little heat, a dusting of extra Cajun seasoning or a sliced jalapeño takes the dish up a notch!
Side Dishes
This meal can truly stand alone, but if you love a full spread, fluffy white rice, buttery cornbread, or a crisp green salad are all fantastic companions to Swamp Potatoes and Sausage. Even a side of stewed tomatoes or pickled okra brings a fun Southern touch!
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving Swamp Potatoes and Sausage in big bowls for a rustic, family-style look—or ladle it into individual ramekins for a more polished dinner party vibe. For potlucks or game days, keep things playful by arranging it in a cast-iron skillet with a shower of herbs and a wedge of crusty bread tucked alongside.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Swamp Potatoes and Sausage hold up beautifully in the fridge. Just let everything cool to room temperature, then store in an airtight container for up to 4 days—the flavors only deepen, making next-day lunches something to look forward to!
Freezing
If you’d like to freeze some for later, portion cooled Swamp Potatoes and Sausage into freezer-safe containers or bags. It’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Just be aware the potato texture softens a bit upon thawing, but the flavor stays delicious.
Reheating
For best results, reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed. The microwave works well too—just cover loosely and stir halfway through heating so everything warms evenly.
FAQs
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Can I use a different type of potato?
Absolutely! While gold potatoes give the creamiest texture, you can swap in red potatoes or Yukon Golds—just avoid starchy russets, as they may fall apart more quickly during the slow cook.
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What’s the best sausage for Swamp Potatoes and Sausage?
Andouille is the traditional Cajun option for authentic smoke and spice, but any savory smoked sausage—pork, beef, or chicken—will be delicious. Choose your favorite and slice thickly for the best bite!
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Can I make this on the stovetop instead of a slow cooker?
Yes, you can—just use a large Dutch oven or heavy pot with a lid. Layer and season just as you would for the slow cooker, then simmer gently (with the lid on) until the potatoes are tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
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Is Swamp Potatoes and Sausage spicy?
It has a gentle warmth from the Cajun seasoning, but you control the heat! Add a pinch of cayenne or use a spicy sausage if you crave more fire, or go lighter on the Cajun blend for a milder flavor profile.
Final Thoughts
Swamp Potatoes and Sausage is the kind of slow-cooked Southern comfort that brings family together and fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas. Go ahead, gather your ingredients and treat yourself to a soul-satisfying meal—you’ll want to make this recipe part of your regular rotation!
Print
Swamp Potatoes and Sausage Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 6 hrs
- Total Time: 6 hrs 15 mins
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Slow Cooking
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Swamp Potatoes and Sausage is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines tender gold potatoes, smoked sausage, fresh green beans, and aromatic seasonings cooked to perfection in a slow cooker. This easy recipe is a comforting one-pot meal that is sure to satisfy your craving for a delicious and filling dinner.
Ingredients
Potatoes:
- 3 pounds gold potatoes, cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces
Seasoning:
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
Protein and Vegetables:
- 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced
- 1 pound fresh green beans, cut into 2-inch pieces
Additional:
- 1 packet onion soup mix
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 cup butter
Instructions
- Add Potatoes and Seasoning: Add potatoes and chopped onion to the bottom of a slow cooker. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and Cajun seasoning. Toss to coat evenly.
- Layer Sausage and Green Beans: Layer the sliced smoked sausage and green beans on top. Sprinkle with onion soup mix and garlic powder. Place pieces of butter evenly over the top.
- Cook: Cover and cook on Low until potatoes are tender and everything is well flavored, 6 to 7 hours, stirring a few times throughout the process and just before serving.
- Serve: Serve warm.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 659
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 1777mg
- Fat: 41g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 87mg
