Sausage Pinwheels

These Sausage Pinwheels are the perfect blend of savory flavors and flaky goodness, making them an ideal appetizer for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party, celebrating game day, or just looking for a tasty snack, these bite-sized treats are sure to impress. With only four ingredients and minimal prep time, you’ll find this recipe is both simple and satisfying. The creamy cheese combined with the seasoned sausage wrapped in crescent roll dough creates a delightful crunch that everyone will love!

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Pinwheels
• For Garnish
• How to Make Sausage Pinwheels
• Step 1: Cook the Sausage
• Step 2: Prepare the Dough
• Step 3: Spread Cream Cheese
• Step 4: Add Sausage & Cheese
• Step 5: Roll It Up
• Step 6: Repeat Process
• Step 7: Chill Before Slicing
• Step 8: Preheat Oven
• Step 9: Slice Pinwheels
• Step 10: Bake
• Step 11: Serve & Enjoy
• How to Serve Sausage Pinwheels
• For Dipping
• On a Platter
• With Beverages
• 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 know when my Sausage Pinwheels are done?
• Can I prepare Sausage Pinwheels ahead of time?
• What dipping sauces go well with Sausage Pinwheels?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have these delicious pinwheels ready to bake in no time.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The combination of sausage and cheese is always a hit at gatherings, ensuring your guests will come back for more.
• Versatile Appetizer: Perfect for any event—from casual get-togethers to festive celebrations—these pinwheels fit right in.
• Simple Ingredients: Made with just four easily accessible ingredients, this recipe is straightforward and budget-friendly.
• Make Ahead Option: You can prepare the sausage pinwheels ahead of time and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake, saving you time on the day of your event.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools to make the process smooth and efficient. Using the right equipment can enhance your cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large skillet
• Wax paper
• Cooking spray
• Sharp knife
• Plastic wrap
• Baking sheet

Importance of Each Tool

• Large skillet: Ideal for browning sausage evenly without overcrowding.
• Wax paper: Makes rolling the dough easier and prevents sticking.
• Sharp knife: Ensures clean cuts when slicing the pinwheels for a beautiful presentation.

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 Pinwheels

• 1 pound bulk pork sausage
• 2 (8-ounce) packages refrigerated crescent rolls
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

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How to Make Sausage Pinwheels

Step 1: Cook the Sausage

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the bulk pork 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. Pinch 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. Leave a 1/2-inch border around the edges to prevent overflow during rolling.

Step 4: Add Sausage & Cheese

Sprinkle half of the cooked sausage over the cream cheese layer. Follow with half of the shredded cheddar cheese, distributing evenly for maximum flavor.

Step 5: Roll It Up

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

Step 6: Repeat Process

Repeat Steps 2 through 5 with the second package of crescent rolls and remaining ingredients to create another log.

Step 7: Chill Before Slicing

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

Step 8: Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Remove logs from refrigerator and unwrap them carefully.

Step 9: Slice Pinwheels

Use a sharp knife to slice each log into 1/2-inch-thick pinwheels. Arrange them on a baking sheet with at least 1 inch of space between each piece.

Step 10: Bake

Bake in preheated oven for about 10-15 minutes or until golden brown.

Step 11: Serve & Enjoy

Remove from oven and allow cooling slightly before serving. Enjoy these tasty sausage pinwheels at your next gathering!

How to Serve Sausage Pinwheels

Sausage pinwheels are a versatile appetizer that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a party or just looking for a quick snack, these delicious bites can be paired with numerous accompaniments to enhance their flavor and presentation.

For Dipping

• Ranch Dressing – A classic choice that adds a creamy, herby flavor to each bite.
• BBQ Sauce – Provides a sweet and tangy contrast that complements the savory sausage.
• Honey Mustard – Offers a delightful sweetness that pairs well with the richness of the cheese.

On a Platter

• Veggie Sticks – Carrot, celery, and bell pepper sticks add crunch and freshness to your serving platter.
• Cheese Cubes – A variety of cheeses can elevate your appetizer spread while matching the flavors of the pinwheels.
• Olives – Both green and black olives give an additional briny punch that balances the richness of the pinwheels.

With Beverages

• Beer – Light beers or lagers work well with sausage pinwheels, complementing their hearty flavor.
• Wine – A crisp white wine or a light red can enhance the savory notes of this appetizer.
• Sparkling Water – Adds a refreshing touch without overpowering the flavors of the food.

How to Perfect Sausage Pinwheels

Perfecting your sausage pinwheels is all about technique and attention to detail. Here are some tips to help you achieve the best results.

• Use chilled ingredients – Keeping cream cheese and crescent dough cold makes them easier to handle and roll.
• Spread evenly – Ensure you spread cream cheese evenly for consistent flavor in every bite.
• Tightly roll the dough – A tight roll prevents filling from leaking during baking and ensures uniform slices.
• Slice carefully – Use a sharp knife for clean edges when cutting your pinwheels, ensuring they hold their shape during baking.
• Bake until golden – Keep an eye on your pinwheels; they should be golden brown for optimal flavor and texture.

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Best Side Dishes for Sausage Pinwheels

Sausage pinwheels pair wonderfully with several side dishes that can round out your appetizer spread or meal. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Caprese Salad – Fresh tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella drizzled with balsamic glaze offer a refreshing contrast.
2. Stuffed Mushrooms – These savory bites filled with herbs and cheese complement the flavors in sausage pinwheels beautifully.
3. Potato Wedges – Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs make for a hearty addition that pairs well with any dip.
4. Coleslaw – The crunchiness and tanginess of coleslaw provide balance against the rich sausage flavors.
5. Fruit Skewers – A mix of seasonal fruits adds a sweet touch, offering freshness alongside your savory appetizers.
6. Garlic Breadsticks – Soft breadsticks brushed with garlic butter create an inviting aroma and taste that enhances any gathering.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making sausage pinwheels, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that may affect the final result. Here are some to watch out for:

• Incorrectly handling the dough: If the crescent roll dough gets too warm, it can be difficult to work with. Keep it chilled until you’re ready to use it.
• Overfilling the pinwheels: Adding too much filling can cause the pinwheels to burst during baking. Stick to the recommended amounts for best results.
• Not preheating the oven: Failing to preheat your oven can lead to uneven cooking and less-than-perfect pinwheels. Always preheat before baking.
• Skipping refrigeration: Refrigerating the rolled logs is essential for firming them up. Don’t skip this step, or slicing will be challenging.
• Ignoring space on the baking sheet: Placing pinwheels too close together can prevent them from browning properly. Make sure to leave enough space between each one.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover sausage pinwheels in an airtight container.
• They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Sausage Pinwheels

• Wrap each log tightly in plastic wrap before freezing.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Sausage Pinwheels

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake for about 10 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat individual pinwheels on a microwave-safe plate for about 30 seconds.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid until warmed through, about 5 minutes.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are Sausage Pinwheels?

Sausage pinwheels are savory appetizers made by rolling sausage and cheese in crescent roll dough, then baking until golden brown.

Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes! You can customize your sausage pinwheels by using various cheeses such as mozzarella or pepper jack for added flavor.

How do I know when my Sausage Pinwheels are done?

They should be golden brown and puffed up when fully baked, usually around 10-15 minutes at 375°F.

Can I prepare Sausage Pinwheels ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the logs and refrigerate or freeze them until you’re ready to bake.

What dipping sauces go well with Sausage Pinwheels?

Ranch dressing, marinara sauce, or spicy mustard complement these tasty bites perfectly.

Final Thoughts

Sausage pinwheels are not only quick and easy but also incredibly versatile. Perfect for parties or casual gatherings, they can be customized with various fillings and cheeses. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy a crowd-pleasing appetizer that everyone will love!