In This Post
Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Jimmy Dean Breakfast Sausage Seasoning
Oh, friends, let me tell you a little story. Growing up, Saturday mornings in my house were synonymous with the irresistible aroma of breakfast sausage sizzling in the pan. It was always Jimmy Dean. That classic, perfectly seasoned, slightly peppery, utterly delicious sausage that just screamed “weekend!” But you know what? Those little rolls can get pricey, and sometimes, you just want to have that flavor on hand whenever the craving strikes. That’s where this recipe comes in.
This isn’t just *any* sausage seasoning recipe; this is *my* recipe, honed over years of taste-testing and tweaking to perfectly mimic that iconic Jimmy Dean flavor we all adore. Imagine waking up any day of the week and being able to whip up a batch of breakfast sausage that tastes *exactly* like your childhood favorite, but made fresh, right in your own kitchen. No more last-minute grocery runs for overpriced sausage rolls! Ready to unlock the secret to breakfast bliss? Let’s dive in!
Jimmy Dean Breakfast Sausage Seasoning Recipe Ingredients
Full Ingredient List
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 2 tablespoons dried sage
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 2 tablespoons black pepper
- 1 tablespoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Easy Ingredient Swaps & Simple Substitutions
- For a milder flavor: Reduce or omit the red pepper flakes entirely. You can also substitute black pepper with white pepper for a slightly less pungent heat.
- For a vegan option: This seasoning blend is naturally vegan! Just mix it with plant-based ground meat alternatives like lentils, mushrooms, or soy crumbles to create delicious vegan breakfast sausage.
- For gluten-free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free. Ensure all your individual spices are certified gluten-free if you are very sensitive.
Smart Shopping & Savvy Savings Tips
Spices can sometimes be expensive if bought in large quantities and then left to languish in the pantry. My tip? Buy spices in bulk from co-ops or ethnic grocery stores – you’ll get much better prices! Also, check the expiration dates on your spices; fresh spices have a much more potent flavor. Store your spices in airtight containers in a cool, dark place to maximize their shelf life and flavor. Ground spices generally last about 1-2 years.
The Essential Equipment for This Recipe
- Mixing Bowls: You’ll need at least one, but two makes things easier – one for measuring spices and another for mixing the seasoning with the ground meat.
- Measuring Spoons: Accuracy is key for the perfect flavor balance, so a set of measuring spoons is essential.
- Airtight Container: For storing any leftover seasoning blend. A small mason jar or spice jar works perfectly.
- Optional – Meat Grinder (if making sausage from scratch): If you’re feeling ambitious and grinding your own meat, a meat grinder is necessary. If not, store-bought ground pork works wonderfully!
How to Make Jimmy Dean Breakfast Sausage Seasoning: Step-by-Step Instructions
- Measure all the spices: salt, sage, thyme, black pepper, red pepper flakes, brown sugar, nutmeg, ginger, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Combine all measured spices into a mixing bowl.
- Whisk the spices together thoroughly until they are evenly distributed. This ensures that each teaspoon of your seasoning blend has the perfect balance of flavor.
- Store your homemade breakfast sausage seasoning in an airtight container. It’s ready to use whenever you crave that classic breakfast sausage taste!
- To Use: For every pound of ground pork (or your choice of ground meat), use approximately 2 tablespoons of this seasoning blend. Mix it in thoroughly with your hands, ensuring even distribution. For best flavor, let the seasoned meat sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight, before cooking. This allows the flavors to meld and deepen.
- Cook your seasoned sausage as desired – pan-fry, bake, or grill until cooked through and no longer pink.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Expert Insights: Tips, Tricks, and Culinary Hacks for Success
- Taste as you go: Everyone’s palate is different! Start with the listed amounts, but feel free to adjust the seasoning to your liking. Love a spicier kick? Add a pinch more red pepper flakes. Prefer a sweeter sausage? A touch more brown sugar will do the trick.
- Freshness matters: For the most vibrant flavor, use fresh spices. If your spices have been sitting in your pantry for a while, they might have lost some potency. Consider replacing them every year or so for the best results.
- Don’t overmix when combining with meat: Gently mix the seasoning into the ground meat until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a tougher texture in your cooked sausage.
- Make a big batch: This recipe is easily doubled or tripled! Making a larger batch of the seasoning blend is a great time-saver. Store it in an airtight container, and you’ll have homemade breakfast sausage seasoning ready to go whenever you need it.
- Did you know? For a slightly different flavor profile, try adding a pinch of mace or cloves to your seasoning blend. These spices add a warm, subtle complexity that complements the other flavors beautifully. It’s my little chef’s secret!
Recipe Swaps & Variations for Jimmy Dean Breakfast Sausage Seasoning
- Spicy Sausage: If you like it hot, increase the red pepper flakes, or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- Maple Sausage: For a touch of sweetness and a classic maple flavor, add 1-2 tablespoons of maple sugar or powdered maple syrup to the seasoning blend.
- Italian Sausage Inspired: For a savory twist, add 1 teaspoon of fennel seeds and ½ teaspoon of dried oregano to the mix.
- Lower Sodium: Reduce the salt to ½ tablespoon, or use a low-sodium salt alternative. You can also experiment with adding more herbs and spices to compensate for the reduced salt without sacrificing flavor.
- Herby Sausage: Increase the sage and thyme to 1.5 tablespoons each for a more pronounced herbal flavor.
Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Jimmy Dean Breakfast Sausage
Oh, the possibilities are endless! Breakfast sausage is such a versatile star. For a classic breakfast, you can’t go wrong with:
- Fluffy Scrambled Eggs: The creamy richness of eggs is the perfect counterpoint to the savory sausage.
- Golden Brown Pancakes or Waffles: Drizzle with maple syrup for a sweet and savory breakfast feast.
- Buttery Biscuits: Sausage and biscuits are a match made in Southern breakfast heaven.
- Hash Browns or Home Fries: Crispy potatoes are always a welcome addition to any breakfast plate.
Beyond breakfast, try crumbling cooked sausage into:
- Quiches and Frittatas: Adds a burst of flavor and protein.
- Breakfast Burritos: Combine with eggs, cheese, and your favorite salsa.
- Stuffing or Dressing: For a savory holiday side dish.
- Pasta Sauces: Crumble and brown sausage to add depth to tomato-based sauces.
Don’t forget a steaming mug of coffee or a glass of fresh orange juice to complete your perfect breakfast spread!
Storing Your Jimmy Dean Breakfast Sausage Seasoning
[StoringSuggestionsImage]
This homemade seasoning blend is wonderfully shelf-stable. Store it in an airtight container in a cool, dark place, like your pantry, away from direct sunlight and heat. Properly stored, it will last for up to 6-12 months, although the flavor is best within the first 6 months as spices gradually lose their potency over time.
When you’ve seasoned ground meat with this blend and cooked it, store leftover cooked sausage in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat thoroughly in a skillet or microwave until heated through. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
Leftover Hack: Crumble leftover cooked sausage and add it to scrambled eggs or frittatas the next day for a quick and flavorful breakfast. It’s also fantastic sprinkled over homemade pizza before baking!
Printable Recipe Card
Jimmy Dean Breakfast Sausage Seasoning Recipe
Equipment
- 2 Mixing Bowls Large stainless steel
- 1 Measuring Spoons For accurate measurements
- 1 Airtight Container For storing seasoning blend
Ingredients
Seasoning Blend
- 1 tablespoon Salt fine sea salt
- 2 tablespoons Dried Sage
- 1 tablespoon Dried Thyme
- 2 tablespoons Black Pepper freshly ground recommended
- 1 tablespoon Red Pepper Flakes adjust to taste
- 1 tablespoon Brown Sugar packed
- 1 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg freshly grated recommended
- 1 teaspoon Ground Ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Onion Powder
Instructions
- Measure all the spices: salt, sage, thyme, black pepper, red pepper flakes, brown sugar, nutmeg, ginger, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Combine all measured spices into a mixing bowl.
- Whisk the spices together thoroughly until they are evenly distributed.
- Store your homemade breakfast sausage seasoning in an airtight container.
- For every pound of ground pork (or your choice of ground meat), use approximately 2 tablespoons of this seasoning blend. Mix it in thoroughly with your hands, ensuring even distribution. For best flavor, let the seasoned meat sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight, before cooking.
- Cook your seasoned sausage as desired – pan-fry, bake, or grill until cooked through and no longer pink.
Notes
Nutrition Breakdown: Calories, Protein, Fats & More (per 2 tablespoons of seasoning blend, approximate)
Please note that the nutritional values are for the seasoning blend *only* and do not include the ground meat it’s mixed with. The nutrition per serving of cooked sausage will vary depending on the type and fat content of the meat used.
- Calories: Approximately 40
- Protein: Less than 1g
- Fat: Less than 1g
- Saturated Fat: Less than 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 2300mg (This is primarily from the salt. You can reduce sodium by using less salt or a low-sodium salt alternative)
Disclaimer: Nutritional information is an estimate based on available data and may vary. For the most accurate nutritional information, use a nutrition calculator with the specific brands and quantities of ingredients you use.
Recipe FAQ
- Q: Can I use this seasoning with ground turkey or chicken instead of pork?
A: Absolutely! This seasoning is delicious with any ground meat. Ground turkey or chicken will result in a leaner sausage.
- Q: I don’t have brown sugar. Can I use white sugar?
A: Brown sugar adds a subtle molasses flavor that’s characteristic of breakfast sausage, but in a pinch, you can substitute white sugar. You might want to add a tiny touch of molasses (like 1/4 teaspoon) if you have it, to mimic the brown sugar flavor more closely.
- Q: How much seasoning should I use per pound of meat?
A: I recommend 2 tablespoons of seasoning per pound of ground meat as a starting point. You can adjust to taste in future batches.
- Q: Can I make this seasoning without red pepper flakes if I don’t like spice?
A: Yes, definitely! Simply omit the red pepper flakes for a non-spicy version. The flavor will still be fantastic.
- Q: How long will this seasoning blend last?
A: Stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place, the seasoning blend will last for 6-12 months. For best flavor, use within 6 months.
- Q: Can I double or triple this recipe?
A: Yes, this recipe is easily scalable. Just multiply all the ingredient quantities by the desired factor to make a larger batch.
Happy Cooking & Share Your Results!
There you have it, my friends! My treasured recipe for homemade Jimmy Dean breakfast sausage seasoning. It’s so incredibly easy to whip up, and I promise, once you taste the difference fresh-made seasoning makes, you’ll never go back to store-bought again. Imagine the weekend breakfasts, the cozy brunches, the impromptu sausage patties whenever the mood strikes! It’s all within your reach now.
I truly hope you love this recipe as much as my family and I do. Now, go get those spices out, mix up a batch, and get cooking! And please, pretty please, share your sausage creations with me! Leave a comment below and tell me how it turned out, what you served it with, or any fun variations you tried. I absolutely adore hearing from you all and seeing your culinary masterpieces. You can also tag me in your photos on Instagram and Pinterest – I can’t wait to see what you cook up! What are you waiting for? Let’s get seasoning!
