What Is Andouille?

Smoky with a bit of a kick, andouille is the star ingredient of Cajun-style dishes, including jambalaya and gumbo. But despite it's Cajun reputation, Andouille actually originated from France.

What Is Andouille?

Andouille is a large sausage made from the digestive tract of a single pig. In France, it's made by mixing onions and seasonings with the chopped or sliced strips of a pig's stomach and small intestines. Then, the mixture is put in a casing made from the pig's large intestine, poached, and allowed to cool.

Most andouille found in U.S. stores is Cajun-style. This type is made from the upper shoulder of a pig (often called the pork butt) and mixed with spicy seasonings. Instead of being poached, it is twice smoked.

How to Cook Andouille

Andouille is a versatile cooking ingredient. Because it's pre-cooked, you could simply take it out of the fridge, slice it and serve it cold on its own or as part of a charcuterie board. You can also bake or boil it. If baking, preheat your oven to 350 F and place the links on a sheet pan. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until the internal temperature is 140 F. If boiling, place the links or slices in a skillet with about an inch of water and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. After you've heated the sausage, you can add it to pasta dishes, rice dishes and more.

What Does It Taste Like?

Spicy. Andouille has a sharp, smoky taste. 

Varieties

There are several types of andouille. In the U.S., you'll find Cajun-style andouille, which tends to be spicier than the European versions. Cajun-style andouille is composed of pork meat, fat, salt and pepper, garlic and then smoked. The European varieties (you'll find slight differences in the composition of the sausage depending on which country you're in) tend to be less spicy, but still flavorful. They also have a rougher texture than the Cajun-style andouille. 

Andouille Recipes

Andouille sausage originated in France, although it's most commonly associated with Cajun-style dishes.

• Macaroni and Cheese With Andouille Sausage
• Cajun Jambalaya
• Spicy Breakfast Casserole With Andouille Sausage

Where to Buy Andouille

Andouille is readily available at grocery stores (look for it in the meat case), big box stores such as Walmart and neighborhood butcher stores. From a butcher shop, you'll often be able to buy one or more andouille while at a grocery store or big box store it usually comes in a package of six. It's also possible to order andouille online, where it will typically arrive frozen.

Storage

Keep andouille in its original airtight packaging or transfer to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to use. When frozen in an airtight container or freezer bag, andouille will stay good for up to six months.