Save This vibrant Cajun Sausage Sweet Potato Hash is my go to when I want something bold and filling on busy weeknights or lazy weekend brunches The combo of spicy sausage caramelized sweet potatoes and crisp veggies makes this dish totally crave worthy and so easy to pull together
During a chilly camping trip I tossed this together over an open fire since then it is become my Sunday meal prep hero and even picky eaters cannot get enough
Ingredients
- Cajun style smoked sausage: Sliced thick for hearty bites Choose a high quality option with a peppery kick for the best flavor
- Sweet potatoes: Peeled and diced small so they caramelize quickly Pick firm smooth potatoes without blemishes for best texture
- Red bell pepper: Adds sweetness and color Go for glossy skins and firm flesh
- Green bell pepper: Brings earthy contrast Choose one that feels heavy for its size
- Red onion: Lends zip and a splash of color Look for an onion that is solid and free of soft spots
- Garlic: Fresh garlic is essential for big flavor Go for plump cloves
- Spring onions: For garnish gives a fresh bite Choose crisp stalks with bright green tops
- Fresh parsley: For garnish brightens up the whole dish Select flat leaf parsley for best texture
- Cajun seasoning: Brings the signature spicy flavor Use your favorite blend or make your own so you can control the heat level
- Smoked paprika: Deepens earthy notes and smokiness Look for a vibrant red color in the spice
- Salt: Highlights all the other flavors Use sea salt or kosher for more control
- Black pepper: Gives gentle heat Fresh cracked is always better
- Cayenne pepper: Optional but great for extra zip Add just a pinch for customizable heat
- Olive oil: For caramelizing and sautéing vegetables and sausage Go for extra virgin for the cleanest taste
Instructions
- Sear the Sausage:
- Start by heating one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium high Allow it to get hot before adding sausage Lay the sliced Cajun sausage rounds in a single layer Sear for three to four minutes flipping so both sides turn golden and just crisped Remove to a bowl and set aside leaving the tasty brown bits in the pan
- Soften Sweet Potatoes:
- Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and drop in diced sweet potatoes Stir to coat then cook for about eight to ten minutes stirring only occasionally to let them brown You want the cubes to caramelize on the edges and start to soften Check doneness with a fork they should resist only slightly
- Sauté Peppers and Onion:
- Once the sweet potatoes begin to get tender add the diced red and green bell peppers and diced red onion Sprinkle in a pinch of salt Sauté everything for five to six minutes letting the veggies soften but keep a bit of their bite Stir frequently so none of the pieces burn
- Build Flavor Base:
- Stir in the minced garlic Cajun seasoning smoked paprika black pepper and cayenne if you want more heat Cook for one minute just until fragrant so the spices release their oils and fill your kitchen with that signature Cajun aroma
- Combine Everything:
- Return the browned sausage to the pan Mix thoroughly and let everything cook together for three to four minutes This final step melds all the flavors and ensures the sweet potatoes finish tender
- Finish and Serve:
- Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or Cajun seasoning if needed Remove from heat Scatter spring onions and parsley generously over top Serve hot for maximum coziness
Save My favorite part is how the sweet potatoes turn deeply caramelized and almost creamy It always reminds me of cooking with my grandmother whose kitchen always smelled like frying onions and smoky paprika I add extra green onions for that peppery finish she loved
Storage Tips
Leftovers keep well for up to four days in an airtight container in the fridge To reheat use a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or microwave covered in thirty second intervals until hot This dish also freezes surprisingly well portion it out then freeze for up to two months Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating
Ingredient Substitutions
If you want a boost in protein swap the sausage for cooked chicken or turkey sausage For a veggie version skip the sausage and stir in sautéed mushrooms and black beans instead If sweet potatoes are not available butternut squash is a good substitute and delivers that similar earthy sweetness
Serving Suggestions
Top individual bowls with a fried or poached egg for brunch perfection Sometimes I serve it with sliced avocado or a drizzle of hot sauce on top For dinner pair with a crisp salad and cornbread and you have a full meal
Cultural and Historical Roots
The base idea of this hash borrows from Southern cooking especially the way Cajun and Creole kitchens use bold seasoning and resourceful one pan meals Smoked sausage and sweet potatoes are pantry standbys in the region and skillet hashes have long been a way to use leftovers with style
Save Try this hash next time you want bold flavor and comfort in one pan It is sure to draw everyone to the table
Recipe Questions
- → Can I use a different type of sausage?
Yes, andouille or chorizo work well, adding unique flavors and spice levels to the skillet.
- → How do I make this vegetarian?
Omit sausage and instead add black beans or sautéed mushrooms for a hearty, meat-free alternative.
- → What can I serve alongside this hash?
A fried or poached egg, or a side of hot sauce, boosts flavor and makes the meal extra satisfying.
- → Do I need a cast iron skillet?
While preferred for crispiness, any large skillet works; just ensure even heat for best results.
- → Is this suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, when using certified gluten-free sausage and verifying all product labels, this dish is gluten-free.
- → Can I adjust the spice level?
Add extra cayenne or hot sauce for more heat, or reduce Cajun seasoning to suit milder tastes.