Who doesn’t love waking up to the irresistible aroma of Jimmy Dean breakfast sausage sizzling to perfection? If you’re looking for a quick, easy, and mess-free way to cook these savory sausages, baking them in the oven is a game-changer. No more standing over a hot stove or dealing with grease splatters—just perfectly cooked, juicy sausages with minimal effort.
Whether you’re meal-prepping for busy mornings or whipping up a hearty weekend brunch, this method ensures even cooking and crispy edges every time. Plus, it’s an excellent way to cook for a crowd without the hassle. Ready to learn the best way to bake Jimmy Dean breakfast sausage in the oven? Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Ingredients You’ll Need to Make Breakfast Sausage In Oven
Cooking Jimmy Dean breakfast sausage in the oven is incredibly simple, and the best part? You only need a few basic ingredients to get started. Whether you’re making sausage links or patties, this method ensures a perfectly cooked, flavorful breakfast every time.
Essential Ingredients:
✔️ 1 package Jimmy Dean breakfast sausage – Choose links or patties based on your preference. Both cook beautifully in the oven!
✔️ Parchment paper or aluminum foil – Helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup effortless.
✔️ Baking sheet – A sturdy, rimmed sheet ensures even cooking and contains any grease drippings.
✔️ Optional: Cooking spray – If using foil, a light spray prevents sausages from sticking.
Step-by-Step Instructions to prepare Breakfast Sausage
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s walk through the best way to bake Jimmy Dean breakfast sausage in the oven. Whether you’re cooking sausage links or patties, this simple method ensures perfectly juicy, flavorful results every time—without the mess of stovetop cooking!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature is ideal for achieving a crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy. If you prefer an extra-crispy bite, you can increase the heat to 400°F (200°C).
💡 Pro Tip: If you’re cooking other breakfast items like bacon or hash browns, consider adjusting the temperature slightly to accommodate everything on the same tray.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Sheet
Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup. If using foil, lightly spray it with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
✔️ Why a rimmed baking sheet? It helps contain any grease drippings, keeping your oven clean.
✔️ Want even crispier results? Place a wire rack on top of the baking sheet. This allows heat to circulate evenly around the sausages, preventing them from sitting in grease.
Step 3: Arrange the Sausages
📌 For Links: Arrange the Jimmy Dean sausage links in a single layer on the baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one for even airflow.
📌 For Patties: Place the Jimmy Dean sausage patties flat on the baking sheet, ensuring they are not overlapping. This allows them to cook evenly and develop a delicious crust.
Step 4: Bake the Sausages
Place the baking sheet in the center rack of the oven and let the sausages cook:
- Links: Bake for 18-22 minutes, flipping halfway through for even browning.
- Patties: Bake for 15-18 minutes, flipping once to ensure both sides get crispy.
💡 Frozen sausages? No worries! Just add an extra 5-7 minutes to the total cooking time.
Step 5: Check for Doneness
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the sausages have reached an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). This is the safe temperature for consuming pork sausage. If you don’t have a thermometer, look for a golden-brown color and firm texture.
✔️ Pro Tip: If you like a slightly crispier texture, switch the oven to broil mode for 1-2 minutes at the end. Just keep an eye on them to prevent burning!
Step 6: Let Them Rest & Serve
Remove the sausages from the oven and let them rest for 2-3 minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the sausages tender and flavorful.
🔥 Serving Idea: Pair your perfectly baked Jimmy Dean breakfast sausage with fluffy scrambled eggs, crispy toast, or a stack of warm pancakes for the ultimate breakfast experience!
Now that you’ve mastered this easy, no-fail oven method, let’s explore some pro tips and variations to customize your breakfast sausage just the way you like it!
Pro Tips for Perfectly Baked Sausage
✔️ For Extra Crispiness: Want a little more crunch? Switch your oven to broil for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning!
✔️ Use a Wire Rack: Placing sausages on a wire rack over a baking sheet allows hot air to circulate evenly, preventing them from getting greasy and making them crispy on all sides.
✔️ Don’t Skip the Flip: Turning the sausages halfway through baking ensures even browning and prevents one side from becoming too dark.
✔️ Prevent Sticking: If you’re using foil, spray it lightly with non-stick cooking spray to keep the sausages from sticking. Parchment paper is naturally non-stick and works great too!
✔️ Check the Temperature: The best way to ensure your sausages are perfectly cooked is by using a meat thermometer. Aim for an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
✔️ Let Them Rest: Allow sausages to rest for 2-3 minutes after baking. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping them moist and flavorful.
🍽️ Flavorful Variations to Try
Looking to switch things up? Try these delicious variations to elevate your breakfast sausage experience!
🌿 Herb-Infused: Sprinkle fresh thyme, rosemary, or sage over the sausages before baking for a savory, aromatic twist.
🍁 Sweet & Savory Maple Glaze: In the last 5 minutes of baking, brush the sausages with pure maple syrup for a subtly sweet caramelized finish.
🧄 Garlic Butter Coating: Melt butter with minced garlic and a pinch of parsley, then brush over the sausages right after baking for a rich, restaurant-quality flavor.
🌶️ Spicy Kick: Love heat? Sprinkle red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, or cayenne pepper over the sausages before baking.
🧀 Cheesy Upgrade: If cooking patties, top them with shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese in the last few minutes for a melty, cheesy finish.
🥓 Bacon-Wrapped Sausages: For an extra indulgent treat, wrap each sausage link in a thin slice of bacon before baking. Bake as usual, but add an extra 3-5 minutes to ensure the bacon is crispy.
🍺 Beer-Basted Sausages: Brush sausages with a light beer or apple cider halfway through baking for an added depth of flavor.
Serving Suggestions:
Now that your perfectly baked Jimmy Dean breakfast sausage is ready, it’s time to pair it with the best breakfast and brunch combinations to make your meal even more delicious. Whether you’re keeping it simple or going all out with a gourmet-style spread, these serving ideas will help you create a satisfying and well-balanced breakfast.
🥞 Classic Breakfast Combos
For a traditional and comforting breakfast, pair your crispy, juicy sausage with:
✔️ Fluffy Scrambled Eggs – A timeless duo that never fails. Add cheese, chives, or hot sauce for an extra punch of flavor.
✔️ Buttery Biscuits & Gravy – Serve sausage patties alongside warm, flaky biscuits smothered in creamy homemade sausage gravy.
✔️ Pancakes or Waffles – A sweet and savory combo! Drizzle with maple syrup for the perfect balance of flavors.
✔️ Hash Browns or Breakfast Potatoes – Crispy potatoes and sausage make a hearty, filling meal. Add sautéed onions and bell peppers for extra flavor.
✔️ Fried or Poached Eggs & Toast – Keep it simple with eggs cooked to your liking and a slice of buttered toast.
🌯 Creative Breakfast Ideas
Looking for something more unique and flavorful? Try these fun serving ideas:
🌮 Breakfast Tacos: Chop up baked sausage and stuff it into warm flour or corn tortillas with scrambled eggs, avocado, salsa, and cheese.
🥙 Breakfast Wrap: Wrap sausage patties in a whole wheat tortilla with eggs, cheese, and a dollop of sour cream for an easy grab-and-go breakfast.
🥪 Sausage, Egg & Cheese Biscuit Sandwich: Stack a flaky biscuit with a sausage patty, scrambled egg, and a slice of cheddar for a fast-food-style breakfast at home.
🍞 French Toast & Sausage Skewers: Alternate slices of French toast and sausage links on skewers, drizzle with maple syrup, and serve with fresh berries.
🍳 Shakshuka with Sausage: Add chopped sausage links to a pan of spiced tomato sauce with poached eggs for a Mediterranean twist.
🥗 Healthier Breakfast Pairings
If you’re looking for lighter, nutrient-packed options, try these healthy yet satisfying combinations:
🥑 Avocado Toast with Sausage on the Side – A balance of healthy fats, protein, and carbs for a nutritious breakfast.
🍓 Greek Yogurt & Fresh Berries – Pair your sausage with a bowl of protein-packed Greek yogurt, honey, and granola for a balanced meal.
🥬 Veggie Omelet & Whole-Grain Toast – Sausage adds a delicious, savory contrast to a light, fluffy omelet loaded with spinach, tomatoes, and mushrooms.
🥗 Sausage & Quinoa Breakfast Bowl – Serve sliced sausage over a bowl of cooked quinoa, sautéed kale, and a soft-boiled egg for a protein-rich start to your day.
🍽️ Sausage for Any Meal: Beyond Breakfast
While Jimmy Dean breakfast sausage is a morning staple, it’s also delicious in lunch and dinner recipes! Try these creative ways to use leftover sausage:
🍕 Sausage & Cheese Flatbread: Slice up the sausage and add it to a crispy flatbread with marinara sauce and mozzarella for a quick lunch.
🥣 Sausage & Vegetable Soup: Add chopped sausage links to a hearty vegetable or lentil soup for extra protein and smoky flavor.
🥘 Sausage & Pasta Bake: Mix cooked sausage with pasta, tomato sauce, and melted cheese for a simple, comforting dinner.
🌮 Sausage Quesadillas: Layer sausage, shredded cheese, and peppers in a toasted tortilla, then serve with salsa or guacamole.
Conclusion for Breakfast Sausage
By now, you’ve seen just how easy, convenient, and delicious it is to cook Jimmy Dean breakfast sausage in the oven. This simple method allows you to enjoy perfectly cooked sausage with minimal effort—no grease splatters, no standing over the stove, just juicy, flavorful bites every time.
Whether you’re preparing a quick weekday breakfast, meal prepping for the week, or hosting a big brunch, this oven-baked technique is foolproof and versatile. Plus, with the pro tips and serving ideas we’ve covered, you can customize your sausage to suit any taste—whether you love it crispy, sweet, spicy, or wrapped in bacon!
Here’s a quick recap of why baking Jimmy Dean sausage in the oven is a game-changer:
✔️ Effortless & Hands-Free – Set it and forget it! No need to hover over the stove.
✔️ Even Cooking & Juicy Texture – No hot spots, just perfectly cooked sausage every time.
✔️ Healthier & Less Messy – Excess grease drains away, making cleanup a breeze.
✔️ Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for breakfast, brunch, meal prep, or even adding to lunch and dinner dishes.
FAQs:
If you still have questions about baking Jimmy Dean breakfast sausage, you’re not alone! Below are some of the most common questions, along with helpful tips and solutions to ensure you get the best results every time.
1 Can I bake Jimmy Dean breakfast sausage from frozen?
Yes! You can cook frozen Jimmy Dean sausage links or patties directly in the oven—no thawing required. Simply:
1️⃣ Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2️⃣ Arrange frozen sausages on a lined baking sheet in a single layer.
3️⃣ Bake for 5-7 minutes longer than the usual cooking time (about 25-28 minutes for links and 20-22 minutes for patties).
4️⃣ Check for an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) before serving.
2 How do I prevent my sausage from drying out in the oven?
No one wants dry, tough sausage! Follow these tips to keep your oven-baked Jimmy Dean sausage juicy and flavorful:
✔️ Don’t overbake: Stick to the recommended cooking times and use a meat thermometer to ensure they don’t go over 160°F (71°C).
✔️ Use parchment paper: This helps retain moisture while preventing sticking.
✔️ Add a little moisture: If your sausages are on the leaner side, place a small oven-safe bowl of water on the baking sheet to keep them from drying out.
3 Should I flip the sausages while baking?
Yes! Flipping the sausages halfway through cooking ensures they brown evenly on all sides.
📌 For links: Flip them after 10-12 minutes.
📌 For patties: Flip after 8-9 minutes to get that golden, crispy texture on both sides.
If you’re using a wire rack, flipping isn’t necessary since heat circulates evenly underneath.
4 Can I use an air fryer instead of the oven?
Absolutely! If you love crispy sausage with less cooking time, try making Jimmy Dean sausage in the air fryer:
1️⃣ Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2️⃣ Arrange the sausages in a single layer in the basket (don’t overcrowd).
3️⃣ Cook for 8-10 minutes for links and 10-12 minutes for patties, flipping once halfway through.
4️⃣ Check for an internal temp of 160°F (71°C) and enjoy!
5 How do I store and reheat leftover sausages?
If you have leftovers, don’t let them go to waste! Here’s how to store and reheat them for the best taste:
📌 Storage:
Fridge: Keep cooked sausages in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in a single layer first, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
📌 Reheating:
Oven: Warm at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.
Air Fryer: Heat at 350°F for 3-5 minutes for extra crispiness.
Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals until warm.
Jimmy Dean Breakfast Sausage in the Oven
Ingredients
✔️ 1 package Jimmy Dean breakfast sausage
- – Choose links or patties based on your preference. Both cook beautifully in the oven!
✔️ Parchment paper or aluminum foil
- – Helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup effortless.
✔️ Baking sheet
- – A sturdy rimmed sheet ensures even cooking and contains any grease drippings.
✔️ Optional: Cooking spray
- – If using foil a light spray prevents sausages from sticking.
Optional Add-Ins for Extra Flavor:
🌿 Fresh Herbs & Spices
- – Sprinkle rosemary thyme, or a dash of black pepper for added depth.
🍁 Maple Glaze
- – Brush sausages with pure maple syrup in the last few minutes for a sweet-savory touch.
🧄 Garlic Butter Finish
- – Melt butter with minced garlic and brush it over the sausages after baking for a rich restaurant-quality flavor.
🧀 Cheese Crust
- – If cooking patties top with shredded cheddar or pepper jack in the last few minutes for a melty, cheesy upgrade.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature is ideal for achieving a crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy. If you prefer an extra-crispy bite, you can increase the heat to 400°F (200°C).
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Sheet
- Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup. If using foil, lightly spray it with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- ✔️ Why a rimmed baking sheet? It helps contain any grease drippings, keeping your oven clean.
- ✔️ Want even crispier results? Place a wire rack on top of the baking sheet. This allows heat to circulate evenly around the sausages, preventing them from sitting in grease.
Step 3: Arrange the Sausages
- 📌 For Links: Arrange the Jimmy Dean sausage links in a single layer on the baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one for even airflow.
- 📌 For Patties: Place the Jimmy Dean sausage patties flat on the baking sheet, ensuring they are not overlapping. This allows them to cook evenly and develop a delicious crust.
Step 4: Bake the Sausages
- Place the baking sheet in the center rack of the oven and let the sausages cook:
- Links: Bake for 18-22 minutes, flipping halfway through for even browning.
- Patties: Bake for 15-18 minutes, flipping once to ensure both sides get crispy.
Step 5: Check for Doneness
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the sausages have reached an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). This is the safe temperature for consuming pork sausage. If you don’t have a thermometer, look for a golden-brown color and firm texture.
- ✔️ Pro Tip: If you like a slightly crispier texture, switch the oven to broil mode for 1-2 minutes at the end. Just keep an eye on them to prevent burning!
Step 6: Let Them Rest & Serve
- Remove the sausages from the oven and let them rest for 2-3 minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the sausages tender and flavorful.
- 🔥 Serving Idea: Pair your perfectly baked Jimmy Dean breakfast sausage with fluffy scrambled eggs, crispy toast, or a stack of warm pancakes for the ultimate breakfast experience!
Notes
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 290 kcal
- Protein: 11g
- Total Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 1g
Recipe Category & Classification
- Course: Breakfast, Brunch
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Keto-Friendly, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free
- Method: Baking, Oven-Roasted
- Keyword: Jimmy Dean breakfast sausage in oven, baked sausage, easy breakfast sausage
- Skill Level: Beginner
