Slicing and cooking Jimmy Dean sausage to perfection is easier than you think. With just a few tips and tricks you’ll be cutting those sausages into perfect patties for any recipe in no time. Keep reading to unlock the secrets to cutting Jimmy Dean sausage like a professional chef.
Why Proper Cutting Matters
When cooking with any type of sausage, getting clean, even cuts can make all the difference in the final dish. Neat, uniform sausage patties will cook more evenly and look much more appetizing. Jimmy Dean sausage comes in a roll or tube, so slicing it into rounds can be a bit tricky without the right technique.
Uneven, ragged cuts lead to oddly shaped patties that don’t brown uniformly in the pan Parts that are thinner may burn while thicker sections remain undercooked Then once they’re plated, they simply don’t look as nice.
If you follow a few simple tips for cutting, you can always make Jimmy Dean sausage patties that look great. You can cut those sausages like a pro if you do a few simple things ahead of time and have the right tools.
Helpful Tools for Cutting Sausage
It’s much easier to make perfect sausage patties when you have the right tools. Here are a few must-have tools:
-
Sharp knife: To cut sausage cleanly, you need a good chef’s knife with a sharp, fine-edged blade. A dull knife won’t cut the sausage cleanly; instead, it will drag and mash it.
-
Cutting board: Choose a cutting board that’s large enough to hold the entire sausage roll or tube. Wood or plastic boards both work well.
-
Kitchen shears (optional): Sturdy kitchen shears can make slicing sausage easier, especially if you struggle with using a knife.
-
Kitchen twine or toothpicks: Twine or toothpicks are useful for securing the sausage if needed while cutting.
-
Ruler or measuring tape (optional): Useful for measuring and marking evenly spaced cuts.
-
Pastry brush (optional): Helpful for brushing off any lingering flour on the sausage before cutting.
Preparing the Sausage
Before you can start slicing, a little prep work helps ensure cleaner cuts:
-
Remove casing: Jimmy Dean sausage generally comes packed in a plastic casing that needs to be removed before slicing. Simply cut down the length of the casing with a knife tip and peel it off.
-
Rinse: Give the sausage a quick rinse under cool water to remove any excess flour and casing fragments. Pat dry thoroughly with paper towels.
-
Chill: For cleaner slices, chill the sausage in the freezer for 10-15 minutes before cutting. The firmer texture makes the sausage easier to work with.
-
Secure sausage: If needed, secure one end of the sausage to your cutting board with kitchen twine or a toothpick. This prevents it from rolling or sliding around while slicing.
-
Mark slices: Measure and lightly mark the sausage roll at your desired patty width using a ruler and knife tip or toothpick. Use consistent spacing.
Step-By-Step Instructions for Cutting
Once your tools are prepped and the sausage is chilled, secured, and marked, follow these steps:
-
Hold sausage firmly. Keep one hand pressed gently but firmly on top of the sausage roll to keep it steady and stable as you slice.
-
Slice down in one smooth motion. Position your chef’s knife at the first cutting mark. In one clean, smooth motion, press down through the sausage to make the first cut.
-
Make even cuts. Repeat this straight down slicing motion at each marked interval along the sausage roll to create evenly thick patties. Apply gentle, even pressure as you slice.
-
Slice at an angle for prettier patties. For nicer presentation, angle your knife slightly so patties have an oval shape rather than blunt ends.
-
Clean knife between cuts. Wipe or rinse the blade after every 2-3 slices to remove any buildup for neat cuts.
-
Brush off excess flour. Once sliced, give patties a quick brush with a dry pastry brush to remove any lingering flour.
Jimmy Dean Sausage Cutting Tips & Tricks
Follow these tips for perfect Jimmy Dean sausage patties every time:
-
When chilling sausage before cutting, 15 minutes in the freezer is ideal but even 5-10 minutes helps.
-
Marks don’t need to be exact – space cuts about 1⁄2-inch apart for nicely sized patties.
-
Keep one hand pressing gently on the sausage roll as you slice to prevent shifting.
-
Let the knife do the work! Avoid excessive downward force. Gentle, fluid motions ensure clean cuts.
-
Wipe knife blade frequently for maximum stickiness and ragged edges.
-
For casseroles or sausage gravy, rough uneven chops are fine. Focus on even patties for frying or baking.
-
Cut patties slightly thinner at edges for uniform cooking and browning when pan-fried.
-
Flatten uneven patties gently with your fingers or palm to create an even thickness.
Go-To Recipes for Jimmy Dean Sausage Patties
Once mastered, evenly cut Jimmy Dean sausage patties unlock a world of easy, delicious breakfast and dinner recipes. Here are some top choices for putting those sausage slicing skills to work:
-
Breakfast sausage patties and eggs
-
Biscuits and sausage gravy
-
Sausage breakfast sandwiches
-
Sausage, egg & cheese biscuit sandwiches
-
Italian sausage & peppers sheet pan dinner
-
Cheeseburger sausage skillet
-
Sausage corn bread stuffing
With perfectly cut, consistent patties, the possibilities are endless! From scrambles to sandwiches to sheet pan dinners, neatly sliced sausage makes cooking quick, easy meals a breeze.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cutting Jimmy Dean Sausage
If you’re new to cutting sausage, chances are you have a few questions. Here are answers to some of the most common Jimmy Dean sausage slicing FAQs:
How thick should I slice Jimmy Dean sausage patties?
For pan frying, 1⁄2 inch is ideal, but thickness can vary based on preference. Thinner patties cook faster with more surface browning.
Should sausage be completely thawed before slicing?
Yes, chilled or partially frozen sausage is easier to slice cleanly, but completely thawed is best for evenly cut patties.
What’s the best way to slice a Jimmy Dean sausage roll?
Chill sausage, secure with a toothpick, mark intervals, and slice straight down with gentle, even pressure for clean cuts.
Can I use kitchen shears instead of a knife to cut sausage?
Yes, sturdy kitchen shears are great for slicing sausage cleanly and easily.
How do I keep Jimmy Dean sausage from sticking to the knife when slicing?
Frequently wipe/rinse the blade and avoid using too much downward pressure. Chilled sausage also sticks less.
Master Sausage Slicing
With the right tools and techniques, slicing sausage into perfect patties is easy and satisfying. Follow this guide to cut Jimmy Dean sausage like a pro for beautiful, evenly cooked sausage every time. Share your sausage slicing success on social media and impress family and friends with your skills!
