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Swamp Potatoes

Swamp potatoes are roasted baby potatoes smothered in a creamy Cajun-spiced cheese sauce with pepper jack and cheddar. Oven-roasted edges plus a smooth, melt-together sauce make this spicy, rich side dish a fast favorite at the table.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 560
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Potatoes
  • 2 lb baby potatoes
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
  • 0.75 tsp kosher salt
Cheese sauce
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1.5 cups shredded pepper jack cheese
  • 0.5 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Serving
  • 2 green onions

Equipment

  • 1 sheet pan
  • 1 saucepan

Method
 

Roast the potatoes
  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
  2. Toss the halved baby potatoes with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, and kosher salt, then spread them in a single layer on the sheet pan so they roast evenly.
  3. Roast for 25–30 minutes at 425°F, until fork-tender and golden at the edges.
Make the cheese sauce
  1. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  2. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer, then reduce slightly to keep it smooth and pourable.
  3. Whisk in the pepper jack and cheddar until melted and smooth, with no cheese streaks remaining.
Smother and serve
  1. Pour the cheese sauce over the roasted potatoes to coat thoroughly.
  2. Garnish with sliced green onions before serving for a fresh, sharp finish.

Notes

For the creamiest coating, pour the cheese sauce over the potatoes right after roasting while the potatoes are hot so they absorb the sauce. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container up to 3 days; reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through, adding a splash of cream if needed. Freezing is not recommended for best texture. For a dairy-light swap, use half-and-half and a melty cheese blend labeled for melting (texture will be slightly less rich).