Craving a hearty, flavorful meal that's both comforting and surprisingly easy to make? Look no further than this delicious sausage and grits recipe! This Southern staple is perfect for a cozy weekend brunch, a quick weeknight dinner, or even a satisfying lunch. It's a fantastic example of how simple ingredients can create an incredibly satisfying and delicious dish. Get ready to elevate your homemade cooking game with this easy recipe!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound breakfast sausage (mild or spicy, your choice!)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped (optional, but adds great flavor)
- 4 cups water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup coarse ground grits (also known as stone-ground grits)
- 1/2 cup milk (whole milk is recommended, but you can use 2% or skim)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for extra cheesy goodness)
- Chopped green onions, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
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Brown the Sausage: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the sausage over medium heat, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.
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Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion and bell pepper (if using) to the skillet with the sausage fat. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
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Prepare the Grits: In a separate saucepan, bring the 4 cups of water to a boil. Slowly whisk in the salt, pepper, and grits. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the grits are tender and creamy, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
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Creamy Grits: Stir in the milk and butter into the cooked grits. Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes, until well combined and heated through. This step adds a lovely richness to the grits.
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Combine and Serve: Add the cooked sausage and sautéed vegetables to the creamy grits. Stir gently to combine. If using, stir in the cheddar cheese until melted.
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Garnish and Enjoy: Serve immediately, garnished with chopped green onions if desired.
Tips for the Best Sausage and Grits:
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Grits Consistency: For creamier grits, use more milk. For firmer grits, use less milk or add a bit more water to the initial cooking process. Experiment to find your perfect consistency.
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Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the grits or sausage for an extra kick.
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Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses! Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even a sharp white cheddar would all be delicious additions.
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Make it a Meal: Top your sausage and grits with a fried egg for extra protein and richness. A sprinkle of hot sauce adds another dimension of flavor.
Variations:
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Shrimp and Grits: Substitute cooked shrimp for the sausage for a lighter, seafood-inspired version.
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Vegetarian Grits: Omit the sausage and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and roasted vegetables for a delicious vegetarian option. A sprinkle of nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific ingredients used, but a typical serving contains roughly:
- Calories: 400-500
- Protein: 20-25g
- Fat: 25-30g
- Carbohydrates: 40-50g
This sausage and grits recipe is a perfect example of a healthy meal, offering a good balance of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. It’s a versatile dish easily adaptable to your dietary preferences and available ingredients. Enjoy this quick dinner idea, a delicious dish perfect for any occasion!