Description
This homemade Jimmy Dean-style sausage is perfectly savory, juicy, and well-seasoned, just like the classic store-bought version—but better! With a delicious blend of pork, spices, and herbs, this recipe allows you to make breakfast sausage patties or crumbles with fresh, high-quality ingredients. Whether you’re making breakfast sandwiches, sausage gravy, or a protein-packed meal, this DIY Jimmy Dean sausage is easy to prepare and bursting with flavor!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground pork (or a mix of pork and turkey for a leaner version)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon ground sage
- ½ teaspoon ground thyme
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for mild heat)
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional, for extra depth)
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicier version)
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup (optional, for a sweet breakfast sausage)
- 1 tablespoon cold water
Instructions
1. Mix the Seasonings
In a small bowl, combine salt, pepper, sage, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne, brown sugar, nutmeg, and red pepper flakes.
2. Combine with Meat
In a large mixing bowl, add the ground pork and seasoning mixture. Pour in maple syrup (if using) and cold water, then mix thoroughly using your hands or a spatula until well combined.
3. Shape the Sausage
- For Patties: Form the mixture into 8 equal-sized patties, about ½-inch thick.
- For Crumbles: Leave the mixture as-is to cook loose in a skillet.
4. Cook the Sausage
- Skillet Method: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a little oil and cook the patties for 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temp: 160°F / 71°C).
- Oven Method: Preheat to 375°F (190°C) and bake on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
5. Serve & Enjoy
Let the sausage rest for 2 minutes before serving. Enjoy with eggs, biscuits, or pancakes, or crumble it into gravy or casseroles!
Notes
- For leaner sausage, use a mix of pork and turkey or substitute ground chicken.
- Make it spicy: Increase cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Storage: Store cooked sausage in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze raw patties for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Protein
- Method: Pan-fried, Baked
- Cuisine: American, Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 oz Serving
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 50mg