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Home » Ingredients » Andouille Sausage - All About It

Andouille Sausage - All About It

by Mike Hultquist · May 31, 2023 · 12 Comments

Andouille sausage is a popular smoked sausage commonly used in Creole and Cajun cuisine, originally from France, usually made from pork. Learn more about it.

Andouille Sausage - What is it?

What is Andouille Sausage?

Andouille sausage is a smoked sausage made from pork meat, fat, salt, garlic, and other spices that originated in France. It is heavily smoked, which gives it a smoky flavor and a firm, chewy texture.

It is a popular ingredient commonly used in Creole and Cajun cuisine, with a distinctive flavor and texture that makes it a favorite among sausage lovers.

You'll find many different brands of andouille offered, from small local farm producers to large food manufacturers. It's popular in dishes like gumbo and jambalaya, red beans and rice, and for adding flavor to collard greens and many other recipes.

Gumbo Zherbes Recipe (Green Gumbo)

Where Did Andouille Come From?

Andouille sausage originated in France, particularly in the Brittany and Normandy regions. The sausage was traditionally made from pork intestines and stomach lining, which were stuffed with ground pork and other ingredients.

The sausage was then smoked over a wood fire, which gave it its distinctive smoky flavor.

What's in Andouille Sausage?

The ingredients of andouille sausage can vary based on the region, but the core ingredients typically include pork meat, fat, salt, garlic, and other spices like paprika, cayenne pepper, and thyme.

Some recipes also call for onions, celery, and other vegetables to be added to the mix. The sausage is typically stuffed into natural casings and then smoked over a wood fire.

Browning andouille sausage to make Shrimp Gumbo

What Kind of Meat is Andouille?

Andouille sausage is typically made from pork meat, including lean cuts like shoulder and ham, as well as fattier cuts like bacon and pork belly.

The meat is ground or chopped and then mixed with other ingredients like garlic and spices before being stuffed into casings and smoked.

What Does Andouille Taste Like?

Andouille sausage has a distinct flavor that is smoky, spicy, and savory. The smoke flavor comes from the smoking process, while the spiciness comes from ingredients like cayenne pepper and paprika.

The sausage has a firm, chewy texture that adds to its appeal.

Andouille Pronunciation

How do you pronounce "andouille"? The pronunciation of andouille sausage can be a bit tricky for non-native speakers. The correct pronunciation is "ahn-doo-ee" or "ahn-doo-ey." The "l" at the end of the word is silent.

A selection of Andouille Sausage

Andouille Sausage Substitutes

If you can't find andouille sausage in your local grocery store, there are some substitutes that you can use. Smoked ham is a popular substitute that has a similar spicy flavor and texture.

Kielbasa sausage is another option that has a milder flavor and a firmer texture. You can also use smoked paprika or liquid smoke to add a smoky flavor to dishes that call for andouille sausage.

Andouille Sausage Recipes

Andouille sausage can be used in a variety of dishes, including gumbo, jambalaya, and red beans and rice. Try some of my recipes that highlight the flavor of andouille.

  • Chicken and Sausage Gumbo
  • Jambalaya
  • Red Beans and Rice
  • Collard Greens
  • Shrimp and Grits
  • Pastalaya
Cajun Chicken and Sausage Gumbo in a bowl with a spoon

Got any questions? Contact me any time!

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  1. David Bird says

    February 08, 2024 at 6:51 pm

    I love andouille sausage and use it in red beans and other dishes.

    I always lightly brown slices in a skillet before adding to a recipe.

    How do I keep the casing from getting so tough and chewy? Suggestions?

    Reply
    • Mike Hultquist says

      February 08, 2024 at 7:43 pm

      Yes, I do that often as well. The key, for me, is higher heat. Give it a nice hot sear.

      Reply
  2. Kathy Roster says

    November 05, 2023 at 1:00 pm

    I have always wanted to try this sausage. But I have no stomach and heard it’s extremely spicy. Is it?? Thanks. Kathy

    Reply
    • Mike Hultquist says

      November 05, 2023 at 1:49 pm

      Kathy, many brands are rather spicy, as they add spices like cayenne and paprika to the mix, then smoke it.

      Reply
  3. Mark Conti says

    October 27, 2023 at 3:44 pm

    I've been looking for real anduoille sausage since I returned from Dixie. never been able to find it . . . you know where I can get it I'll be forever in your debt

    Reply
    • Mike Hultquist says

      October 27, 2023 at 5:02 pm

      Mark, check out Cajun Grocer online.

      Reply
  4. Ron Kalenuik says

    June 03, 2023 at 6:30 am

    information is great, however where is the actually recipe to make and smoke, hot or cold smoke, amount of spices, quantities of meats to fat. I enjoy this site so much, it has been very helpful in both recipe creatio /formulation and instructing students.
    thanks so much for the great work you do.

    Reply
    • Mike Hultquist says

      June 03, 2023 at 6:36 am

      Thanks, Ron. This is just an informational page at the moment. I hope to get my recipe online in the future. I appreciate it.

      Reply
  5. Lizette says

    May 31, 2023 at 9:38 am

    I've tried a few of your recipes and loved them all. The recipes I haven't tried, I have saved to my phone home screen. My next recipe is your chile relleno dish.

    Reply
    • Mike Hultquist says

      May 31, 2023 at 11:04 am

      Thanks so much, Lizette. Enjoy! I appreciate it!

      Reply
  6. Julian says

    May 31, 2023 at 6:46 am

    Hey Mike, first of your recipes are amazing! Tried a few, and all have been solid! Question for you, do you have a recipe for making your own Andouille sausage?
    Thanks!

    Reply
    • Mike Hultquist says

      May 31, 2023 at 6:51 am

      Thanks, Julian! I actually have been experimenting and may get my own personal recipe for making andouille on the site in the future. I appreciate it.

      Reply

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