Crockpot Swamp Potatoes 🥔🧀

If you’ve never had Swamp Potatoes, you’re in for a real comfort food win. This dish is warm, cheesy, creamy, and packed with smoky sausage and tender potatoes. The name might sound funny—but trust me, there’s nothing swampy about the flavor. Everything melts together in the slow cooker into this gooey, golden, slightly crispy-edged masterpiece. It’s hearty, it’s easy, and it’s the kind of meal that disappears fast. Dump it, stir it, slow cook it, done.

🍽️ Servings: 6

⏲️ Cook Time: 4–6 hours (on LOW)

🧡 Why I Love This Recipe

I grew up eating a version of this at family cookouts in the South. Everyone had a scoop next to ribs or pulled pork, and it was always gone first. Now, I make it when I want something simple, satisfying, and low effort. Here’s why it’s a keeper:

No boiling needed – just dump raw potatoes right in.
Cheesy, smoky, creamy – hits all the comfort notes.
Make it spicy or mild – super easy to adjust.
Perfect for feeding a crowd – no babysitting required.

🛒 What You’ll Need

2.5 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and diced
1 (14 oz) smoked sausage, sliced
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 cup milk
1 small onion, finely chopped
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp paprika
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 tbsp butter (for greasing the crockpot)
Optional: chopped fresh parsley for garnish

all ingredients laid out: peeled and diced russet potatoes, sliced smoked sausage, shredded cheddar cheese, can of cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk in a small glass, finely chopped onion, garlic powder, paprika, salt and pepper, a pat of butter on a small dish, fresh parsley bunch

🔥 Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)

Potatoes release starch as they cook low and slow, helping thicken the creamy base without needing extra flour. The fat from the sausage adds flavor while melting into the cheesy sauce. The long cook time gives everything a chance to absorb flavor and soften perfectly.

🍽️ Meal Plan Ideas

Leftovers = breakfast: Reheat with a fried egg on top.
Turn it into dinner: Serve with roasted green beans or salad.
Add protein: Shred rotisserie chicken into the mix.

❗Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not greasing the crockpot – it’ll stick!
Cutting potatoes too big – keep them bite-sized for even cooking.
Adding cheese too early – wait until the end or it can get grainy.

🍴 What to Serve With Swamp Potatoes

Grilled or smoked sausage
BBQ pulled pork
A simple green salad with vinaigrette
Cornbread or garlic bread
Steamed broccoli or green beans

💬 FAQ

Can I use frozen potatoes?
Yep! Use diced hash browns. No need to thaw.

Can I cook it on HIGH?
You can, but the potatoes might be slightly firmer. Cook on HIGH for about 3 hours.

Can I use a different sausage?
Sure! Andouille or kielbasa are great.

🛠️ Tools You’ll Need

6-quart slow cooker
Cutting board
Chef’s knife
Mixing spoon or spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
Small bowl (for mixing liquids)

🔁 Substitutions & Variations

Swap cheddar for Monterey Jack or Colby
Use cream of chicken instead of mushroom
Add chopped bell pepper for extra veggies
Make it spicy with hot smoked sausage or red pepper flakes

🧊 Make Ahead Tips

You can prep all ingredients the night before. Store the diced potatoes in water in the fridge so they don’t brown. Dump and go in the morning!

👩‍🍳 How to Make Crockpot Swamp Potatoes

Step 1: Grease the crockpot

Rub 1 tbsp butter on the bottom and sides of the crockpot to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Add diced potatoes

Add the peeled and diced russet potatoes to the crockpot.

Step 3: Add sliced sausage and onion

Layer the smoked sausage slices and chopped onions over the potatoes.

evenly layered sliced smoked sausage and finely chopped onions on top of diced potatoes in a crockpot

Step 4: Mix wet ingredients

In a small bowl, stir together cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

a small mixing bowl with cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, and spices being stirred together into a smooth

Step 5: Pour sauce over everything

Pour the creamy mixture over the sausage, onions, and potatoes.

thick creamy sauce being poured from a bowl over sausage, onions, and diced potatoes in the crockpot

Step 6: Cook low and slow

Cover and cook on LOW for 4–6 hours, until potatoes are fork-tender.

Step 7: Add shredded cheese

Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top during the last 20 minutes.

Step 8: Garnish and serve

Top with chopped parsley if you like. Scoop and serve hot.

a serving of Crockpot Swamp Potatoes in a shallow ceramic bowl, showing gooey melted cheddar over tender chunks of peeled potatoes, round slices of smoked sausage, and tiny bits of onion, all smothered in a creamy, rich sauce

🧊 Leftovers & Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven. Add a splash of milk if it seems dry.

🥄 Pro Tips

Dice potatoes small (like 1-inch cubes) so they cook evenly.
If it gets too thick, stir in a splash of milk at the end.
Don’t add the cheese too early or it can get oily.
Spray or butter the crock well — cleanup is much easier.
Add green onions or hot sauce for a flavor boost.

💬 Let’s Wrap It Up

There you have it—Crockpot Swamp Potatoes! Cozy, easy, and full of flavor. I love how little work this takes and how big the payoff is. Whether you’re making it for a potluck, a lazy weekend dinner, or just because you love cheesy potatoes (same), I hope it becomes one of your go-to recipes too. Let me know how it turned out or if you made any fun twists—I’d love to hear from you! 👇💬

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