These Sausage Pinwheels are an easy-to-make appetizer that everyone will love! With just four ingredients, they come together quickly and offer a delightful combination of savory sausage, creamy cheese, and a flaky crust. Perfect for parties, game days, or any casual gathering, these pinwheels are sure to impress your guests and keep them coming back for more!
Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tools and Preparation
- Essential Tools and Equipment
- Importance of Each Tool
- Ingredients
- For the Sausage Filling
- For the Dough
- How to Make Sausage Pinwheels
- Step 1: Cook the Sausage
- Step 2: Prepare the Dough
- Step 3: Spread Cream Cheese
- Step 4: Add Sausage and Cheese
- Step 5: Roll into Logs
- Step 6: Chill
- Step 7: Preheat Oven
- Step 8: Slice Pinwheels
- Step 9: Bake
- Step 10: Serve
- How to Serve Sausage Pinwheels
- Pair with Dips
- Add Fresh Veggies
- Serve on Skewers
- How to Perfect Sausage Pinwheels
- Best Side Dishes for Sausage Pinwheels
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerator Storage
- Freezing Sausage Pinwheels
- Reheating Sausage Pinwheels
- Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I make my Sausage Pinwheels spicier?
- Can I use other cheeses in Sausage Pinwheels?
- How can I customize my Sausage Pinwheels?
- What dipping sauces pair well with Sausage Pinwheels?
- Can I prepare Sausage Pinwheels ahead of time?
- Final Thoughts
- 📖 Recipe Card
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: These pinwheels can be made in just 30 minutes, making them perfect for last-minute gatherings.
- Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The blend of pork sausage and cheddar cheese creates a deliciously rich taste that appeals to all ages.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can easily customize these pinwheels with different cheeses or spices to suit your taste.
- Easy to Serve: They’re bite-sized and ideal for sharing, making them a hassle-free finger food option.
- Make Ahead Option: Prepare the logs in advance and bake them right before serving for ultimate convenience.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start making your Sausage Pinwheels, gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline the process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Skillet
- Wax paper
- Plastic wrap
- Sharp knife
- Baking sheet
Importance of Each Tool
- Skillet: Essential for cooking the sausage evenly and achieving the perfect browned texture.
- Wax paper: Helps in rolling the dough tightly without sticking, ensuring uniform pinwheels.
- Sharp knife: A must-have for slicing through the rolls cleanly to maintain their shape.
Ingredients
For the Sausage Filling
- 1 pound bulk pork sausage
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
For the Dough
- 2 (8-ounce) packages refrigerated crescent rolls
How to Make Sausage Pinwheels
Step 1: Cook the Sausage
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the sausage until browned and crumbly, about 10 minutes. Drain the excess grease and set aside to cool.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
Lay out a sheet of wax paper and lightly spray it with cooking spray. Unroll one package of crescent rolls onto the wax paper, pinching the perforations together to form a seamless sheet of dough.
Step 3: Spread Cream Cheese
Spread half of the softened cream cheese evenly over the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edges.
Step 4: Add Sausage and Cheese
Sprinkle half of the cooked sausage and half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the cream cheese layer.
Step 5: Roll into Logs
Using the wax paper for assistance, roll the dough lengthwise into a tight log encasing all filling. Wrap this log tightly in plastic wrap. Repeat this process with the second package of crescent rolls and remaining ingredients.
Step 6: Chill
Refrigerate both wrapped logs for at least 1 hour or until firm enough to slice.
Step 7: Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F.
Step 8: Slice Pinwheels
Remove logs from refrigerator, unwrap them, and use a sharp knife to slice each log into 1/2-inch-thick pinwheels.
Step 9: Bake
Arrange pinwheels on a baking sheet with at least 1 inch of space between each. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until golden brown.
Step 10: Serve
Remove from oven and allow pinwheels to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!
How to Serve Sausage Pinwheels
Sausage pinwheels are not just delicious; they are also versatile. They can be served in various ways to suit any occasion, from casual get-togethers to festive celebrations. Here are some fantastic serving suggestions for your sausage pinwheels.
Pair with Dips
- Mustard: A tangy mustard dip complements the savory flavors of the sausage.
- Ranch Dressing: This creamy dressing adds a cool contrast that enhances the pinwheel experience.
- BBQ Sauce: A smoky BBQ sauce brings a sweet and spicy kick that pairs beautifully with the sausage.
Add Fresh Veggies
- Celery Sticks: Crunchy celery provides a refreshing contrast and makes for easy snacking.
- Carrot Sticks: Sweet and crunchy, carrot sticks add color and nutrition to your appetizer spread.
- Cucumber Slices: Light and crisp, cucumber slices offer a refreshing bite alongside the rich pinwheels.
Serve on Skewers
- Pinwheel Skewers: Stack sliced pinwheels on skewers for an easy grab-and-go option at parties.
- Veggie Skewers: Pair your pinwheels with colorful vegetable skewers for a more balanced plate.
How to Perfect Sausage Pinwheels
Perfecting your sausage pinwheels can elevate them from good to great. Here are some tips to ensure your appetizers are always a hit.
- Bold seasoning: Enhance the flavor of your sausage by adding spices like garlic powder, onion powder, or red pepper flakes before cooking.
- Chill before slicing: Keeping the logs in the fridge for an hour helps firm up the dough, making it easier to slice into neat rounds.
- Use quality cheese: Opt for sharp cheddar cheese for a more pronounced flavor that stands out against the sausage.
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet: Leave enough space between each pinwheel on the baking sheet so they bake evenly and become crispy all around.
Best Side Dishes for Sausage Pinwheels
Sausage pinwheels can be complemented perfectly by various side dishes. Here are some excellent options that will enhance your appetizer table.
- Garden Salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers adds a healthy touch to your meal.
- Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs provide a hearty side that pairs well with savory snacks.
- Cheese Platter: An assortment of cheeses offers guests variety and enhances the overall flavor experience.
- Fruit Skewers: Fresh fruit skewers bring sweetness and color, balancing out the richness of the pinwheels.
- Deviled Eggs: Creamy deviled eggs add a classic touch that everyone loves at gatherings.
- Chips and Salsa: Crunchy tortilla chips served with zesty salsa create an enjoyable crunch alongside soft pinwheels.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Sausage pinwheels are simple to make, but small mistakes can affect your results. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:
- Insufficient Cooking of Sausage: Failing to cook the sausage thoroughly can lead to food safety issues. Always ensure the sausage is browned and crumbly before using it.
- Not Chilling the Dough: Skipping the refrigeration step makes the dough harder to slice and can lead to a messy filling. Wrap the logs tightly and chill them for at least an hour.
- Overcrowding the Baking Sheet: Placing too many pinwheels on the sheet can cause uneven baking. Leave at least 1 inch of space between each pinwheel for proper heat circulation.
- Ignoring Cooking Time: Overbaking or underbaking can ruin your appetizer. Keep an eye on them and remove when they reach a golden brown color.
- Using Cold Cream Cheese: Cold cream cheese is difficult to spread evenly, which affects the final texture. Make sure your cream cheese is softened before use.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover sausage pinwheels in an airtight container.
- They will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Sausage Pinwheels
- Wrap individual pinwheels in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
- They can be frozen for up to 2 months before baking.
Reheating Sausage Pinwheels
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake for about 10 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate and heat in short intervals of 20-30 seconds until warm.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium-low heat, turning occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make my Sausage Pinwheels spicier?
You can add crushed red pepper flakes or spicy sausage instead of mild pork sausage for a kick.
Can I use other cheeses in Sausage Pinwheels?
Yes, feel free to swap cheddar with mozzarella, pepper jack, or any cheese you prefer.
How can I customize my Sausage Pinwheels?
Add chopped vegetables like bell peppers or jalapeños to enhance flavor and texture.
What dipping sauces pair well with Sausage Pinwheels?
Barbecue sauce, ranch dressing, or a spicy mustard make excellent accompaniments.
Can I prepare Sausage Pinwheels ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare them and store them in the fridge or freeze them for later baking.
Final Thoughts
These sausage pinwheels are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Perfect for any gathering, you can customize them with different ingredients based on your preferences. Whether it’s game day or a holiday party, give this easy recipe a try!
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Sausage Pinwheels
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Delight your guests with these easy-to-make Sausage Pinwheels, the perfect appetizer for any occasion! With just four simple ingredients, this savory combination of pork sausage, creamy cheese, and flaky crescent dough comes together in under 30 minutes. Whether it’s a game day gathering or a festive party, these bite-sized treats are guaranteed to impress and keep everyone coming back for more. Customize them with your favorite cheeses or spices to make them uniquely yours. Plus, they are ideal for sharing and can be made ahead of time for added convenience. Get ready to enjoy the deliciousness!
Ingredients
- 1 pound bulk pork sausage
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 (8-ounce) packages refrigerated crescent rolls
Instructions
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the sausage until browned and crumbly (about 10 minutes). Drain excess grease and let cool.
- On a sheet of wax paper sprayed with cooking spray, unroll one package of crescent rolls and pinch perforations to seal.
- Spread half the cream cheese over the dough, leaving a border. Top with half the sausage and half the cheddar.
- Roll tightly into a log using the wax paper and wrap in plastic wrap. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
- Chill logs for at least 1 hour before slicing into 1/2-inch pinwheels.
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Bake pinwheels on a baking sheet for 10-15 minutes until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 pinwheels (60g)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 360mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
