Jimmy Dean Breakfast Sandwich Recipe (Instructions)

I’ve always loved starting my day with these sandwiches, and now I’ve discovered just how simple it is to recreate them at home. With a few fresh ingredients and a bit of prep, you can enjoy all the warmth and flavor of a Jimmy Dean Breakfast Sandwich without the wait.

How to make a Jimmy Dean Breakfast Sandwich

Jimmy Dean Breakfast Sandwiches are a line of frozen, ready-to-heat breakfast items designed for quick and convenient meals. They typically consist of meat, cheese, and eggs, all encased in a bread option such as a biscuit, muffin, or croissant.

Ingredients

For one sandwich:

• 1 English muffin, biscuit, or croissant (your choice)
• 1 large egg
• 1 breakfast sausage patty (you can buy pre-made patties, or make your own using ground sausage)
• 1 slice of American cheese (or your favorite cheese)
• 1 tablespoon butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Add-ons:

• A slice of cooked bacon
• Spinach or any leafy greens
• Tomato slices

Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients:

1. If you’re using English muffins or biscuits, slice them in half. If you’re using croissants, simply cut them into halves.
2. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) if you plan on making the entire sandwich warm and melty.

Cooking the Sausage Patty:

1. Heat a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the sausage patty and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked through.
3. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside.

Cooking the Egg:

1. In the same skillet, add about 1/2 tablespoon of butter.
2. Crack the egg into the skillet, break the yolk, and cook it to your desired doneness. You can scramble it or cook it sunny side up, but for a true sandwich experience, a flipped, fully-cooked egg works best.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Assembling the Sandwich:

1. Place a slice of cheese on the bottom half of your choice of bread.
2. Add the cooked sausage patty on top of the cheese.
3. Place the cooked egg on top of the sausage patty.
4. If you’re adding any extras (like bacon, spinach, or tomato slices), you should place them on top of the egg now.
5. Cover with the top half of the bread.

Melting the Cheese (Optional):

1. To get that melty, gooey cheese effect, wrap your assembled sandwich in aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven for about 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is nicely melted.
2. Remove from the oven and unwrap carefully.

Tips

Choosing Bread: The bread you choose can change the texture and flavor of the sandwich. Toasted English muffins offer a nice crunch, while flaky croissants add a touch of sweetness.

Making it Healthier:

• Opt for whole grain bread.
• Use a leaner turkey sausage patty.
• Add veggies like spinach, tomatoes, or avocado for added nutrition.

• Meal Prep: These sandwiches can be made ahead of time and frozen for later. Assemble the sandwiches, wrap them in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, and store them in the freezer. When ready to eat, remove the plastic wrap, rewrap in foil, and heat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until warmed through.
• Customizing the Flavor: Experiment with different types of cheese and sausage flavors to suit your preferences. Pepper jack cheese can add a spicy kick, while smoked gouda offers a smoky depth.

What to serve with

While the Jimmy Dean Breakfast Sandwich is packed with flavor and is totally satisfying on its own, pairing it with the right sides can elevate your meal into a well-rounded breakfast experience.

1. Fresh Fruit or Fruit Salad

Why It Works: The savory sausage, egg, and cheese combo in the sandwich pairs beautifully with the natural sweetness and freshness of fruit.

Suggestions:

• Fresh-cut fruits like melon, pineapple, strawberries, or grapes.
• A simple fruit salad tossed with a hint of honey or a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
• Consider adding yogurt and granola on the side for an extra touch of indulgence.

2. Hash Browns or Breakfast Potatoes

Why It Works: Crispy, golden potatoes add texture and a hearty side to complement the Jimmy Dean Breakfast Sandwiches.

Suggestions:

• Make classic hash browns with shredded potatoes fried to perfection.
• Go for diced breakfast potatoes roasted with olive oil, garlic, paprika, and herbs like rosemary or thyme.
• Add some veggies, like bell peppers and onions, for extra flavor.

3. Eggs Cooked Your Way

Why It Works: Eggs are a breakfast staple, and adding extra cooked eggs makes for an even heartier meal for those with bigger appetites.

Suggestions:

• Scrambled eggs with fresh herbs like chives or parsley.
• A mini egg frittata on the side loaded with veggies and cheese.
• Soft-boiled or poached eggs served with toast for extra creaminess.

4. Salad or Fresh Greens

Why It Works: A refreshing side salad balances out the richness of the Jimmy Dean Breakfast Sandwiches and adds a healthy boost.

Suggestions:

• Simple mixed greens tossed with olive oil, lemon juice, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper.
• A kale and spinach salad with a light vinaigrette.
• For a creative twist, try a warm quinoa salad with roasted vegetables and a zesty dressing.

5. Yogurt Parfaits or Smoothies

Why It Works: Adding a light and wholesome element like yogurt or a smoothie complements the hearty texture of the sandwich.

Suggestions:

• Layer yogurt, granola, and berries to create an easy and visually appealing parfait.
• Blend a smoothie with frozen fruit, spinach, almond milk, and protein powder for an energizing boost.

6. Pancakes, Waffles, or French Toast (For a Brunch Spread)

Why It Works: Serving a side of these classic breakfast carbs adds some variety and indulges those cravings for something sweet.

Suggestions:

• Mini pancakes drizzled with maple syrup and topped with fruit.
• Fluffy Belgian waffles served with whipped cream or a fruit compote.
• Crispy, golden French toast dusted with powdered sugar and cinnamon.

7. Drinks to Pair With the Sandwich

The right drink can complete the experience. Here are a few standout options:

• Coffee or Espresso: A strong cup of coffee balances the richness of the sandwich.
• Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice: Bright citrus notes add freshness and lighten the palate.
• Smoothies: Versatile and nourishing, smoothie flavors like berries + bananas or spinach + pineapple are great for washing down a hearty sandwich.
• Tea: A cup of herbal tea (like chamomile or green tea) makes for a calming, lighter pairing.

Ingredients Substitutes

If you’re craving a Jimmy Dean Breakfast Sandwich but need to work with alternative ingredients due to dietary restrictions, unavailable items, or personal preferences, there are plenty of substitutes available.

1. Substitutes for Sausage

Sausage is a key component of the Jimmy Dean Breakfast Sandwich, providing its rich, savory flavor. Here are some alternatives:

Meat-Based Substitutes:

• Bacon: Use crispy bacon strips for a smoky, salty alternative.
• Ham: A slice of ham offers a similar flavor profile while being lighter than sausage.
• Turkey Sausage: Great for a leaner option that still delivers robust taste.
• Chicken Sausage: Mild and healthier, chicken sausage pairs well with eggs and cheese.
• Canadian Bacon: A leaner and slightly sweeter option frequently used in breakfast sandwiches.

Plant-Based Substitutes (for vegetarians and vegans):

• Vegetarian Sausage Patties: Brands like Beyond Meat or MorningStar Farms offer plant-based sausage patties with similar seasoning to traditional sausage.
• Tempeh Bacon: Seasoned tempeh strips mimic the taste of bacon and complement the sandwich well.
• Seasoned Tofu Crumbles: Cook crumbled tofu with spices like fennel, paprika, garlic powder, and soy sauce to recreate sausage-like flavors.

2. Substitutes for Eggs

Eggs add creaminess and protein to the sandwich. Here are alternatives for replacing them:

For Regular Eggs:

• Egg Whites: Use egg whites for a cholesterol-free and lighter option.
• Egg Beaters: A liquid egg substitute ideal for those seeking convenience and fewer calories.

Plant-Based Substitutes (for vegans or egg allergies):

• Just Egg: A popular plant-based egg substitute made from mung beans that mimics scrambled eggs.
• Tofu Scramble: Crumbled tofu seasoned with turmeric, black salt (for eggy flavor), and nutritional yeast can replace scrambled eggs.
• Mashed Chickpeas: Though unconventional, mashed chickpeas seasoned with spices can provide texture and protein similar to eggs.

3. Substitutes for Cheese

Cheese provides a creamy, salty richness to the sandwich, but alternatives are widely available.

Dairy-Based Substitutes:

• Low-Fat Cheese: Use reduced-fat varieties like low-fat cheddar or Swiss for healthier options.
• Goat Cheese: Great for a tangy and creamy twist.
• Cream Cheese: Spread a thin layer for creaminess if you don’t need a melted cheese texture.

Non-Dairy Substitutes (for vegans, or lactose intolerance):

• Daiya Cheese: A popular vegan cheese brand that melts well in breakfast dishes.
• Violife Cheddar Slices: Excellent for a plant-based alternative with a cheddar-like flavor.
• Nutritional Yeast: Sprinkle nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy. Combine it with vegan butter for added texture.

4. Substitutes for Bread Base

The sandwich traditionally uses English muffins, which serve as the foundation. If you’d like to switch this up, here are alternatives:

Breads:

• Bagels: Perfect for a heartier sandwich; you can use regular, whole wheat, or gluten-free bagels.
• Toast: Thick slices of sourdough or artisan bread work well and add a rustic feel.
• Sandwich Bread: Use whole-grain or gluten-free sandwich bread to suit dietary needs.

Low-Carb Base:

• Lettuce Wraps: Swap out bread entirely and use crisp romaine or butter lettuce leaves for a low-carb alternative.
• Portobello Mushrooms: Use two large mushroom caps as the “bun” for a keto-friendly and gluten-free substitute.
• Cauliflower Bread: A low-carb, gluten-free bread option to mimic standard bread textures.

5. Substitutes for Seasoning and Sauce

The Jimmy Dean sandwich is lightly seasoned, but you can mix things up by adding flavorful substitutes.

Seasoning:

• Vegetarian Seasoning Blends: If replacing the sausage, use blends like fennel powder, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and sage to capture traditional sausage flavors.
• Herbs: Add fresh parsley, chives, or cilantro to brighten the flavors.

Sauces and Spreads:

• Avocado Spread: Replace cheese with mashed avocado for creaminess.
• Hummus: Adds protein and a nutty flavor that complements breakfast ingredients.
• Hot Sauce or Sriracha: Drizzle your sandwich with your favorite hot sauce for a spicy kick.
• Vegan Mayonnaise: For creaminess in a plant-based sandwich, spread a layer of vegan mayo.

Final Thoughts

A Jimmy Dean Breakfast Sandwich is a versatile base that works well with everything from light and refreshing sides to hearty and indulgent accompaniments. 

More Sandwich Recipes:

• Copycat Sandwich Bros Chicken Melts Recipe