Jimmy Dean sausage rolls are a delicious and convenient breakfast option loved by many However, getting into the packaging can be tricky if you don’t know the proper techniques In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through the entire process of opening a Jimmy Dean sausage roll from start to finish.
Overview of Jimmy Dean Sausage Rolls
For those unfamiliar Jimmy Dean sausage rolls consist of sausage meat wrapped in a pancake-like dough. The dough helps keep the sausage together so it can be sliced into patties or enjoyed whole. Jimmy Dean makes several varieties including original pork sausage, turkey sausage, and breakfast bowls with cheese and hashbrowns inside.
The sausage rolls come wrapped in plastic and paper packaging that keeps them fresh but can be challenging to open neatly When frozen, the dough and meat can be quite firm and resists slicing. With the right tools and techniques, you can gain access to the tasty sausage inside the roll easily
Before You Start – Thaw Properly
If your Jimmy Dean sausage roll is frozen, you’ll need to thaw it first before attempting to open the packaging. It’s important to thaw using the following guidelines:
-
Place the frozen sausage roll in the refrigerator overnight. Thawing in the fridge prevents bacterial growth.
-
Do not try to hurry thawing by leaving on the counter or microwaving. This leads to uneven thawing.
-
Check frequently during thawing. As soon as the sausage yields slightly to gentle pressure, it’s ready to open.
-
If pressed for time, thaw in a sealed bag submerged in cold water for 30-60 minutes, changing the water every 15-20 minutes.
Only open fully thawed Jimmy Dean sausage rolls. Trying to pry open frozen packaging can damage the sausage inside. Patience is key for best results.
Supplies Needed
Before starting the opening process, gather:
-
Scissors or knife for cutting packaging
-
Cutting board
-
Paper towels for absorbing grease
-
Plastic gloves (optional)
-
Freezer (if slicing sausage roll)
Having all supplies ready makes the process faster and cleaner. Now let’s get opening!
Step 1 – Remove Outer Packaging
Jimmy Dean sausage rolls are sealed in two layers of packaging. The outer layer is a plastic sleeve or cardboard canister. Remove this first layer by holding the sausage roll upright and sliding the outer package straight down using gentle force.
Sometimes the cardboard tears a bit removing it. That’s ok as long as the inner plastic wrapping remains intact.
Step 2 – Unwrap Inner Plastic Layer
Underneath the outer layer is an inner plastic wrap. This layer adheres closely to the sausage roll dough. Locate the edge of the plastic and slowly peel it away from the dough.
You may need to use scissors to cut through areas that won’t separate. Take care not to cut deeply into the sausage roll when doing this.
Work slowly around the entire sausage roll until all the plastic wrap has been removed.
Step 3 – Blot Away Excess Grease
Once unwrapped, blot the sausage roll gently with paper towels to absorb any grease on the surface. Too much grease can make the dough slippery and difficult to slice.
Pay special attention to the ends, applying firm pressure to soak up grease pooled there. Discard used greasy paper towels.
Step 4 – Slice Sausage Roll (Optional)
If desired, now is the time to slice the sausage roll into patties. Use the lines embossed into the dough as guides.
For cleaner slices, place the sausage roll in the freezer for 10-15 minutes before cutting to firm it up slightly. Use a sharp knife and gentle sawing motion to slice through the dough and sausage.
Wipe knife clean between slices and continue until the entire sausage roll is portioned.
Step 5 – Cook and Enjoy
Jimmy Dean sausage rolls can be enjoyed whole or sliced into patties then cooked. Frying, baking, microwaving, and griddling are all options.
Refer to Jimmy Dean’s cooking instructions for proper technique, times, and temperatures. Always cook pork sausage rolls to an internal temperature of 160°F.
Let sausage patties rest 3-5 minutes before serving to allow juices to reabsorb. Enjoy your freshly opened Jimmy Dean sausage roll!
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Opening Jimmy Dean sausage rolls is mostly straightforward, but a few issues can occasionally arise:
Dough sticking to plastic: If the dough tightly adheres to the plastic wrap, try gently loosening with a butter knife or small spatula before peeling back the plastic.
Grease buildup: Excess grease on the ends can sometimes leak through the plastic. Be prepared to vigorously blot these areas before slicing.
Broken slices: If slices fall apart when cutting, the sausage roll may be under-thawed. Return it to the fridge for 30-60 minutes before trying again.
Crumbly texture: Over-thawed or mishandled sausage rolls can become crumbly. Use care when slicing and handle gently during cooking.
With some finesse and problem-solving skills, you can troubleshoot any minor issues that arise during the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions about getting into Jimmy Dean sausage rolls? Here are answers to some commonly asked questions:
How long do sausage rolls need to thaw?
Most sausage rolls need 8-12 hours thawing in the refrigerator. Larger packages may take closer to 24 hours. Check frequently for pliability.
Can you microwave sausage rolls to thaw?
Microwaving is not recommended, as it can create hot and cold spots. Thaw using the refrigerator method only.
Why does the dough stick to the plastic?
Excess moisture between the dough and plastic during freezing can create suction. Gently loosening with a knife helps release.
Do you need to cook frozen sausage roll patties?
Yes, always cook frozen sausage patties fully until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F. Do not eat raw.
How long do cooked sausage rolls last refrigerated?
Cooked Jimmy Dean sausage rolls keep 3-4 days refrigerated. Reheat patties fully to 165°F before eating leftovers.
Handy Opening Tips and Tricks
After some practice, you’ll be opening Jimmy Dean sausage rolls with ease. Until then, use these handy tips and tricks:
-
Keep a dedicated sausage roll cutting board to prevent cross-contamination.
-
Chill hands or gloves in cold water before slicing to prevent dough sticking.
-
For mess-free thawing, place the sausage roll on a plate or in a zip top bag.
-
Use a serrated bread knife for cleaner slices through the dough.
-
Microwave any leftover patties for 15-20 seconds to make them easier to separate.
-
Store opened sausage rolls and patties in freezer bags to prevent freezer burn.
Enjoy the Sausage Goodness
With the right tools, some patience during thawing, and our tips for slicing and cooking, you’ll soon be enjoying scrumptious sausage patties and sandwiches. Jimmy Dean makes breakfast a breeze when you know how to properly open their famous sausage rolls.