Toasted bread, check. Melted cheese, check. Add sausage and you have the makings of this absolutely delicious grilled cheese sandwich with andouille sausage.
Take your grilled cheese sandwich to the next level with the addition of smoky andouille sausage! This twist on the classic comfort food combines the gooey goodness of melted cheese with the bold, spicy flavors of andouille sausage, creating a sandwich that’s crispy on the outside and packed with flavor on the inside.
Whether you're craving something hearty for lunch or looking to impress with an easy, flavorful meal, this grilled cheese with andouille sausage is sure to satisfy. Let’s dive in and make the ultimate cheesy, savory sandwich!
Related Recipe Posts:
Brisket Grilled Cheese Sandwich
If the spicy andouille isn't enough throw in some tart sour pickles and caramelized onions to take this sausage sandwich over the top.
What Is Andouille Sausage
Andouille sausage is a smoked, spicy sausage that originated in France but is now widely associated with Cajun cuisine in Louisiana. Made primarily from pork, it is heavily seasoned with garlic, onions, and a blend of spices, then smoked to develop its distinctive bold flavor.
Andouille is known for its coarse texture and rich, smoky taste, often with a slight heat. It's commonly used in dishes like gumbo, jambalaya, and sausage dogs, adding a robust, savory element to any meal.
Beats and Eats (music to pair with grilled cheese)
LL Cool J's song "Cheesy Rat Blues" pairs well with sausage grilled cheese for a fun and thematic reason—the song’s playful title and vibe match the indulgent, comfort-food nature of the dish.
"Cheesy" in the song’s title directly ties to the gooey cheese in the grilled cheese, while the bluesy tone adds a laid-back, soulful feel to enjoying a hearty meal. Plus, the humorous storytelling in the song mirrors the idea of taking a classic, familiar dish (like grilled cheese) and adding a fun twist with andouille sausage. Together, they create a deliciously lighthearted experience.
GRILLED CHEESE INGREDIENTS
- Bread
- Cheddar Cheese Slices
- Andouille Sausage
- Sliced Pickles
- Salt
- Bell pepper slices (optional)
- Caramelized Onions (optional)
GRILLED CHEESE COOKING INSTRUCTIONS
Prepare the sausage
Halve the sausage links lengthwise. Grill links in a skillet or grill pan on both sides.
Prepare the sandwich
Place bread slices on a plate or work surface. Cover each slice with a total of 2 cheese slices. Layer the sausage links on top of the cheese. Add pickles and caramelized onions if using. Close the sandwich by topping with the other bread slice. The sausage, pickles, and caramelized onions should be between 2 slices of cheese on each side (top and bottom).
Grill the sandwich
Place an indoor grill pan or large skillet (feel free to use same skillet used to cook the onions) on the stovetop and heat on low medium heat.
Place the sandwich on the grill and grill 3-4 minutes, For that last minute place a heavy cast-iron skillet on top of the sandwich. Remove the skillet and flip the sandwich. Grill for another 3-4 steps repeating the cast-iron skillet step for that last minute of grilling.
Keep sandwiches warm by placing them on a baking sheet and keeping them in the oven on warm settings.
What To Serve With Grilled Cheese
Sausage grilled cheese is a rich, hearty dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are some great options:
- Tomato Soup – A classic pairing, the tangy tomato soup complements the cheesy, savory sandwich perfectly.
- Pickles – Tangy, crunchy pickles help balance the richness of the grilled cheese.
- Coleslaw – A light, crisp coleslaw adds texture and a refreshing contrast.
- Potato Chips – Crispy, salty chips provide a satisfying crunch alongside the gooey sandwich.
- Salad – A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette offers a fresh, healthy balance.
- French Fries – Golden fries are a great comfort food pairing with grilled cheese.
- Roasted Vegetables – Add some color and flavor with roasted veggies like carrots, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts.
COOKING CONSIDERATIONS
Definitely go with white bread! However another options that would be pretty unique is to go with pita bread for a wrapped sandwiches vibe.
If the cheese is not fully melted, turn the heat down to low. Just be careful not to burn the bread
If you want that golden and crusty exterior combined with an oohy goohy center a few steps have to be taken.
One, make sure the heat isn't too high. Play the long game and go low and slow with the fire. Starting with too high a heat nets a burned exterior and barely melted cheese. Essentially you want the bread to toast at the same rate as the cheese melts.
Brown the sausage before making the sandwich
I also have a small but heavy cast iron skillet I use to enhance the crust. I use the skillet as a makeshift panini press. The extra weight helps with toasting further. A spatula can work just as well if you apply enough pressure.
Make sure you have chosen a good melting cheese. Back when I worked for Kraft Foods, Grilled Cheese sandwiches featuring Velveeta was one of our most popular recipes. Velveeta's melt was unmatched and thus it was often preferred against more natural cheese for its melting qualities. For me strong cheese taste is as important as melt so I prefer a sharp cheddar cheese.
The caramelized onions step is optional. To caramelize onions start with sliced onions and olive oil in a saute pan on medium-high heat. You want a big pan so the onions have room to do their thing. And make sure you have plenty of sliced onions. They're going to shrink down significantly when caramelized. Hit them with some salt. This will draw out the moisture. As they cook, they'll first get soft, then juicy. Then, this concentrates and they begin to brown, or caramelize, making them sweet and delicious. It will take about 10 to 15 minutes.
Variations on this Sandwich
There are plenty of creative ways to elevate a grilled cheese sandwich with andouille sausage. Here are some tasty variations:
- Andouille and Apple Grilled Cheese – Pair the smoky sausage with thinly sliced apples and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a sweet and savory combo.
- BBQ Andouille Grilled Cheese – Spread BBQ sauce on the bread, then add the sausage and cheese for a smoky, tangy flavor.
- Andouille and Spinach Grilled Cheese – Incorporate fresh spinach and a bit of garlic for a hearty, veggie-packed sandwich. I'm not big on sauces with my grilled cheese but a marinara sauce could be a decent add if you're going more Mediterranean.
- Andouille and Caramelized Onion Grilled Cheese – Sweet caramelized onions add depth to the smoky sausage and melted cheese.
Substitutions for Andouille
If you’re looking for alternatives to andouille sausage for your grilled cheese sausage sandwich, here are some great substitutions:
- Chorizo – Adds a similar smoky and spicy kick, though it may be a bit more intense in flavor.
- Italian Sausage – an Italian sausage sandwich with cheese offers a blend of herbs (dried Italian seasoning) and spices, with either sweet or spicy varieties to suit your taste. Sausage patties or links work.
- Kielbasa – Smoky and garlicky, kielbasa complements the cheese and adds a savory depth.
- Polish Sausage – Mildly seasoned, it provides a rich flavor without overpowering the sandwich.
- Chicken Sausage – For a lighter option, chicken sausage with added spices can still provide great flavor.
Cheese Options
When it comes to making the perfect grilled cheese sandwich, choosing the right cheese is key. I don't recommend mozzarella cheese as it doesn't melt as well. Here are some of the best cheeses to use:
- American Cheese – Melts beautifully and has a creamy texture that's perfect for classic grilled cheese.
- Cheddar – Sharp or mild, cheddar provides a robust flavor and melts well. Aged cheddar adds extra depth.
- Swiss Cheese – Offers a mild, nutty flavor and melts smoothly, making it a great choice for a balanced sandwich.
- Gouda – Creamy and slightly sweet, Gouda melts wonderfully and adds a rich flavor.
- Monterey Jack – Mild and creamy, Monterey Jack melts easily and blends well with other cheeses.
- Fontina – Known for its smooth melting qualities and rich, earthy flavor, Fontina adds a gourmet touch.
- Gruyère – A Swiss cheese with a nutty, slightly sweet flavor that melts perfectly, adding complexity to your grilled cheese.
- Provolone – Mild and slightly tangy, provolone melts well and pairs nicely with other cheeses for a more complex flavor.
MORE SANDWICH RECIPES
Smoked Brisket Grilled Cheese Sandwich
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Ingredients
- 4 slices hearty white bread
- ½ pound cheddar cheese slices
- Andouille sausage split into 4 links
- Sliced pickles
- 1 Small onion sliced
- Salt
Instructions
Making the Sandwich
- Grill links on both sides until completely cooked, then set aside.
- Place bread slices on the counter and cover each slice of bread with a total of 2 cheese slices on each slice of bread.
- Place two of the split links of andouille on one of the slices of the prepared bread slices and then repeat for the other slice.
- Add pickles and caramelized onions to each of the andouille topped slices of bread.
- Close the sandwich by layering on top the remaining bread slices. The sausage, pickles, and onions should be sandwiched between two slices off cheese on each side.
- Place indoor grill pan on stovetop and heat on medium low heat.
- Place both sandwiches on the grill pan. And grill 3-4 minutes. For the last minute place heavy cast iron skillet on top of sandwich. Remove the skillet and flip the sandwiches. Grill for another 3-4 minutes repeating cast iron skillet step for last minute of grilling.
- If the cheese is not fully melted, turn the heat down to low. Just be careful not to burn the bread.
Caramelized Onions Instructions
- Start with sliced onions and olive oil in a sauté pan on medium-high heat. You want a big pan so the onions have room to do their thing. And make sure you have plenty of sliced onions. They're going to shrink down significantly when caramelized.
- Hit them with some salt. This will draw out the moisture. As they cook, they'll first get soft, then juicy. Then, this concentrates and they begin to brown, or caramelize, making them sweet and delicious. It will take about 10 to 15 minutes.
JezMyOpinion
Wednesday 18th of January 2023
Sound good. Gonna try that this month.