Delicious Smothered Grits with Spicy Jalapeno Sausage Recipe
Picture this: a steamy bowl of creamy grits with savory jalapeno sausage and crispy bacon smothered on top. As an assistant in the culinary world, let me persuade you that our Smothered Grits with Jalapeno Sausage and Bacon Recipe is not just another southern delicacy, but a masterpiece that will leave your taste buds thanking you for days.
Grits have been a staple in the southern diet for centuries. And while the essence of grits has not changed, we’ve elevated the dish to new heights by adding jalapeno sausage and bacon bits to create a rich and flavorful blend that will make your taste buds dance. Combining the sharp cheddar cheese with monterey jack cheese and creamy heavy cream makes this dish an explosion of flavors in your mouth.
This dish is perfect for any meal- breakfast, lunch or dinner. Whether you’re serving it at a bustling family brunch or an intimate dinner party, our recipe guarantees to wow your guests every time.
So why wait? Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty details of this recipe so you can whip up this southern classic with your own twist!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Listen closely, my dear foodies, because I have a recipe that’ll change the way you look at grits forever. Smothered Grits with Jalapeno Sausage and Bacon is exactly what your taste buds have been begging for, and if you haven’t tried it yet, you’re missing out on one of the most satisfying meals out there.
First of all, let’s talk about the creaminess of these grits. The combination of milk, water, chicken broth, and heavy cream will give your grits a rich and velvety texture that simply melts in your mouth. And let’s not forget about the butter and cheese – sharp cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese – that takes these grits to the next level. Trust me, your taste buds will gently tingle with pleasure.
But wait, there’s more! Let’s talk about the flavorful beef jalapeno sausage and crispy thick-cut bacon that gives these grits a winning combination. Their smoky flavors add depth to every bite, awakening the senses with each mouthwatering crunch. It’s a perfect match for those who adore bold flavors; furthermore, its taste is irresistible to non-meat eaters when subbed for veggie versions.
Now picture your spoon digging into a bowl of creamy grits and getting lost in an indulgent combination of textures and flavors like smoky sausage, crispy bacon bits, and savory spices such as onion powder and garlic powder – these are the added elements that bring together a sinfully satisfying dish.
Lastly, there’s a variety of versatile optional toppings available including green onions for freshness or slices of jalapeno pepper for folks who want to energize their palates.
Believe me when I say that Smothered Grits with Jalapeno Sausage and Bacon will impress any guest at any time – be it breakfast, brunch or dinner. Give this recipe a try; your taste buds will thank you!
Ingredient List
Before we start preparing this mouth-watering Smothered Grits with Jalapeno Sausage and Bacon Recipe, let’s get our ingredients ready.
Here is what you will need:
Grits:
- 1 cup grits
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 4 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Sausage and Bacon:
- 1 lb jalapeno sausage, sliced diagonally in 1/2 inch pieces
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon, diced
- 1 teaspoon Creole seasoning
- 2 tablespoons butter
Vegetables:
- 1/2 cup green onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 stalks celery, finely chopped
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 bell pepper, finely chopped
Cheese:
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
Make sure to have all these ingredients ready before starting the recipe to ensure a smooth cooking experience.
The Recipe How-To
Now, let’s dive into the good stuff- the recipe itself. Follow these simple steps to create delicious Smothered Grits with Jalapeno Sausage and Bacon.
Ingredients
- 1lb smoked jalapeno sausage, sliced 1/2 inch diagonal
- 6-8 slices thick-cut bacon, diced
- 1 teaspoon creole seasoning
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 garlic cloves, chopped
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1 cup grits
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup Monterey jack cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Green onions (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Jalapeno Sausage and Bacon
Cooking Method: Stovetop
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the diced bacon until it is crispy. Remove and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat. In the same skillet, add the sliced jalapeno sausage and cook until slightly browned on both sides. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
Cooking Method: Stovetop
Using the same skillet as before, add butter and allow it to melt completely. Add garlic cloves, celery, onion and bell peppers. Cook stirring occasionally until vegetables are softened.
Step 3: Prepare the Grits
Cooking Method: Slow cooker or stovetop
In a slow cooker or large pot on stovetop over medium-high heat Combine grits with chicken broth and water. Bring to a boil while whisking consistently. Reduce heat to low After boiling Cover it with a lid Set timer for 20 minutes . Whisk occasionally meanwhile.
Step 4: Combine It All Together
Cooking Method: Slow cooker or stovetop
Once grits have cooked completely add heavy cream and stir well. Add sharp cheddar cheese followed by Monterey Jack Cheese respectively . Mix until cheeses have melted completely then stir in cooked bacon jalapeno sausage from step 1 followed by cooked vegetables from step 2.
Step 5: Serve your Creation
Serve with optional toppings of green onions or more shredded cheese with salt and pepper added for taste.
Enjoy an explosively flavorful dish with every bite of Smothered Grits with Jalapeno Sausage and Bacon!
Substitutions and Variations
You might be wondering how you can add your own twist to this scrumptious smothered grits recipe. Whether you’re looking for a meatless option, something more spicy or simply want to switch things up, here are some easy substitutions and variations that you can try.
For vegetarians, simply swap the jalapeno sausage and bacon for vegetarian sausage crumbles and tempeh bacon. This combination will still give your dish that savory flavor without any meat.
If you’re looking to spice things up, try adding green chilies or even habaneros instead of jalapeno peppers. You can also experiment with different types of sausages, such as cajun sausage or even chorizo to give your dish a zesty kick.
For cheese lovers out there, feel free to use any type of shredded cheese in place of the sharp cheddar and monterey jack combo. Gouda grits anyone? Or perhaps bacon cheddar grits? The possibilities are endless!
If you’re serving a crowd or want leftovers for later, try incorporating some hash browns into the mix to create a grits casserole that can be reheated in the oven. This is perfect for brunches or potluck events.
And finally, don’t forget about the seafood lovers! Try adding shrimp andouille sausage or cajun shrimp to create a delicious seafood smothered grits dish that is nothing short of amazing.
No matter what substitution or variation you choose to make, these delicious tweaks will take your smothered grits from ordinary to extraordinary!
Serving and Pairing
When it comes to serving and pairing smothered grits with jalapeno sausage and bacon, there are plenty of options that will make your mouth water. These creamy and savory grits are perfect as a main dish for breakfast or brunch, or as a decadent side dish for any meal.
Pairing smothered grits with jalapeno sausage and bacon with a fresh green salad is one way to balance the richness of this dish. You can also serve it with roasted or grilled vegetables, such as bell peppers, onions, or asparagus. If you’re looking for something a bit heartier, try pairing it with some crusty bread or biscuits.
For an extra burst of flavor, top your smothered grits with jalapeno sausage and bacon with sliced jalapeno peppers or green onions. Sprinkling on some extra sharp cheddar cheese or Monterey Jack cheese can also add some extra zing.
When it comes to drinks, a cold glass of sweet tea is the perfect beverage to wash down the spicy flavors in this dish. If you want something a bit stronger, a well-chosen Bloody Mary or mimosa can be an excellent complement.
Whether you’re serving smothered grits with jalapeno sausage and bacon for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or brunch, you can’t go wrong pairing it with something that will balance the boldness of this dish.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Let’s talk about the make-ahead, storing, and reheating of these smothered grits with jalapeno sausage and bacon. One thing I love about this recipe is how easy it is to prepare ahead of time without sacrificing the flavor.
If you plan on making this dish ahead of time, cook the grits and sausage entirely, and store them separately in a fridge. The next day, when you are ready to enjoy it, heat up the smothered sausage gravy and bacon separately using low-medium heat on a stovetop until it becomes creamy again. Then mix everything together, and you’ve got yourself a tasty breakfast or brunch.
When storing any leftovers, make sure to cover them with an airtight container before placing them into the fridge. The grits will last for up to three days, but I doubt it will take that long before running out of it.
Reheating leftovers can be challenging sometimes because grits tend to dry out when cooked again. My recommendation is to add some water or broth, sothere is enough moisture while reheating or use a microwave oven instead. For better results, try not to microwave it for more than 30 seconds at once and stir often.
In summary, these smothered grits with jalapeno sausage and bacon can be made ahead of time and stored for days in the fridge. When ready to consume, reheat the smothered gravy mixture thoroughly while keeping pace with its creaminess as it was freshly made.Serve your leftover grits in small bowls when reheated for that extra touch.
Tips for Perfect Results
Now, let’s talk about some helpful tips to make sure your smothered grits with jalapeno sausage and bacon recipe turns out perfectly every time.
1. Don’t overcook the grits.
Grits cook quickly, and once they’re cooked, they’ll continue to thicken as they sit. To avoid ending up with mushy grits, be sure to remove them from the heat once they’ve reached your desired consistency.
2. Add cheese at the right time.
Adding cheese too early can result in a gritty and clumpy texture. Be sure to add your sharp cheddar cheese and Monterrey Jack cheese gradually and whisk it in after the grits have cooked.
3. Use cold butter.
When stirring in butter, make sure it is cold and cut into small pieces. The cold butter will melt more slowly, creating a silky smooth texture to your dish.
4. Cut the sausage diagonally.
To achieve that perfect bite of smothered jalapeno sausage, slice on a diagonal 1/2 inch thick for optimal coverage in every bite.
5. Use quality bacon.
In this recipe, bacon plays a crucial role in providing saltiness and smokiness to balance out spiciness. Choose high-quality bacon such as applewood smoked or house-cured and dice it roughly into 1/4 inch pieces for optimal flavor distribution.
6. Seasoning is key.
Be sure to incorporate creole seasoning into the sausage mixture for extra spice and depth of flavor.
7. Serve immediately after garnishing finishes
Once garnishes such as green onions have been added to your dish, be sure to serve immediately as they will wilt over time.
8. Customize with toppings.
Consider serving additional toppings such as diced bell peppers or fresh jalapenos on top of the main dish for an extra layer of texture and flavor.
By following these tips, you can elevate this already delicious recipe into something truly spectacular!
Bottom Line
So what are you waiting for? It’s time to put on your chef hat and give this delicious recipe a try. Whether you’re looking for comfort food or want to impress your friends and family, these smothered grits with jalapeno sausage and bacon will definitely hit the spot.
With a perfect combination of spices, meats, and cheeses, this Southern-style dish is sure to please even the pickiest eaters. And with so many variations and options available, you can customize it to your liking and experiment with different ingredients.
So go ahead and whip up a batch of these smothered grits today. I guarantee that once you’ve tried them, they’ll quickly become one of your go-to recipes. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
Smothered Grits With Jalapeno Sausage and Bacon Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb smoked jalapeno sausage, sliced into 1/2 inch on the diagonal
- 1 lb of thick cut bacon, diced
- 1 teaspoon creole seasoning
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 red onion, diced
- 1 stalk celery, diced
- 1 fresh jalapeno, diced (seeded)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup diced green onion
- extra virgin olive oil
Grits
- 1 cup grits
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon creole seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 cup monterey jack cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Add a couple of tablespoonfuls of extra virgin olive oil to a skillet over medium heat. Add diced bacon and fry until crispy. Drain bacon, reserve a couple of tablespoonfuls of bacon grease.
- Add sliced sausage to pan and cook for about 7 minutes until sausage is browned nicely. Add all vegetables and seasonings to pan except garlic.
- Cook for about 5 minutes, add garlic, cook for a couple of minutes more. Serve over grits. Topped with bacon.
- To prepare grits, in a large pot bring all liquids to boil, add butter and seasonings. Slowly stir in grits while whisking nonstop for about two minutes.
- Reduce heat to low and cook grits, stirring occasionally for about 20 minutes. Adding extra broth as needed to keep the grits thin. Add cheese and whisk well, add more broth if needed and eat up!
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Tony is an experienced chef, crafting delicious comfort food. He’s also an influential blogger, providing helpful recipes and tips on his website, taosburgersandbeer.com. As an expert in his field, he offers valuable advice to readers. His knowledge and creative recipes make it easy to cook exciting, flavorful dishes.