Ever had that moment when you bite into a perfectly seasoned breakfast sausage and think, “Man, I wish I could make this at home whenever I want”? That’s exactly how I felt about Jimmy Dean sausage. There’s something magical about that perfect blend of herbs and spices that makes their breakfast sausage absolutely irresistible.
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But here’s the thing — store-bought sausage can get expensive, especially if you’re feeding a family. Plus, have you ever flipped over that package and tried to decipher the ingredient list? Yeah, not always the most reassuring experience.
That’s why I set out on a mission to recreate that iconic Jimmy Dean breakfast sausage flavor right in my own kitchen. After countless attempts (and some memorable failures), I’ve finally nailed down a copycat recipe that’s so close to the original, you might just never go back to the store-bought version.
By making your own Jimmy Dean-style breakfast sausage seasoning, you get to control exactly what goes into your food, save some serious cash, and honestly? There’s something incredibly satisfying about crafting your own signature breakfast sausage.
What Makes Jimmy Dean Sausage So Good?
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s take a moment to understand what makes Jimmy Dean sausage stand out from the crowd. If we’re going to recreate this breakfast icon, we need to know what we’re aiming for, right?
The signature Jimmy Dean flavor comes from a carefully balanced blend of herbs and spices. At the heart of it all is sage — that earthy, slightly peppery herb that gives breakfast sausage its distinctive flavor. But it’s not just about the sage. The perfect balance of black pepper provides that subtle heat, while a touch of sweetness (often from brown sugar) rounds out the flavor profile.
What really sets Jimmy Dean apart is how these flavors work together. It’s not overpoweringly spicy or herbaceous — just perfectly balanced. There’s a slight sweetness that counters the savory notes, creating that mouthwatering flavor that keeps us coming back for more.
Another key component? The fat content. Traditional Jimmy Dean sausage has just the right amount of fat, giving it that juicy texture and helping to carry all those wonderful flavors. When making your own version, you’ll want to use ground pork with about 20% fat content for the best results.
Now that we understand what we’re trying to achieve, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of creating our own perfect copycat recipe.
The Perfect Copycat Recipe
Detailed Ingredient List
Here’s everything you’ll need to create your own Jimmy Dean-style breakfast sausage seasoning. This recipe makes enough seasoning for about 5 pounds of ground meat.
- 2 tablespoons dried sage (rubbed sage works best, but ground sage can be substituted)
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 2 teaspoons black pepper (freshly ground is best)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary, finely crushed
- 1/4 teaspoon dried marjoram
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (light or dark both work)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste for heat level)
- 2 teaspoons salt (kosher salt preferred)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (freshly grated if possible)
Substitution Options:
- If you don’t have dried marjoram, you can substitute with an extra 1/4 teaspoon of dried oregano.
- For a less sweet version, reduce or omit the brown sugar.
- Fresh herbs can be used instead of dried — just use 3 times the amount called for in the recipe.
- For a smokier flavor, add 1/4 teaspoon of smoked paprika.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Herbs
If you’re using whole dried herbs like rosemary, you’ll want to crush them finely before mixing. I like to use a mortar and pestle for this, but you can also use a spice grinder or even the back of a spoon in a pinch.
Step 2: Mix The Dry Ingredients
In a small bowl, combine all the dried herbs and spices. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution. This is super important — you don’t want pockets of red pepper flakes surprising you in a bite!
Step 3: Store or Use Immediately
Your seasoning mix is now ready to use! If you’re planning to use it right away, continue to the next steps. Otherwise, store it in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. A small mason jar works perfectly for this.
Step 4: Season Your Meat
To use your seasoning mix, you’ll need:
- 1 pound ground pork (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio works best)
- 1 tablespoon seasoning mix (from above)
- 1 tablespoon cold water
In a large bowl, combine the ground pork with the seasoning mix. Sprinkle the water over the mixture — this helps distribute the seasoning evenly. Using clean hands, gently mix everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, which can make your sausage tough.
Step 5: Let It Rest
Here’s a pro tip: cover the seasoned meat and let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight. This resting period allows the flavors to meld together and penetrate the meat, resulting in a much more flavorful sausage.
Step 6: Form and Cook
Once rested, you can form the mixture into patties or leave it crumbled for recipes. When forming patties, make a small indentation in the center with your thumb — this prevents the patty from puffing up in the middle while cooking.
Cook the sausage in a skillet over medium heat until browned and cooked through (internal temperature of 160°F). For patties, this takes about 4-5 minutes per side.
Tips & Tricks
Adjusting Spice Levels
Not everyone likes their breakfast sausage with the same level of heat. Here’s how to customize:
- For milder sausage: Reduce or omit the red pepper flakes entirely.
- For spicier sausage: Increase the red pepper flakes to 1/2 teaspoon, or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- For a more herbaceous flavor: Increase the sage to 2 1/2 tablespoons.
- For a sweeter profile: Add an extra teaspoon of brown sugar.
Remember that spices can vary in potency, especially dried herbs. Start with a small batch using these measurements, then adjust to your personal preference for future batches.
Storage Tips
Your homemade seasoning mix will stay fresh longer if stored properly:
- Keep in an airtight container in a cool, dark place (like your spice cabinet).
- For maximum freshness, use within 3 months.
- If you’ve mixed the seasoning with meat but aren’t ready to cook it, the mixture can be refrigerated for up to 2 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- For convenience, you can form patties before freezing — place parchment paper between each patty to prevent sticking.
Using Different Meats
While traditional Jimmy Dean sausage uses pork, you can apply this seasoning to other ground meats:
- Ground Turkey: Use dark meat turkey for best results, as it has more fat. You might want to add 1-2 teaspoons of olive oil per pound to compensate for the lower fat content.
- Ground Chicken: Similar to turkey, opt for dark meat and consider adding a bit of oil for moisture.
- Ground Beef: Works well with this seasoning, though the flavor will be distinctly different from traditional breakfast sausage.
- Vegetarian Options: This seasoning works surprisingly well with plant-based ground meat alternatives. Follow the package directions for the best way to incorporate seasonings.
Dietary Variations
Gluten-Free Breakfast Sausage Seasoning
Good news! This seasoning mix is naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to check the labels on your individual spices, as some brands may process their spices in facilities that also handle gluten-containing products.
Low-Sodium Breakfast Sausage Seasoning
To create a low-sodium version:
- Reduce the salt to 1/2 teaspoon or omit it entirely.
- Consider adding an extra 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder to boost flavor without the sodium.
- A squeeze of fresh lemon juice (about 1/2 teaspoon per pound of meat) can help enhance flavors naturally.
jimmy dean breakfast sausage seasoning recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons dried sage rubbed
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 2 teaspoons black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary crushed
- 1/4 teaspoon dried marjoram
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 pound ground pork 80/20 per tablespoon of seasoning mix
- 1 tablespoon cold water per pound of meat
Instructions
- Cost-effective alternative to store-bought sausage
- No preservatives or artificial ingredients
- Easily customizable to taste preferences
- Makes multiple batches of sausage
- Stores well for future use
- Perfect blend of savory and sweet flavors
Notes
- Store unused seasoning mix in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
- This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled.
- For the best flavor, let the seasoned meat rest overnight before cooking.
Serving Suggestions : jimmy dean breakfast sausage seasoning recipe
Now that you’ve mastered your homemade Jimmy Dean-style breakfast sausage, let’s talk about all the delicious ways you can use it!
Classic Breakfast Plate
Nothing beats the simplicity of sausage patties served alongside fluffy scrambled eggs and crispy hash browns. Add a side of toast with jam for a complete breakfast that’ll power you through the morning.
Breakfast Burritos
Brown some of your homemade sausage (in crumbled form), then wrap it up in a warm tortilla with scrambled eggs, shredded cheese, and salsa. These can be made ahead and frozen for quick weekday breakfasts — just wrap in foil and reheat in the oven.
Biscuits and Gravy
There’s something deeply comforting about homemade biscuits smothered in sausage gravy. Cook your sausage crumbles until browned, add flour to create a roux, then slowly whisk in milk until you have a creamy gravy. Spoon over fresh-baked biscuits for the ultimate weekend breakfast treat.
Breakfast Casserole
Layer cubes of bread, cooked sausage crumbles, vegetables like bell peppers and onions, and plenty of cheese in a casserole dish. Pour over a mixture of beaten eggs and milk, then bake until puffed and golden. This is perfect for feeding a crowd during the holidays.
Quiche or Frittata
Add your homemade sausage to egg-based dishes like quiche or frittata along with your favorite vegetables and cheese. The savory flavor of the sausage pairs beautifully with eggs and makes for a protein-packed meal that’s good for any time of day.
Stuffed Mushrooms
For an elegant appetizer, mix cooked sausage crumbles with cream cheese, herbs, and breadcrumbs, then stuff into mushroom caps and bake until golden. This unexpected use of breakfast sausage always impresses guests!
Pasta Dishes
Don’t limit your homemade sausage to breakfast! It works beautifully in pasta dishes like orecchiette with sausage and broccoli rabe, or crumbled into a rustic tomato sauce served over penne.
Frequently Asked Questions : jimmy dean breakfast sausage seasoning recipe
Can I double or triple the seasoning recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe scales up perfectly. Just be sure to maintain the ratio of ingredients. I often make a large batch of the seasoning mix and keep it on hand for whenever the craving strikes.
How long does the seasoning last?
When stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place, the dry seasoning mix will remain fresh for about 3 months. After that, it won’t go bad, but the potency of the herbs and spices will diminish over time.
Can I use this seasoning for other types of sausage?
While this recipe is specifically designed to mimic Jimmy Dean breakfast sausage, it can certainly be adapted. For Italian sausage, add some fennel seeds and more red pepper flakes. For a summer sausage style, add mustard powder and a touch of liquid smoke.
Where can I buy the ingredients?
All of these ingredients should be available at your local grocery store in the spice aisle. For the best quality and price, consider buying herbs and spices from bulk bins at health food stores or online spice retailers.
Can I make this without sugar?
Yes! The brown sugar adds a subtle sweetness that helps balance the savory notes, but it’s not essential. You can reduce or omit it entirely, or substitute with a pinch of monk fruit sweetener if you’re watching your sugar intake.
Why does my homemade sausage taste different from store-bought?
Several factors could be at play: the freshness of your spices, the quality and fat content of your meat, or how finely you’ve ground the herbs. Commercial products also often contain preservatives and flavor enhancers that you’re not using at home (which is a good thing!). Try adjusting the seasoning levels slightly until you find your perfect match.
How do I know when my sausage is fully cooked?
Pork sausage should reach an internal temperature of 160°F. If you don’t have a meat thermometer, cook until there’s no pink remaining in the center and the juices run clear.
Conclusion : jimmy dean breakfast sausage seasoning recipe
There’s something incredibly satisfying about recreating your favorite foods at home, and this copycat Jimmy Dean breakfast sausage seasoning is no exception. Not only do you get to enjoy that familiar flavor you love, but you also gain the peace of mind that comes with knowing exactly what ingredients are in your food.
By making your own breakfast sausage, you’re saving money, potentially making healthier choices, and developing a skill that will impress family and friends alike. Plus, once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, you can start experimenting with your own variations to create a signature breakfast sausage that’s uniquely yours.
The next time you’re standing in the grocery store, reaching for that familiar package of Jimmy Dean sausage, remember that with just a few simple ingredients from your spice cabinet and some ground pork, you can create something even better at home. Your breakfast table (and your wallet) will thank you!
Share Your Results!
Now that you have this amazing recipe in your cooking arsenal, I’d love to hear how it turns out for you! Have you made any adjustments to make it your own? What’s your favorite way to serve your homemade sausage?
Drop a comment below or share a photo of your creation on social media with the hashtag #HomemadeJimmyDean. And if you found this recipe helpful, please share it with your breakfast-loving friends and family!
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