Slow Cooker Carolina Gold Sausage and Potatoes Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For a deeper flavor, you can briefly sear the sausage coins in a skillet before adding them to the slow cooker, although this is optional. This extra step adds a nice browned crust to the exterior of the sausage, which contributes a different texture and a more pronounced smoky flavor to the overall dish. If you choose to do this, ensure the sausage is well-drained of excess fat before adding it to the cooker.

If you prefer a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes along with the paprika. This will introduce a subtle spicy kick that complements the tanginess of the mustard barbecue sauce without overpowering the other ingredients.

Always start with a small amount, as the heat can intensify during the long cooking process, and you can always adjust the seasoning to your personal preference when you serve the final meal.

Variations

• Spicy Sausage Version: Replace the standard smoked sausage with a spicy andouille sausage to add a bold kick. You can also mix in a chopped jalapeño pepper with the onions for extra heat.
• Root Vegetable Mix: Substitute half of the gold potatoes with cubed sweet potatoes or carrots. These vegetables hold up well to the slow cooking time and add a slight sweetness that pairs perfectly with the mustard sauce.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Freezing is not recommended as the potatoes will lose their texture and become mushy upon thawing.

Reheat

Reheat gently in a microwave-safe dish or in a small saucepan over low heat until warmed through to 165°F (74°C).

Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container once they have cooled to room temperature, which should take no longer than two hours. Proper storage is essential for maintaining the quality and safety of the food.

Once sealed, place the container in the refrigerator immediately. The dish can be stored for up to three days, after which the texture of the potatoes may begin to soften significantly, so it is best consumed within this timeframe for the best dining experience.

You can prepare the ingredients by slicing the sausage, cubing the potatoes, and slicing the onions ahead of time, storing them in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

When you are ready to cook, simply assemble the layers in the slow cooker as directed. This approach saves time on busy days, allowing you to get the meal started in just a few minutes without having to worry about chopping or prepping when you get home.

Serving ideas

Serve this dish directly from the slow cooker for a casual family-style meal, or transfer it to a large serving platter to showcase the beautiful golden colors of the potatoes and sausage.

It pairs wonderfully with a side of steamed green beans or a crisp, refreshing garden salad to provide a contrast in texture and temperature, balancing the richness of the mustard-glazed potatoes and savory sausage perfectly.

When serving, use a large slotted spoon to ensure that each portion includes a good mix of sausage, potatoes, and onions, along with a generous drizzle of the thickened sauce from the bottom of the cooker. If you have guests, placing a small bowl of extra mustard barbecue sauce on the table allows everyone to add a bit more tang to their individual servings according to their personal taste preferences.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow Cooker Carolina Gold Sausage and Potatoes

Prep 10 minCook 4 hRest 5 minTotal 4 h 15 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced into coins
• 1 1/2 lb gold potatoes, cut into cubes
• 1 large yellow onion, sliced into half-moons
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 cup yellow mustard barbecue sauce

Instructions

1. Place the sliced smoked sausage into the base of the slow cooker. Add the cubed gold potatoes and sliced onions on top of the sausage in an even layer.
2. Sprinkle the brown sugar and paprika evenly over the potatoes and onions. Pour the yellow mustard barbecue sauce over the entire mixture to ensure everything is well-coated.
3. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 hours. Once cooked, ensure the sausage has reached an internal temperature of at least 160°F (71°C). Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.

Contains: mustard

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

420

Protein

18.5 g

Carbohydrates

38 g

Fat

22 g

Fiber

4 g

Sugar

12 g

Sodium

950 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.