As someone who loves breakfast, I’ve always been a fan of Jimmy Dean’s sausages. Their savory flavor and perfect texture make mornings feel a little more special. But what if you could enjoy that delicious taste right at home?
I decided to create a copycat recipe that’s simple to make and just as tasty as the original. Whether you’re meal prepping or just craving a homemade touch, this recipe brings that classic Jimmy Dean goodness to your kitchen.
Ingredients
To craft these delicious Jimmy Dean-style sausages, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for a kick)
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
Ensure all ingredients are measured accurately for the best flavor and texture. Combine the ground meats in a large bowl, then add the spices and seasonings. Mix in the maple syrup, Worcestershire sauce, and egg to bind the mixture. Finally, incorporate the breadcrumbs to achieve the perfect consistency before shaping into sausages.
Tools And Equipment
To create the perfect Jimmy Dean sausage copycat at home, having the right tools makes all the difference. Here’s what I use in my kitchen:
Mixing Bowls
- I use a large mixing bowl to combine all the ingredients thoroughly, ensuring an even distribution of flavors.
Measuring Spoons and Cups
- Accurate measurements are crucial. I rely on a set of measuring spoons and cups to get each ingredient just right.
Food Grinder or Stand Mixer
- For achieving the perfect texture, a food grinder is ideal. If you don’t have one, a stand mixer with a paddle attachment works well too.
Spice Grinder or Mortar and Pestle
- Freshly ground spices elevate the flavor. I prefer using a spice grinder for consistency.
Mixing Spatula
- A sturdy spatula helps me mix the sausage mixture without losing any of the goodness.
Sausage Stuffer or Piping Bag
- Using a sausage stuffer ensures uniform casing sizes. Alternatively, a piping bag can be used for shaping the sausages by hand.
Kitchen Scale
- For precise measurements, especially when portioning the sausage mixture, a kitchen scale is indispensable.
Non-Stick Skillet or Grill Pan
- Cooking the sausages to perfection requires a reliable cooking surface. I often use a non-stick skillet for ease of flipping and even cooking.
Thermometer
- To ensure the sausages reach the perfect internal temperature, a meat thermometer is a must-have tool.
- Proper storage keeps your homemade sausages fresh. I use airtight containers to store leftovers or prepped sausages for meal prepping.
Having these tools at hand simplifies the cooking process and helps me deliver delicious, juicy sausages every time.
Directions
Here’s how I recreate the delicious Jimmy Dean sausages at home.
Prepare The Ingredients
- In a large bowl, combine 1 pound ground pork and 1 pound ground beef. Ensure both meats are well-chilled for easy mixing.
- In a small bowl, mix together the spices: 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, and ¼ teaspoon paprika.
- Add 2 tablespoons maple syrup, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 egg, and ¼ cup breadcrumbs to the meat mixture. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
Cook The Sausage
- Heat a non-stick skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Add a small amount of oil to prevent sticking.
- Shape the sausage mixture into patties, about ½ inch thick.
- Place the patties on the heated skillet and cook until golden brown, flipping once to ensure even cooking.
| Temperature | Time |
|---|---|
| Medium heat | 4-5 minutes per side |
| Internal Temp | 160°F (71°C) |
Assemble And Serve
- Once cooked, transfer the sausages to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess fat.
- Serve the sausages hot alongside your favorite breakfast items like scrambled eggs, toast, and fresh fruit.
Make-Ahead Instructions
Preparing these Jimmy Dean sausage copycats in advance can save you time during busy mornings. Follow these steps to make-ahead and store your sausages for later use.
- Shape the Sausage Patties
After mixing all ingredients, divide the sausage mixture into equal portions. I typically make 2-ounce patties for a satisfying breakfast.
- Pre-Freeze the Patties
Arrange the shaped patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they don’t touch each other. Place the tray in the freezer and allow the patties to freeze solid, about 1-2 hours.
- Store the Sausages
Once frozen, transfer the patties to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Label with the date for easy tracking. Refer to the table below for storage guidelines.
| Storage Method | Duration |
|---|---|
| Freezer | Up to 3 months |
| Refrigerator | Up to 3 days |
- Reheat When Ready
- From Frozen: No need to thaw. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Cook the frozen patties for 6-7 minutes per side until heated through and browned.
- From Refrigerated: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Cook the patties for 4-5 minutes per side until warmed and golden.
- Serving Suggestions
Serve the reheated sausages alongside your favorite breakfast items like scrambled eggs, toast, or fresh fruit for a delicious meal any time.
By following these make-ahead instructions, you can enjoy homemade Jimmy Dean-style sausages with minimal effort whenever hunger strikes.
Storage Tips
Keeping your homemade Jimmy Dean sausage copycats fresh and flavorful is essential. Follow these storage tips to ensure your sausages stay delicious:
Storage Duration
| Storage Method | Duration |
|---|---|
| Refrigerator | Up to 4 days |
| Freezer | Up to 3 months |
Refrigeration
- Cool Completely: Allow the cooked sausages to reach room temperature before storing. This prevents excess moisture buildup.
- Airtight Containers: Place the sausages in airtight containers or use zip-top bags to keep out air and preserve freshness.
- Separate Layers: If stacking sausages, use parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking.
Freezing
- Pre-Freeze: Arrange the sausage patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. This step makes it easier to store them without clumping.
- Proper Packaging: Transfer the pre-frozen sausages into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
- Labeling: Clearly label the packages with the date to keep track of their storage time.
Reheating
- From Refrigerated: Reheat sausages in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, or microwave them on high for 1-2 minutes.
- From Frozen: Cook sausages directly from frozen by adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) for safety.
- Avoid Overheating: To maintain texture and flavor, reheat just until warm without overcooking.
Additional Tips
- Avoid Refreezing: Once thawed, do not refreeze sausages to maintain their quality.
- Use Freezer Paper or Foil: For added protection, wrap individual patties in freezer paper or aluminum foil before placing them in storage bags.
- Organize Storage: Keep sausages in a single layer in the freezer to make it easy to grab the quantity you need without thawing the entire batch.
By following these storage guidelines, you can enjoy your homemade sausages at their best anytime you crave a hearty and delicious meal.
Conclusion
Making these homemade sausages has truly transformed my breakfasts. There’s something special about savoring flavors I can create myself. It’s rewarding to know I can whip them up whenever I need a hearty start to the day. Plus meal prepping means less morning rush and more time to enjoy with family. I hope you find as much joy in this recipe as I do and that it becomes a staple in your kitchen too. Happy cooking!
