Wake up to a sizzling skillet of spicy chorizo, hearty kale and sweet grape tomatoes, all piled high over a bed of creamy cheddar grits. This dish is pure comfort food, with bold flavors and a satisfying texture that will keep you full all morning.
Best of all, it comes together in just 30 minutes using one pan and a pot. The smoky paprika and tangy tomatoes balance the richness of the chorizo and cheese, making every bite irresistible. Whether you’re cooking for a lazy weekend brunch or a quick weekday breakfast, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
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Recipe details
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Values are calculated per serving from ingredient amounts and the ingredient nutrition reference per 100g. Allergen and diet labels use available ingredient metadata and name matching; always check product labels for strict diets or allergies. Some ingredient amounts or nutrition values were incomplete, so this is marked as a partial estimate.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash and dry all produce. Remove and discard ribs and stems from kale. Roughly chop leaves. Halve tomatoes lengthwise. Halve, peel and thinly slice onion.
- Heat a drizzle of oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add chorizo, breaking it up into pieces and cook until cooked through and lightly crisped, 3-4 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside. Meanwhile, bring 2½ cups water to a boil in a medium pot.
- Add onion and a drizzle of oil to the same pan over medium-high heat. Cook until soft, 4-5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Add tomatoes and cook until just soft, 2-3 minutes. Add stock concentrate, ⅓ cup water, kale and ½ tsp smoked paprika (save the rest for garnish). Cook until kale is tender, 3-4 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Once water is boiling, whisk grits into pot. Cook, stirring frequently, until thick, 5-7 minutes. (Tip: Add a few splashes of water if grits become stiff.) Add cheddar and 2 TBSP butter and stir until melted. Season with salt and pepper.
- Stir chorizo into pan with veggies. (Tip: Mixture should have a saucy consistency. Stir in up to ¼ cup water if it seems dry.)
- Divide grits between plates. Top with chorizo mixture. Sprinkle with a pinch of smoked paprika and serve.
Recipe Tips
For a thinner grits consistency, add a splash of water or milk while cooking.
If the chorizo-veggie mixture seems dry, stir in a little water to create a light sauce.
Use a non-stick pan for easier cleanup.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute cheddar with Monterey Jack, pepper jack or your favorite melty cheese.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just ensure your grits are labeled gluten-free if you have celiac disease.
Can I make this ahead of time?
The chorizo and kale mixture can be made ahead and reheated. Prepare the grits fresh for best texture.

























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