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Butternut Squash Grits with Sausage and Kale

December 1, 2020 By Patricia 64 Comments

Butternut Squash Grits with Sausage and Kale is the perfect dish to warm you on a chilly night. You’ll love this filling dish that is pure comfort food!

 

Butternut Squash Grits with Sausage and Kale is a comforting and delicious dish. You'll enjoy serving this grits dish on a chilly night.

Individually, the ingredients for Butternut Squash Grits with Sausage and Kale are simple, and together, they deliver a delicious meal. I would definitely categorize this as comfort food.

I love combining sausage and kale in soups and pasta, and it was definitely a great idea to add butternut squash to the mix. This grits dish is a new fall favorite of mine.

Butternut Squash Grits with Sausage and Kale is a welcome dish to serve when the weather is chilly. These grits are comforting and flavorful.

It’s really starting to cool down in Phoenix lately. It is fall, after all, so that might not seem like a big to you, but after a looooong Phoenix summer, those moments when you can step outside without melting are truly something to revel in.

It’s this kind of chilly weather that can easily inspire you to make comforting meals no matter where you live. This meal isn’t just comforting, but it’s easy to make, too. 

Butternut Squash Grits with Sausage and Kale is a hearty and warming dish to serve when it's cold out. You'll love this hearty and comforting grits dish.

Originally, my husband wanted to make a polenta dish, which you could easily use in this recipe. But after searching through our cupboards twice, there was no polenta to be found.

That reminds me: he made a dish last year that I added to the site, and it is divine: Red Wine Braised Short Ribs with Polenta. It’s a must-make dish for sure!

And there’s this grits dish, Individual Cheesy Shrimp and Grits, that has been a readers’ favorite for a while. I’m a big fan, too! It makes a fab appetizer.

Butternut Squash Grits with Sausage and Kale is a warming and flavorful dish on a cold night. You'll want to scoop up spoonful after spoonful of these grits.

It was a bit strange not to have polenta in the house because, well, we always have polenta. So, onward to grits.

Polenta and grits are similar enough that you could use either in this recipe (at least I say so). Each is made with different types of corn (and there’s a difference in how the corn is prepared), and each has a slightly different texture, too. I grew up eating polenta (Italian family). My husband grew up eating grits (Southern family).

Are you a butternut squash fan? Try this Easy, Creamy Butternut Squash Soup. It’ll warm you and fill you up!

Butternut Squash Grits with Sausage and Kale is a hearty and warming dish. You'll love the flavors in this grits dish!

So with a cupboard bare of polenta, Butternut Squash Grits with Sausage and Kale was born. It is definitely a hearty dish, and definitely one to warm you up on a chilly night. I hope you enjoy its wonderful flavors.

Butternut Squash Grits with Sausage and Kale is a hearty and flavorful dish on a chilly night. You'll love the ingredients in this grits dish!

Nutrition

Calories

379 cal

Fat

23 g

Carbs

29 g

Protein

11 g
Click Here For Full Nutrition, Exchanges, and My Plate Info
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Patricia Conte/Grab a Plate

Serves Serves 6-8

Butternut Squash Grits with Sausage and Kale
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5 based on 9 review(s)

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Ingredients

  • 1 butternut squash, peeled and cubed
  • 1/2 pound Italian sausage
  • 1 large bunch kale, leaves removed from stems and cut into bite sized pieces
  • 1 cup uncooked grits or polenta
  • 3 cups water
  • 4 garlic cloves, 3 smashed, 1 minced
  • 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 4 fresh sage leaves, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, divided
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, divided
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, plus extra for garnish
  • 1-1/2 tablespoons olive oil, divided

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Drizzle 1 tablespoon olive oil into a baking dish. Add the butternut squash cubes and the 3 smashed garlic cloves. Add 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, and the sage. Toss to combine.
  2. Bake for about 30 minutes until the butternut squash is soft.
  3. When finished cooking, divide the mixture it in half.
  4. Blend half (about 1 cup), along with 3 tablespoons water, until smooth.
  5. Set aside with the reserved butternut squash cubes.
  6. As the butternut squash is cooking, bring the 3 cups water to boil in a large pan.
  7. Add the grits, stirring. When it boils, stir the mixture and reduce the heat to low. Add the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt and stir occasionally, until cooked according to the package directions (mine took about 20 minutes).
  8. Once cooked, add the blended butternut squash, along with the Parmesan cheese and 1 tablespoon butter to the grits. Stir until incorporated.
  9. Reduce the heat to the lowest setting to keep the mixture warm.
  10. Brown the sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove from the skillet when cooked through. Reduce the heat to medium. Add 1/2 tablespoon oil to the skillet. When hot, add the 1 clove minced garlic, and kale to the skillet along with 2-3 tablespoons water, and the black pepper. Stir occasionally.
  11. After several minutes of cooking and the kale begins to wilt, add the sausage back to the mixture and stir to combine. Cook for another few minutes until the mixture is warmed through.
  12. Transfer the grits to individual serving bowls and top with the sausage and kale mixture, along with several cubes of the reserved butternut squash.
  13. Garnish with a bit of the crushed red pepper flakes and Parmesan cheese.
  14. Serve warm.
7.8.1.2
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https://www.azgrabaplate.com/butternut-squash-grits-sausage-kale/

Filed Under: Dinner, Gluten Free, Lunch, Recipes Tagged With: comfort food, gluten free, Grits, kale, sausage

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Comments

  1. Kim says

    October 2, 2017 at 5:51 pm

    I will have to veganize this, but holy smokes I forgot how good savory grits can be. Plus, I love that you used Kale. It's one of my favorite veggies!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      October 26, 2017 at 11:21 pm

      Thanks, Kim! I love kale, too. I hope you can easily switch this up, and enjoy!
      Reply
  2. Karen says

    October 2, 2017 at 7:43 pm

    This is such a beautiful dish Patricia. I so plan to try it!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      October 26, 2017 at 11:21 pm

      Thanks so much, Karen! Enjoy!
      Reply
  3. Catherine Brown says

    October 2, 2017 at 8:16 pm

    Butternut squash and kale are FABULOUS together! I've never made them with grits though. Definitely going to have to give this one a go for sure! ;-)
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      October 26, 2017 at 11:21 pm

      Thanks, Catherine! I hope you give this a go, and enjoy!
      Reply
  4. Jen says

    October 2, 2017 at 9:53 pm

    I've been to incorporate more veggies into our meals and this looks like a perfect fit! Thanks for letting me know that polenta can be used too.
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      October 26, 2017 at 11:20 pm

      Thanks so much, Jen! I hope you enjoy this dish!
      Reply
  5. Julie says

    October 2, 2017 at 10:07 pm

    This looks so warm and comforting on a cold night. I'm more likely to have polenta in the house than grits. Great photo, too, by the way.
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      October 26, 2017 at 11:20 pm

      Thanks, Julie! Try it with polenta! I'm sure it'd be just as tasty :)
      Reply
  6. Luci says

    October 2, 2017 at 10:59 pm

    Delicious, I know my mother would love this. Have to make this for her soon.
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      October 26, 2017 at 11:20 pm

      Thanks, Luci! I hope you both enjoy this dish!
      Reply
  7. Denay DeGuzman says

    October 3, 2017 at 12:00 am

    I love the beautiful, seasonal ingredients used in this delicious recipe. Such perfect healthy comfort food. This recipe's a keeper. Pinned for later!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      October 26, 2017 at 11:19 pm

      Thanks a bunch, Denay! I hope you like it!
      Reply
  8. Francesca says

    October 3, 2017 at 12:20 am

    This Is the perfect cozy comfort food! Definitely perfect for the season'!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      October 26, 2017 at 11:19 pm

      Oh, for sure! Thanks so much, Francesca!
      Reply
  9. Amanda says

    October 3, 2017 at 12:42 am

    I LOVE butternut squash, and grits, so this is something I simply must make!!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      October 26, 2017 at 11:19 pm

      Thanks, Amanda! This turned out really tasty! Enjoy!
      Reply
  10. anne - onedeterminedlife says

    October 3, 2017 at 2:04 am

    I love cooking with butternut squash
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      October 26, 2017 at 11:18 pm

      Yes! One of my favorite things! Thanks, Anne!
      Reply
  11. melissa king says

    October 3, 2017 at 2:07 am

    I have actually never made grits! I love the seasonal spin you put on them!!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      October 26, 2017 at 11:18 pm

      Thank you, Melissa! You should try them!
      Reply
  12. carrie @ frugal foodie mama says

    October 3, 2017 at 11:24 am

    This looks absolutely delicious! :) What a perfect meal for a chilly fall day.
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      October 26, 2017 at 11:18 pm

      Thanks, Carrie! Yes! A great fall dish!
      Reply
  13. Abeer says

    October 3, 2017 at 3:43 pm

    This is the perfect fall meal! I love fall for this!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      October 26, 2017 at 11:17 pm

      I know - me, too! Thank you, Abeer!
      Reply
  14. Christiana says

    October 3, 2017 at 4:28 pm

    I am drooling! I am definitely going to try this. I can't wait, it looks so delicious!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      October 26, 2017 at 11:17 pm

      Thanks so much, Christina! Enjoy!
      Reply
  15. Mistle says

    October 3, 2017 at 4:56 pm

    This looks yummy! I am not a huge fan of grits but I do love butternut squash. I may just be open to trying this out!!!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      October 26, 2017 at 11:16 pm

      Thanks, Mistle! Well, if you try it, I hope you love it!
      Reply
  16. Elizabeth says

    October 3, 2017 at 7:34 pm

    I have sausage and cornmeal, so this is on my list of dinners to make this week.
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      October 26, 2017 at 11:16 pm

      It's really, really good! Enjoy!
      Reply
  17. Krista says

    October 4, 2017 at 1:50 am

    You made grits look so good! i want a big bowl of them!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      October 26, 2017 at 11:15 pm

      Thanks so much! We love them!
      Reply
  18. eat good 4 life says

    October 5, 2017 at 12:19 pm

    So easy.....loving the topping. I have not made grits before but this would be a great recipe to start with.
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      October 26, 2017 at 11:15 pm

      Thank you! Yes, for sure an easy recipe. I hope you try them, and enjoy!
      Reply
  19. Sissy says

    August 25, 2018 at 5:30 am

    I know it is not Fall yet, it I really gotta make this soon!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      August 27, 2018 at 4:00 pm

      I know - I'm ready, too! Love this dish, and since you're in the South, you should get good grits :)
      Reply
  20. Michelle Ann Cantu says

    December 1, 2020 at 9:59 am

    Yummy, I bet the sausage gives it an extra spice. I love paring the sweet and spicy/salty flavors together too. Can't wat to try this, looks perfect for my chilly weather.
    ★★★★★
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      January 1, 2021 at 6:12 pm

      For sure! I hope you get a chance to make this! Thank you, Michelle Ann!
      Reply
  21. Mimi says

    December 1, 2020 at 2:08 pm

    I've just had my wisdom tooth removed (and I have to do the other three too) so I'm eating A LOT of soups so I definitely need to give this a go
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      January 1, 2021 at 6:12 pm

      Bummer - hope it's an easy time for you. Yes, this would be good for you!
      Reply
  22. April says

    December 1, 2020 at 5:11 pm

    I made this with a non meat alternative to sausage and soooooo delicious!! I loved it!!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      January 1, 2021 at 6:11 pm

      Great idea! Glad it worked for you - thanks, April!
      Reply
  23. Erin | Dinners,Dishes and Dessert says

    December 1, 2020 at 6:04 pm

    This Butternut Squash is so pretty! Love the recipe too!
    ★★★★★
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      January 1, 2021 at 6:10 pm

      Thanks very much, Erin!
      Reply
  24. Vikki says

    December 1, 2020 at 10:44 pm

    So yummy! My new favorite way to make grits
    ★★★★★
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      January 1, 2021 at 6:10 pm

      Awesome! Thank you, Vikki!
      Reply
  25. Marina says

    December 2, 2020 at 7:27 am

    I don't eat meat as you know but this looks like a perfect combo...I love butternut squash, it's my confort food during the cold months x
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      January 1, 2021 at 6:10 pm

      It really is! You could enjoy this without the sausage! Thanks, Marina!
      Reply
  26. katerina @ diethood.com says

    December 2, 2020 at 9:44 am

    This sounds incredibly delicious!! I can't wait to try it!
    ★★★★★
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      January 1, 2021 at 6:10 pm

      Thank you! Enjoy!
      Reply
  27. Beti | easyweeknightrecipes says

    December 2, 2020 at 9:45 am

    Such a fantastic dish!! Full of amazing flavors!
    ★★★★★
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      January 1, 2021 at 6:09 pm

      Thank you, Beti!
      Reply
  28. Toni Dash says

    December 2, 2020 at 10:16 am

    This is so good and packed full of flavors!! So yummy!
    ★★★★★
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      January 1, 2021 at 6:09 pm

      Yes, for sure! Thanks, Toni!
      Reply
  29. Catalina says

    December 2, 2020 at 12:10 pm

    Oh my goodness! This is so delicious! My family will go crazy over these!
    ★★★★★
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      January 1, 2021 at 6:09 pm

      Awesome! Enjoy!
      Reply
  30. Kayvona says

    December 3, 2020 at 7:15 am

    This looks so good! And you don’t have to feel guilty about eating!
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      January 1, 2021 at 6:09 pm

      That's a great point! Thanks, Kayvona!
      Reply
  31. Beth says

    December 3, 2020 at 8:11 am

    This looks so good and delicious! I can't wait to give this a try! My husband is going to love this recipe!
    ★★★★★
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      January 1, 2021 at 6:09 pm

      Thanks, Beth! I hope you like it!
      Reply
  32. Natalie says

    December 3, 2020 at 8:31 am

    This is such a lovely dinner option. Looks so delicious and healthy. I love grits and I cook them often. I will definitely give this combo a try. Thanks for the recipe and idea.
    ★★★★★
    Reply
    • Patricia says

      December 11, 2020 at 7:07 am

      Thanks, Natalie! This is one of my favorites! I hope you like it, too!
      Reply

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I'm Patricia

Welcome to Grab a Plate!

Growing up surrounded by my Italian family it was always, "grab a plate" whenever anyone came to visit. Food was always a celebration, even everyday meals, and I like it that way. I try to make each meal memorable with my recipes for mainly meatless, mostly healthy, and easy-to-make dishes (with sweet treats in between).

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