Soulful Skillet Grits with Smoked Andouille and Greens

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Creamy stone-ground grits complemented by smoky andouille sausage and sautéed greens, delivering soulful comfort in every spoonful. This american southern-inspired comfort food ready in about 45 minutes pairs stone-ground grits, water, salt for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 35 min Serves 4 American Southern cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups water and 1 tsp salt to a boil. Slowly whisk in 1 cup stone-ground grits, reduce heat to low, and cook, stirring frequently, for 20-25 minutes until thick and creamy.
  2. Step 2: Remove grits from heat and stir in 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 8 oz sliced andouille sausage and cook for 5 minutes until browned and slightly crisp.
  4. Step 4: Add 3 minced garlic cloves to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 4 cups chopped collard greens, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes. Cook for 5-7 minutes until greens are tender and slightly wilted.
  6. Step 6: Finish with 1 tbsp lemon juice to brighten the flavors. Serve the sausage and greens mixture spooned over the cheesy grits.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Soulful Skillet Grits with Smoked Andouille and Greens take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (10 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Soulful Skillet Grits with Smoked Andouille and Greens?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep stone-ground grits from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Soulful Skillet Grits with Smoked Andouille and Greens?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Soulful Skillet Grits with Smoked Andouille and Greens for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Soulful Skillet Grits with Smoked Andouille and Greens?

American Southern comfort food like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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