Savory Sausage Pinwheels Recipe: Golden Swirls of Pure Joy

Crispy, savory sausage pinwheels dance across my favorite appetizer playlist with irresistible charm.

Flaky pastry spirals promise a delightful crunch in every bite.

Southern kitchens have long celebrated these delectable rolls as party favorites.

Buttery layers wrapped around seasoned meat create magic on your plate.

Guests always ask for the secret behind such simple yet impressive snacks.

Quick preparation meets impressive presentation in this crowd-pleasing recipe.

Trust me – you’ll want to bookmark this crowd-stopping starter.

How To Store Sausage Pinwheels For Later

• Store pinwheels in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Wrap raw dough logs tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months before slicing and baking.
• Cool completely, place pinwheels in freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags, and freeze for up to 1 month with wax paper between layers.
• Warm refrigerated pinwheels in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes, or microwave for 15-20 seconds until heated through, checking to avoid overcooking.

Sausage Pinwheels FAQs To Know

• Can I use a different type of sausage?

Yes, you can substitute the sausage with ground turkey, chicken, or beef to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.

• Is it possible to make these pinwheels ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the logs and refrigerate them up to 2 days before slicing and baking. This makes them perfect for party prep or busy mornings.

• Can I freeze the sausage pinwheels?

Yes, you can freeze the unbaked pinwheels. Place them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Why Sausage Pinwheels Are A Tasty Go-To Snack

• Unleash Crowd-Pleasing Delights: Sausage pinwheels are guaranteed to win over guests at parties, potlucks, and family gatherings with their irresistible combination of savory sausage, melted cheese, and flaky crescent dough.
• Master Quick Preparation: This recipe requires minimal cooking skills, making it perfect for beginners who want to create impressive appetizers without complex techniques or extensive culinary knowledge.
• Customize with Ease: Experiment with different cheese varieties, swap sausage for bacon or ground turkey, or add herbs and spices to personalize these versatile pinwheels according to your taste preferences and dietary needs.

What’s Inside Sausage Pinwheels

• Sausage: A flavorful protein that provides a rich and hearty taste to the pinwheels.

• Cream Cheese, Cheddar Cheese: Creamy ingredients that add moisture and sharp cheesy flavor to the pinwheel filling.

• Crescent Roll Dough: A convenient and soft pastry base that wraps around the savory filling.
• Cooking Spray: Helps prevent sticking and promotes easy dough handling.
• Wax Paper: A helpful tool for rolling and shaping the dough.
• Plastic Wrap: Used for chilling and maintaining the log shape.

• Sharp Knife: Needed for precise slicing of the pinwheel logs.
• Baking Sheet: The surface for baking the pinwheels to golden perfection.

How To Make Sausage Pinwheels Quickly

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Cook sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it becomes golden and crumbly. Break the meat into small pieces while cooking. Drain any excess grease and let the sausage cool completely.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough Base

Lay out a sheet of wax paper and lightly spray with cooking spray. Unroll crescent roll dough onto the paper, carefully pressing the perforations to create a smooth, seamless sheet.

Step 3: Layer Cream Cheese

Spread softened cream cheese evenly across the dough, leaving a small border around the edges to prevent overflow during rolling.

Step 4: Add Sausage and Cheese

Sprinkle the cooled sausage and shredded cheddar cheese over the cream cheese layer, ensuring even distribution.

Step 5: Roll the Pinwheels

Use the wax paper as a guide to tightly roll the dough lengthwise into a log. The wax paper helps create a smooth, compact roll that encases all the delicious filling.

Step 6: Wrap and Chill

Wrap the log tightly in plastic wrap. Repeat the entire process with the second package of crescent rolls and remaining ingredients. Refrigerate the logs for at least 1 hour to firm up.

Step 7: Slice the Pinwheels

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Remove logs from the refrigerator and unwrap. Using a sharp knife, slice each log into 1/2-inch thick pinwheels.

Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection

Arrange pinwheels on a baking sheet, leaving space between each one. Bake for 10-15 minutes until they turn a beautiful golden brown color.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Allow pinwheels to cool slightly before serving. These tasty treats are best enjoyed warm and make a perfect appetizer or snack for any occasion.

Tips That Help With Sausage Pinwheels

• Manage Grease Carefully: Drain sausage thoroughly to prevent soggy pinwheels and ensure a crisp, appetizing texture.
• Chill for Perfect Slicing: Refrigerate logs for at least an hour to help them firm up, making clean, even cuts easier and maintaining pinwheel shape.
• Layer Ingredients Strategically: Leave a small border when spreading cream cheese and adding toppings to prevent spillage and ensure neat rolling.
• Customize for Dietary Needs: Swap regular crescent rolls with gluten-free versions and use turkey sausage for a lighter alternative that doesn't compromise flavor.
• Slice with Precision: Use a sharp knife and gentle sawing motion when cutting pinwheels to maintain their circular shape and prevent filling from squishing out.

Fun Twists For Sausage Pinwheels

• Veggie Pinwheels: Replace sausage with finely chopped bell peppers, spinach, and mushrooms for a vegetarian option.
• Spicy Chorizo Pinwheels: Swap regular sausage with spicy chorizo and add a sprinkle of jalapeños for extra heat.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free crescent roll dough and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute crescent roll dough with thin slices of ham or large lettuce leaves as a wrap.

Best Matches For Sausage Pinwheels

• Pair with Zesty Orange Mimosa: Brighten the rich, savory pinwheels with a citrusy champagne cocktail that cuts through the sausage's heaviness and cleanses the palate.
• Complement with Fresh Herb Salad: Create a light, crisp green salad with mixed herbs like parsley, basil, and chives to balance the hearty, cheesy pinwheel appetizer.
• Match with Tangy Dipping Sauce: Whip up a quick honey-mustard or spicy sriracha mayo to add extra flavor complexity and provide a cool, creamy contrast to the warm, crispy pinwheels.

Sausage Pinwheels Recipe

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4.8 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 30-35 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Crowd-pleasing sausage pinwheels deliver a delightful spiral of savory flavor perfect for party snacking. Crisp pastry and spicy sausage combine into irresistible bites you can’t stop eating.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound bulk pork sausage (454 grams)

Cheeses:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese (softened)
• 1 cup (113 grams) cheddar cheese (shredded)

Dough:

• 2 (8-ounce) packages refrigerated crescent rolls (454 grams total)

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Instructions

1. Brown sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat for approximately 10 minutes, breaking into crumbly pieces.
2. Drain excess grease from sausage and allow to cool completely.
3. Cover a work surface with wax paper and lightly coat with cooking spray.
4. Carefully unroll crescent roll dough onto prepared surface, pressing seams together to create a smooth rectangular sheet.
5. Evenly spread softened cream cheese across dough, maintaining a small border around edges.
6. Distribute cooked sausage and shredded cheddar cheese uniformly over cream cheese layer.
7. Utilize wax paper as a guide to tightly roll dough lengthwise, ensuring filling remains enclosed.
8. Wrap the rolled log securely in plastic wrap.
9. Repeat entire process with second crescent roll package and remaining ingredients.
10. Refrigerate both logs for minimum 1 hour until firm and sliceable.
11. Preheat oven to 375°F and remove logs from refrigerator.
12. Unwrap logs and slice into half-inch thick pinwheels using a sharp knife.
13. Place pinwheels on baking sheet, spacing them approximately 1 inch apart.
14. Bake for 10-15 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
15. Allow pinwheels to cool slightly before serving warm.

Notes

• Drain sausage thoroughly to prevent soggy pinwheels and ensure a crispy texture that everyone will love.
• Chill the rolled logs completely before slicing to maintain clean, precise cuts and prevent filling from oozing out during baking.
• For a lighter version, substitute low-fat cream cheese and turkey sausage to reduce calories without sacrificing flavor.
• Prepare these ahead of time by freezing the wrapped logs, allowing you to have a quick appetizer ready whenever unexpected guests arrive.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 370
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 590 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 13 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg