Easy Jimmy Dean Croissant Breakfast Sandwich Recipe

how to cook jimmy dean croissant sausage egg and cheese

The Jimmy Dean Sausage, Egg, and Cheese Croissant is a popular breakfast sandwich that can be made at home or purchased frozen from stores. It consists of a buttery croissant filled with savoury pork sausage, fluffy eggs, and melty cheese. This protein-rich meal can be prepared in a microwave or oven, depending on your preference. For a homemade version, you can shape sausage meat into patties, cook them in a skillet, scramble the eggs with milk, salt, and pepper, and then assemble the sandwich with cheese. You can also experiment with different ingredients, such as adding vegetables or using alternative types of cheese, sausage, or bread.

Characteristics Values
Cooking Method Microwave, Oven
Ingredients Sausage, Egg, Cheese, Croissant
Preparation Remove wrapper, wrap in paper towel, separate sandwich between egg and sausage, wrap in foil
Cooking Time 80-90 seconds in the microwave, 20-25 minutes in the oven
Serving Suggestions Add hot sauce, red pepper flakes, sautéed vegetables, fresh herbs, avocado, tomato, or smoked salmon
Nutritional Information 12-15 grams of protein per serving

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Cooking the sausage

To make Jimmy Dean's sausage, egg, and cheese croissant, you'll first need to prepare the sausage meat. Divide the sausage meat into four equal portions and shape each into a patty. You can add a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the sausage before shaping it for an extra kick of flavour. Alternatively, you can use turkey sausage instead of pork sausage for a leaner option.

Once you've shaped your sausage patties, it's time to cook them. Heat a skillet to medium heat and place the patties in the pan. Cook the sausage patties for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they are browned and cooked through. When they're done, remove them from the skillet and set them aside.

If you're short on time or want to prepare a large batch, you can cook the sausage patties in advance and freeze them. When you're ready to assemble your croissants, simply thaw the patties and continue with the rest of the recipe.

For a fun twist, instead of making individual sandwiches, you can layer croissant pieces in a baking dish with the sausage, egg, and cheese mixture, then bake it all together as a breakfast casserole. This is a great option if you're feeding a crowd or want to mix up your breakfast routine.

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Scrambling the eggs

To make the scrambled eggs for your Jimmy Dean croissant sausage, egg, and cheese, start by cracking two or more eggs into a bowl. Add a splash of milk, a pinch of salt, and a grind of black pepper. Whisk the mixture until the whites and yolks are fully combined and have a pale yellow hue. You can also add fresh herbs like chopped chives, parsley, or basil to the egg mixture for a fresh, aromatic flavor.

Next, heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a knob of butter to the pan and let it melt completely, ensuring the butter coats the entire cooking surface. Once the butter is melted, pour in the egg mixture. As the eggs cook, use a spatula to gently scramble them. Continue cooking, stirring gently, until the eggs are just set and fluffy. The eggs should be fully cooked but still moist, and there should be no liquid egg remaining in the pan.

If you prefer a drier, more well-done scramble, continue cooking the eggs for a bit longer. However, keep in mind that the eggs will continue to cook and firm up even after removing them from the heat, so it's best to err on the side of caution and remove them from the heat just before they reach your desired level of doneness.

For a healthier option, you can substitute egg whites for whole eggs. Simply separate the egg whites from the yolks and follow the same preparation and cooking instructions. Alternatively, you can use pre-separated egg whites, which are available in most grocery stores.

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Melting the cheese

To melt the cheese for your Jimmy Dean croissant sausage egg and cheese, you can use a microwave or an oven. Here are the detailed instructions for both methods:

Using a Microwave:

  • Remove the sandwich from the wrapper and wrap it in a paper towel.
  • Microwave the sandwich on defrost (about 30% power) for around 1 minute and 30 seconds or until it is thawed.
  • Turn the sandwich over and microwave it on HIGH for 55 seconds or until it is hot. For compact microwave ovens lower than 850 watts, add 10-20 seconds if needed.
  • Let the sandwich stand in the microwave for about 1 minute before serving.

Using an Oven:

  • Thaw the sandwich completely.
  • Separate the sandwich between the egg and sausage layers.
  • Wrap each part of the sandwich in foil.
  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
  • Place the wrapped sandwich on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes or until hot.
  • Remove the foil carefully as the sandwich will be hot.

You can also make a homemade version of the Jimmy Dean croissant sausage egg and cheese by preparing the sausage and egg yourself and then assembling the sandwich. Here are the steps for melting the cheese in this case:

Melting Cheese in a Homemade Sandwich:

  • After cooking the sausage patties and scrambled eggs, it's time to assemble the sandwich.
  • Place a slice of cheese on the bottom half of the croissant, which will be the base of your sandwich. You can use cheddar, or experiment with different types of cheese such as pepper jack, Swiss, or provolone.
  • Put the cooked sausage patty on top of the cheese.
  • Add any additional ingredients of your choice, such as sautéed vegetables, fresh herbs, or slices of avocado and tomato.
  • Place another slice of cheese on top of the sausage and other ingredients. This will ensure that the cheese melts nicely around all the ingredients.
  • Finally, cover it with the top half of the croissant.
  • At this point, you can wrap the sandwich in foil and bake it in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the sandwich is hot.
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Assembling the sandwich

To assemble the Jimmy Dean croissant sausage, egg, and cheese sandwich, you can follow the official heating instructions or make a homemade version.

Official Heating Instructions:

  • Remove the sandwich from its wrapper and wrap it in a paper towel.
  • Microwave the sandwich on defrost for around 1 minute and 30 seconds, or until thawed.
  • Turn the sandwich over and microwave it on high for 55 seconds or until hot. For compact microwave ovens, you may need to add 10-20 seconds.
  • Let the sandwich stand in the microwave for 1 minute before serving.

Alternatively, you can bake the sandwich in the oven:

  • Thaw the sandwich completely.
  • Separate the sandwich between the egg and sausage layers, and wrap each part in foil.
  • Place the wrapped sandwich on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes or until hot.

Homemade Version:

If you want to make a homemade version of the Jimmy Dean croissant sausage, egg, and cheese sandwich, you can follow these steps:

  • Prepare the sausage by dividing the sausage meat into four equal portions and shaping them into patties.
  • Cook the sausage patties in a skillet over medium heat for around 4-5 minutes on each side until browned and cooked through.
  • Scramble the eggs by whisking together eggs, milk, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
  • Melt butter in the skillet over medium heat and pour in the egg mixture. Cook the eggs gently until they are fluffy and set.
  • Assemble the sandwich by layering the croissant with the sausage, egg, and cheese.

You can also experiment with adding different ingredients to your homemade sandwich, such as sautéed vegetables, fresh herbs, avocado, tomato, or different types of cheese.

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Baking vs. microwaving

There are a few ways to cook Jimmy Dean croissant sausage egg and cheese, including baking and microwaving. Here is a detailed guide on how to do both, along with some tips and tricks to make your cooking experience easier and more enjoyable.

Baking:

To bake the Jimmy Dean croissant, you should first thaw the sandwich completely. Then, separate the sandwich between the egg and sausage layers, and wrap each part of the sandwich in foil. This helps ensure even cooking and prevents the croissant from drying out. Next, preheat your oven to 350°F and place the wrapped sandwich on a baking sheet. Let it bake for 20-25 minutes or until hot. It is important to note that ovens vary, so you may need to adjust the baking time accordingly.

Microwaving:

If you're short on time or don't have access to an oven, you can also microwave the Jimmy Dean croissant sausage egg and cheese. Start by removing the wrapper and wrapping the sandwich in a paper towel. This helps contain any mess and ensures even heating. Place the wrapped sandwich in the microwave and cook on HIGH for 80-90 seconds or until hot. Let it stand for about a minute before handling, as it will be hot. If you feel it needs a little more time, put it back in the microwave for an additional 5-10 seconds.

Customization:

No matter which cooking method you choose, there are several ways to customize your Jimmy Dean croissant. Before cooking, consider adding a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the sausage for an extra kick. You can also experiment with different types of cheese, such as pepper jack, Swiss, or provolone, for a unique flavor profile. If you're feeling adventurous, try replacing the sausage with smoked salmon and pairing it with cream cheese and capers for a luxurious brunch option.

Tips for Baking:

When baking, you can also try layering croissant pieces in a baking dish with the sausage, egg, and cheese mixture to create a breakfast casserole. This is a great option if you want to serve a larger group or want to mix things up. Remember to adjust cooking times as needed, as all ovens are different.

Tips for Microwaving:

If you're using the microwave, always follow the heating instructions and be cautious of the hot product when handling. If you prefer a crispier texture, you might want to avoid the microwave, as some users have reported that their croissants turned out a bit soggy.

Whether you choose to bake or microwave your Jimmy Dean croissant sausage egg and cheese, remember to follow the instructions and adjust cooking times as needed for your preferred level of doneness. Enjoy your delicious breakfast!

Frequently asked questions

Keep the sandwich frozen until you are ready to cook it. Then, separate the sandwich between the egg and sausage and wrap each part in foil. Place the wrapped sandwich on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes or until hot.

Remove the sandwich from its wrapper and wrap it in a paper towel. Microwave on defrost for 1 minute and 30 seconds or until thawed. Then, turn the sandwich over and microwave on high for 55 seconds or until hot. Leave the sandwich to stand for 1 minute before serving.

Divide your sausage meat into four equal portions and shape them into patties. Cook the patties in a skillet over medium heat for 4-5 minutes on each side. Remove the patties from the skillet and scramble your eggs with milk, salt, and pepper in the skillet.

Instead of making individual sandwiches, layer croissant pieces in a baking dish with the sausage, egg, and cheese mixture. Then, bake the dish in the oven for a breakfast casserole.

You can add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the sausage before cooking it. You can also experiment with different types of cheese, such as pepper jack, Swiss, or provolone. Additionally, you can incorporate sautéed vegetables, fresh herbs, avocado, or tomato into the sandwich for extra flavor and nutrition.

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