Andouille Sausage with Eggs & Cheese Grits is a classic Southern breakfast that combines smoky, crispy sausage with creamy, cheesy grits and perfectly cooked eggs. Served with buttered toast and a drizzle of hot sauce, this hearty dish is the ultimate comfort meal to start your day.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich & Hearty – A satisfying breakfast packed with protein and creamy, cheesy grits.
- Full of Flavor – Andouille sausage adds a smoky, slightly spicy depth to the dish.
- Southern Comfort – A traditional Southern-style breakfast that feels like home.
- Quick & Easy – Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy mornings.
- Customizable – Adjust the heat, cheese, and sausage type to suit your taste.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Andouille Sausage:
- 1 Andouille sausage, sliced into rounds
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
For the Cheese Grits:
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup stone-ground grits
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
For the Eggs:
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For Serving:
- 2 slices toasted bread, buttered
- Hot sauce (optional)
Directions
- Cook the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add sliced Andouille sausage and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until browned and crispy. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Make the Cheese Grits: In a saucepan, bring water and milk to a boil. Slowly whisk in the grits, then reduce heat to low. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 15-20 minutes until thick. Stir in salt, butter, and shredded cheddar cheese until smooth.
- Fry the Eggs: Heat butter in a nonstick pan over medium-low heat. Crack the eggs into the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes until the whites are set but the yolks remain runny. Season with salt and black pepper.
- Assemble & Serve: Spoon the cheese grits onto a plate, drizzle with butter or hot sauce, and top with the Andouille sausage and eggs. Serve with buttered toast and a glass of orange juice.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 2
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Calories: 520 kcal per serving
Variations
- Spicier Version: Add a pinch of cayenne to the grits or use a hot Andouille sausage for extra heat.
- Different Cheese: Try smoked gouda, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for a unique flavor twist.
- Creamier Grits: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or an extra pat of butter for ultra-creamy grits.
- Alternative Sausage: Substitute chorizo, kielbasa, or smoked turkey sausage for a different taste.
- Vegetarian Option: Use plant-based sausage and swap cheddar for a dairy-free cheese alternative.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Cheese grits can be frozen for up to 2 months. Let them cool completely before storing.
- Reheating:
- Stovetop: Reheat the grits with a splash of milk over low heat, stirring frequently.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals, adding a little milk to maintain creaminess.
- Eggs & Sausage: Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through.
FAQs
Can I use instant grits instead of stone-ground?
Yes, instant grits cook faster but won’t have the same creamy texture as stone-ground grits.
How do I make the grits even smoother?
Whisk frequently while cooking, and add a little more milk if needed for a smoother consistency.
Can I cook the sausage in the air fryer?
Yes, air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, shaking halfway through.
What’s the best way to cook the eggs for this dish?
Sunny-side-up eggs work best, but scrambled or poached eggs also pair well.
Can I use pre-shredded cheese for the grits?
It’s best to use freshly grated cheese for a smoother melt, as pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents.
How do I keep my eggs from sticking to the pan?
Use a nonstick pan with butter or a small amount of oil and cook on medium-low heat.
What bread pairs best with this dish?
Buttered toast, cornbread, or a biscuit complement the grits and sausage perfectly.
Can I make this meal ahead of time?
You can prep the grits and sausage in advance, but eggs are best cooked fresh.
How do I prevent my grits from clumping?
Whisk continuously when adding the grits to boiling liquid to keep them smooth.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Yes, sautéed onions, bell peppers, or spinach make great additions for extra flavor.
Conclusion
Andouille Sausage with Eggs & Cheese Grits is a hearty, flavorful Southern breakfast that’s perfect for any morning. The smoky sausage, creamy cheese grits, and perfectly cooked eggs create a comforting and satisfying dish that’s easy to make and full of bold flavors. Whether you enjoy it for a weekend brunch or a weekday treat, this meal is sure to become a favorite. Try it today and bring a taste of the South to your table!
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Andouille Sausage with Eggs & Cheese Grits
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
Description
A hearty Southern breakfast featuring crispy, smoky Andouille sausage, creamy cheese grits, and perfectly cooked sunny-side-up eggs. Served with buttered toast, this dish is the ultimate comfort meal to start your day right!
Ingredients
For the Andouille Sausage:
- 1 Andouille sausage, sliced into rounds
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
For the Cheese Grits:
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup stone-ground grits
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
For the Eggs:
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For Serving:
- 2 slices toasted bread, buttered
- Hot sauce (optional)
Instructions
-
Cook the Sausage:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add sliced Andouille sausage and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until browned and crispy.
- Remove and set aside.
-
Make the Cheese Grits:
- In a saucepan, bring water and milk to a boil.
- Slowly whisk in grits and reduce heat to low.
- Cook, stirring occasionally, for 15-20 minutes until thick.
- Stir in salt, butter, and shredded cheddar cheese until smooth.
-
Fry the Eggs:
- Heat butter in a nonstick pan over medium-low heat.
- Crack eggs into the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes until whites are set but yolks remain runny.
- Season with salt and black pepper.
-
Assemble & Serve:
- Plate the cheese grits, topping with a drizzle of butter or hot sauce if desired.
- Arrange the eggs and sausage on the side.
- Serve with buttered toast and a glass of orange juice.
Notes
- For extra creamy grits, add an extra tablespoon of butter or a splash of heavy cream before serving.
- Use jalapeño cheddar cheese for a spicy kick.
- Swap sunny-side-up eggs for scrambled or poached if preferred.
- Pair with fresh fruit or a cup of coffee for a complete breakfast.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern
