Sausage Pinwheels

These Sausage Pinwheels are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, perfect for any gathering! With just four simple ingredients, you can whip up a delicious appetizer that’s sure to impress. Whether it’s a party, game day, or festive occasion, these pinwheels bring together savory sausage and creamy cheese in a flaky crust. They’re easy to make, fun to eat, and guaranteed to disappear fast!

Remember it later

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

PIN IT NOW!

PIN THIS!PIN THIS!

Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the 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 it Up
• Step 6: Repeat
• Step 7: Chill
• Step 8: Preheat Oven
• Step 9: Slice Pinwheels
• Step 10: Bake
• Step 11: Cool and Serve
• How to Serve Sausage Pinwheels
• With Dipping Sauces
• On a Charcuterie Board
• As Part of a Buffet Spread
• For Game Day
• How to Perfect Sausage Pinwheels
• Best Side Dishes for Sausage Pinwheels
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Sausage Pinwheels
• Reheating Sausage Pinwheels
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What are Sausage Pinwheels?
• Can I use different types of cheese?
• How do I customize my Sausage Pinwheels?
• Can I make these ahead of time?
• Are Sausage Pinwheels suitable for parties?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just four ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have these pinwheels ready in no time.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The combination of sausage and cheese creates a savory bite that everyone will love.
• Versatile Appetizer: Perfect for parties, holidays, or casual get-togethers; they fit any occasion.
• Make Ahead Option: Prepare the pinwheel logs in advance and bake them fresh when you’re ready to serve.
• Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses or spices to suit your taste.

Tools and Preparation

To make these Sausage Pinwheels, gather a few essential tools that will help streamline the process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Skillet
• Wax paper
• Plastic wrap
• Sharp knife
• Baking sheet

Importance of Each Tool

• Skillet: A good skillet ensures even cooking of the sausage for perfect flavor.
• Wax paper: This helps in rolling the dough tightly without sticking.
• Sharp knife: A sharp knife is crucial for cleanly slicing the pinwheels into perfect pieces.

Ingredients

These sausage pinwheels are a quick, easy, and crowd-pleasing appetizer made with just 4 ingredients! Perfect for parties, game days, or any gathering, they’re packed with savory sausage, creamy cheese, and a flaky, golden crust.

For the 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 the sausage 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 it Up

Using the wax paper for assistance, roll the dough lengthwise into a tight log, encasing the filling. Wrap the log tightly in plastic wrap.

Step 6: Repeat

Repeat this process with the second package of crescent rolls and remaining ingredients to create a second log.

Step 7: Chill

Refrigerate both wrapped logs for at least 1 hour or until firm enough to slice.

Step 8: Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Remove logs from refrigerator, unwrap them carefully.

Step 9: Slice Pinwheels

Use a sharp knife to slice each log into 1/2-inch-thick pinwheels.

Step 10: Bake

Arrange pinwheels on a baking sheet with at least 1 inch between each. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until golden brown.

Step 11: Cool and Serve

Remove from oven and allow pinwheels to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!

How to Serve Sausage Pinwheels

These sausage pinwheels are versatile and can be served in various delightful ways. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a casual gathering, these serving suggestions will make your dish stand out.

With Dipping Sauces

• Mustard Sauce: A tangy mustard complements the savory flavors of sausage.
• Ranch Dressing: Creamy ranch adds a cool contrast that guests will love.
• BBQ Sauce: Sweet and smoky BBQ sauce enhances the rich taste of the pinwheels.

On a Charcuterie Board

• Pair with Cheese: Include assorted cheeses like brie or gouda for a gourmet touch.
• Add Fresh Fruits: Grapes and apple slices bring freshness and balance to the savory pinwheels.
• Include Nuts: Almonds or walnuts provide a crunchy texture that contrasts nicely.

As Part of a Buffet Spread

• Mini Skewers: Serve pinwheels on skewers for easy grabbing at buffet-style meals.
• Stacked with Veggies: Pair with carrot sticks or cucumber slices for an additional crunch.

For Game Day

• Serve Warm: Keep them warm in a slow cooker to ensure they stay delicious throughout the game.
• Pair with Beer: Offer a selection of beers that complement the flavors of the sausage pinwheels.

Remember it later

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

PIN IT NOW!

PIN THIS!

How to Perfect Sausage Pinwheels

Achieving perfect sausage pinwheels is all about technique and attention to detail. Follow these tips to enhance your dish.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh sausage and cheese elevate the flavor profile significantly.
• Keep Dough Chilled: Cold dough is easier to handle and results in flakier pinwheels.
• Roll Tightly: Rolling tightly ensures all fillings are secured, preventing any spillage during baking.
• Slice Evenly: Cut uniform sizes for even cooking and consistent presentation.
• Don’t Overcrowd Baking Sheet: Leave space between each pinwheel to allow for expansion while baking.

Best Side Dishes for Sausage Pinwheels

Sausage pinwheels pair excellently with various side dishes that complement their flavors. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Fresh Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette balances the richness of the pinwheels.
2. Vegetable Platter: Crisp vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli add color and crunch.
3. Potato Wedges: Seasoned potato wedges provide a hearty option alongside the appetizers.
4. Stuffed Mushrooms: These savory bites enhance the appetizer theme while adding variety.
5. Deviled Eggs: Classic deviled eggs offer a creamy counterpart to the savory sausage flavor.
6. Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks: Soft breadsticks with cheese serve as an indulgent side that everyone loves.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your sausage pinwheels turn out perfectly, avoid these common mistakes.

• Skipping the chilling step: Not refrigerating the logs before slicing can lead to squished pinwheels. Always chill them until firm for neat slices.
• Overcooking the sausage: Cooking the sausage too long can make it dry. Aim for a golden brown and crumbly texture, about 10 minutes over medium-high heat.
• Not spacing out pinwheels: Placing the pinwheels too close on the baking sheet can cause them to stick together as they expand. Leave at least 1 inch of space between each.
• Ignoring oven preheating: Not preheating the oven may result in uneven baking. Always set your oven to 375°F before placing the pinwheels inside.
• Using cold cream cheese: Cold cream cheese can be hard to spread and may create lumps. Make sure it’s softened at room temperature for an even layer.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover sausage pinwheels in an airtight container.
• They will remain fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Sausage Pinwheels

• Wrap each log tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil.
• Frozen sausage pinwheels can last up to 2 months in the freezer.

Reheating Sausage Pinwheels

• Oven: Preheat to 375°F and place pinwheels on a baking sheet. Bake for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat for 30-60 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat, adding pinwheels until warmed, flipping occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Sausage Pinwheels?

Sausage pinwheels are savory appetizers made from crescent roll dough filled with seasoned sausage and cheese, rolled into logs, sliced, and baked until golden.

Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes! Feel free to substitute cheddar with mozzarella or pepper jack cheese for a different flavor profile in your sausage pinwheels.

How do I customize my Sausage Pinwheels?

You can add ingredients like chopped jalapeños, green onions, or herbs for added flavor and variety in your sausage pinwheel recipe.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the logs beforehand and store them in the refrigerator or freezer until you’re ready to bake them.

Are Sausage Pinwheels suitable for parties?

Yes! These bite-sized snacks are perfect for parties, game days, or gatherings as they are easy to make and always a hit with guests.

Final Thoughts

Sausage pinwheels are not only delicious but also versatile for any occasion. You can easily customize them with your favorite ingredients or serve them alongside dips. Try making these crowd-pleasers at your next gathering!