Jimmy Deans
Savory and cheesy, this hearty appetizer combines seasoned sausage, ground beef, and melted Velveeta on rye bread, baked to perfection. Perfect for parties or casual gatherings, it offers rich flavors with a satisfying crunch, making it a crowd-pleasing dish that’s quick to prepare and easy to serve.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Crumble the ground beef and sausage; brown and drain excess fat.
- Add Velveeta in chunks to the meat mixture.
- Stir in oregano, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic salt.
- Cook until the cheese melts and mixture is heated through.
- Spread the meat and cheese mixture onto slices of rye bread.
- Bake the assembled sandwiches frozen at 400°F for 10 minutes until bubbly and heated through.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding diced onions or bell peppers to the meat mixture while browning. If you want a lighter version, substitute turkey sausage for the regular Jimmy Dean sausage. If Velveeta isn't available, cream cheese or a combination of cheddar and cream cheese can work as a substitute. Adjust the Worcestershire sauce to taste for a deeper umami flavor.
Serving Suggestions
These sandwiches make a great appetizer or snack for parties and game days. Serve them alongside a fresh salad or some crispy potato chips for a complete meal. They pair beautifully with a side of Molasses Baked Beans for a hearty combination. For a fun twist, consider serving with a dipping sauce like ranch or barbecue.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover sandwiches in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the sandwiches on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. This helps maintain the crispiness of the bread.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Jimmy Deans contains roughly 349 calories, with 13g protein, 83g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (172% of the Daily Value), and calcium (147% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 465mg per serving (20% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these sandwiches ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the sandwiches and freeze them before baking. Just pop them in the oven straight from the freezer when you're ready to serve. This makes them a great option for last-minute gatherings or meal prep.
What can I use instead of Velveeta cheese?
If you prefer not to use Velveeta, you can substitute with a blend of cream cheese and shredded cheddar for a similar creamy texture. Just melt the cheese mixture slowly to avoid clumping, ensuring a smooth consistency.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, mix in diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to the meat and cheese mixture. Alternatively, you can use spicy sausage instead of regular Jimmy Dean sausage to kick up the spice level.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).