Sausage Pinwheels

These Sausage Pinwheels are a delightful treat that everyone will love! With just four ingredients, they are easy to whip up for parties, game days, or any festive gathering. The combination of savory sausage and creamy cheese wrapped in a flaky crust makes them irresistible. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or celebrating a special occasion, these pinwheels are sure to impress your guests.

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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 Filling
• For the Dough
• 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 Filling
• Step 5: Roll It Up
• Step 6: Repeat Process
• Step 7: Chill Logs
• Step 8: Preheat Oven
• Step 9: Slice Pinwheels
• Step 10: Bake
• How to Serve Sausage Pinwheels
• Pair with Dipping Sauces
• Create a Platter
• Serve with Drinks
• 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 make Sausage Pinwheels ahead of time?
• How do I customize my Sausage Pinwheels?
• Can I use other types of sausage?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: These pinwheels take minimal time to prepare and can be made ahead of time.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The savory sausage paired with cream cheese and cheddar creates a deliciously satisfying bite.
• Versatile Appetizer: Perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a holiday party, game day, or potluck.
• Minimal Ingredients: Made with just four simple ingredients, you won’t need to make a lengthy shopping list.
• Make Ahead Option: You can prepare the logs in advance and bake them right before serving.

Tools and Preparation

To make these Sausage Pinwheels, having the right tools will streamline the process and ensure great results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Large skillet: Ideal for cooking the sausage evenly without overcrowding.
• Wax paper: Helps to roll the dough easily without sticking, making assembly simpler.
• Plastic wrap: Keeps the logs tightly sealed while chilling for easier slicing.
• Sharp knife: Ensures clean cuts, giving your pinwheels a professional appearance.

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

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 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. 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 about a 1/2-inch border around the edges.

Step 4: Add Filling

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. 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 Logs

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 refrigeration and unwrap them carefully.

Step 9: Slice Pinwheels

Use a sharp knife to slice each log into 1/2-inch thick pinwheels. Arrange these on a baking sheet leaving at least an inch between each piece.

Step 10: Bake

Bake in preheated oven for 10-15 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from oven and allow cooling slightly before serving. Enjoy!

How to Serve Sausage Pinwheels

Sausage pinwheels are versatile appetizers that can be enjoyed in many delightful ways. Whether at a party or a casual gathering, these savory bites can be paired with various accompaniments and served stylishly.

Pair with Dipping Sauces

• Mustard: A tangy mustard adds a zesty kick that complements the richness of the sausage.
• Ranch Dressing: This creamy dressing provides a cool contrast to the warm, savory pinwheels.
• BBQ Sauce: Sweet and smoky BBQ sauce enhances the flavors of the sausage for an exciting taste experience.

Create a Platter

• Cheese Board: Include assorted cheeses such as sharp cheddar and gouda for a rich flavor profile.
• Vegetable Crudités: Fresh veggies like carrots, celery, and bell peppers add color and crunch to your serving platter.
• Olives and Pickles: Briny olives and pickles provide a nice contrast to the rich flavors of the pinwheels.

Serve with Drinks

• Craft Beer: The hoppy notes of craft beer pair wonderfully with the savory flavors of sausage.
• Sparkling Water: For a non-alcoholic option, sparkling water with lemon zest refreshes the palate.

How to Perfect Sausage Pinwheels

To ensure your sausage pinwheels turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• bold Choose Quality Sausage: Select high-quality pork sausage for richer flavor and better texture in your pinwheels.
• bold Keep Ingredients Cold: Chilling your dough and filling helps maintain structure when rolling and baking.
• bold Roll Evenly: Aim for an even roll to ensure consistent cooking and presentation of each pinwheel.
• bold Watch Baking Time: Keep an eye on the oven as they bake; they can quickly go from golden to burnt.
• bold Experiment with Fillings: Feel free to add different cheeses or spices to customize your pinwheels according to your taste.

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Best Side Dishes for Sausage Pinwheels

Sausage pinwheels are delicious on their own, but pairing them with delightful side dishes enhances the overall meal experience. Here are some great options:

1. bold Spinach Salad: A fresh spinach salad with vinaigrette balances the richness of the pinwheels.
2. bold Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs make a satisfying side that pairs well.
3. bold Fruit Skewers: Colorful fruit skewers add sweetness and freshness, contrasting nicely with savory snacks.
4. bold Deviled Eggs: Classic deviled eggs provide creamy satisfaction alongside each bite of sausage pinwheels.
5. bold Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw offers crunch and acidity that brightens up the meal.
6. bold Garlic Breadsticks: Soft garlic breadsticks complement sausage flavors while adding more carbs to the table.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making sausage pinwheels, it’s easy to run into a few common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Incorrect dough handling: If you allow the dough to get too warm, it can become difficult to work with. Keep it chilled until you’re ready to use it.
• Overfilling the pinwheels: Using too much filling can cause the pinwheels to burst open while baking. Stick to the recommended amounts of sausage and cheese.
• Neglecting space on the baking sheet: Crowding the pinwheels can lead to uneven cooking. Make sure to leave at least an inch between each one on the sheet.
• Skipping refrigeration time: Refrigerating the logs before slicing is crucial for maintaining their shape. Don’t skip this step; let them chill for at least an hour.
• Underbaking or overbaking: Pay attention to the baking time. Sausage pinwheels should be golden brown but not burnt; check them regularly while they bake.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking.

Freezing Sausage Pinwheels

• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
• Label the bag with the date for easy tracking.

Reheating Sausage Pinwheels

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F and bake for about 10 minutes or until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat each pinwheel individually on high for about 30 seconds; be cautious as they may get soggy.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, flipping occasionally until warmed through.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are Sausage Pinwheels?

Sausage pinwheels are savory appetizers made by rolling sausage, cheese, and dough into a log and slicing it into bite-sized pieces.

Can I make Sausage Pinwheels ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare and slice them ahead of time. Just refrigerate or freeze until you’re ready to bake.

How do I customize my Sausage Pinwheels?

Feel free to add ingredients like jalapeños, herbs, or different types of cheese based on your taste preferences.

Can I use other types of sausage?

Absolutely! Chicken or turkey sausage can be used as lighter alternatives, or try spicy sausage for extra flavor.

Final Thoughts

These sausage pinwheels are not only simple to make but also incredibly versatile. They are perfect for parties or family gatherings and can easily be customized with your favorite ingredients. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy delicious bites that everyone will love!