Savory Sausage Pinwheels Recipe: Crowd-Pleasing Party Bites

Crispy, golden sausage pinwheels dance across appetizer plates with irresistible charm.

Pastry spirals wrap savory meat in delicate, flaky layers.

Each bite promises a burst of rich flavor that surprises and delights.

Small gatherings or big parties welcome these crowd-pleasing treats.

Perfectly balanced between buttery and meaty, these pinwheels become instant conversation starters.

Simple ingredients combine into something magical that makes people smile.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe for every celebration ahead.

Sausage Pinwheels for Savory, Spiraled Appetizer Plates

• Whip Up Quickly: Incredibly simple recipe that comes together in just a few easy steps, perfect for busy home cooks wanting a delicious appetizer or snack.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Combo: Combines savory sausage, creamy cheese, and buttery crescent dough for a mouthwatering treat that appeals to all taste buds.
• Prep-Ahead Convenience: Can be prepared in advance and refrigerated, making it ideal for entertaining or last-minute gatherings without stress or complicated cooking techniques.
• Versatile Party Starter: Great for potlucks, game day, brunch, or any casual gathering where you want to impress guests with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Ingredient List for Homemade Sausage Pinwheel Bites

• Sausage: Provides a savory and rich flavor to the pinwheels.

• Crescent Roll Dough: Serves as the base and wrapper for the pinwheel, creating a flaky texture.
• Cream Cheese: Adds a creamy and tangy layer that helps bind the ingredients.
• Cheddar Cheese: Brings a sharp and melty cheese component to enhance the overall taste.

• Cooking Spray: Helps prevent the dough from sticking to the wax paper.
• Wax Paper: Assists in rolling the dough smoothly and neatly.
• Plastic Wrap: Helps to keep the rolled logs compact and firm during refrigeration.

Rolling, Slicing, and Baking Sausage Pinwheels

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Grab a skillet and heat it over medium-high temperature.

Crumble the sausage into the pan, cooking until it turns a rich golden brown and becomes perfectly crumbly.

Once cooked, drain away any extra grease and set the meat aside to cool slightly.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough Base

Lay out a clean sheet of wax paper and give it a light spray with cooking spray.

Carefully unroll a package of crescent roll dough.

Use your fingers to press down all the perforated lines, creating one smooth, seamless sheet of dough.

Step 3: Spread Creamy Layer

Take the softened cream cheese and gently spread it across the dough.

Leave a small border of about half an inch around all edges to prevent overflow when rolling.

Step 4: Add Delicious Toppings

• Cooked sausage
• Shredded cheddar cheese

Distribute these evenly across the surface.

Step 5: Create the Pinwheel Roll

Use the wax paper as a helpful guide to carefully roll the dough into a tight, compact log.

Once rolled, wrap the log completely in plastic wrap to help it hold its shape.

Step 6: Repeat the Process

Repeat all previous steps with the second crescent roll sheet and remaining ingredients to create a second log.

Step 7: Chill the Logs

Place both wrapped logs in the refrigerator.

Let them firm up for at least one hour, which makes slicing much easier.

Step 8: Prepare for Baking

Preheat the oven to 375F (190C).

Remove the chilled logs and slice them into half-inch thick rounds.

Arrange the pinwheel slices on a baking sheet, leaving about an inch of space between each piece.

Step 9: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven.

Bake for 10-15 minutes until the pinwheels turn a beautiful golden brown color.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Allow the pinwheels to cool for a few minutes.

Serve warm and watch them disappear quickly at your next gathering!

Sausage Pinwheel Tips for Crispy Edges and Tender Center

• Remove all excess grease from the cooked sausage to prevent soggy pinwheels and ensure a crisp texture.
• Press perforations completely to create a smooth, seamless surface that helps prevent filling from leaking during rolling.
• Refrigerating the logs for at least an hour allows them to firm up, making it easier to cut clean, even pinwheel rounds.
• Feel free to swap or mix cheeses based on your preference, like using pepper jack for added kick or reducing cheese for a lighter version.
• Prepare logs in advance and freeze up to 2 months; thaw in refrigerator overnight before slicing and baking for quick appetizers.

Pinwheel Variations with Sausage and Cheesy Fillings

• Vegetarian Pinwheels: Replace sausage with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and bell peppers for a meat-free option packed with vegetables and flavor.
• Spicy Jalapeño Pinwheels: Add diced jalapeños and pepper jack cheese to create a zesty, hot version that brings extra kick to the appetizer.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free crescent roll dough and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Protein-Packed Variation: Substitute cream cheese with Greek yogurt and add scrambled egg whites to increase protein content for fitness enthusiasts.

How to Plate Sausage Pinwheels for Parties

• Brunch Bonanza: Serve these sausage pinwheels as a delightful centerpiece for a weekend brunch spread, paired with fresh fruit and mimosas.
• Game Day Crowd-Pleaser: Arrange these bite-sized treats on a platter for the perfect appetizer during sports watching parties or casual gatherings.
• Breakfast on the Go: Pack these pinwheels in lunch boxes or grab them as a quick, protein-packed morning meal for busy professionals and students.
• Party Prep Champion: Create these pinwheels ahead of time and refrigerate, making them an excellent make-ahead option for potlucks and family gatherings.

Storing Sausage Pinwheels for Easy Reheating

• Store leftover pinwheels in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and maintain texture.
• Wrap individual pinwheels tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months for maximum freshness and flavor preservation.
• Warm refrigerated pinwheels at 350°F for 5-7 minutes until heated through. Spread them on a baking sheet in a single layer to ensure even heating and crispy edges.
• Reheat refrigerated pinwheels for 20-30 seconds on a microwave-safe plate. Watch carefully to prevent overcooking and maintain their original texture.

FAQs

• What ingredients do I need for this recipe?

You’ll need crescent roll dough, sausage, cream cheese, and shredded cheddar cheese. Make sure the cream cheese is softened for easy spreading.

• Can I use different types of sausage?

Absolutely! Breakfast sausage works best, but you can experiment with spicy Italian sausage or even turkey sausage for a different flavor profile.

• How do I prevent the dough from sticking?

Use wax paper lightly sprayed with cooking spray. This helps you roll the dough smoothly and prevents it from sticking to surfaces.

• Is it necessary to refrigerate the logs before baking?

Yes, chilling the logs for at least an hour helps them firm up, making slicing easier and ensuring the pinwheels hold their shape during baking.

Sausage Pinwheels Recipe

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• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 16 1x

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Description

Savory sausage pinwheels dance across your plate, promising a delightful appetizer that blends flaky pastry with hearty sausage flavors. Guests will devour these spiraled delights, making them perfect for parties or casual gatherings where simple ingredients create maximum enjoyment.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454 grams) bulk pork sausage
• 2 packages (8 ounces/227 grams each) refrigerated crescent rolls

Cheese:

• 1 package (8 ounces/227 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup (226 grams) shredded cheddar cheese

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Instructions

1. Render the sausage in a skillet over medium-high heat until thoroughly browned and fragmented, approximately 10 minutes. Eliminate excess fat by draining.
2. Create a seamless surface by unrolling the crescent roll dough on wax paper lightly coated with cooking spray, eliminating package perforations.
3. Distribute softened cream cheese evenly across the dough, maintaining a half-inch border around the edges.
4. Generously scatter cooked sausage crumbles and shredded cheddar cheese atop the cream cheese layer.
5. Utilize the wax paper as a precise rolling guide, carefully transforming the dough into a compact cylindrical log. Encase the log completely in plastic wrap.
6. Duplicate the entire preparation process with the second crescent roll sheet and remaining ingredients.
7. Secure both logs in the refrigerator for a minimum of 60 minutes, allowing them to solidify for clean slicing.
8. Heat the oven to 375F (190C). Slice the chilled logs into half-inch thick medallions, positioning them on a baking sheet with one-inch spacing.
9. Roast the pinwheels in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes until achieving a golden-brown exterior.
10. Allow pinwheels to rest momentarily before serving, presenting them while still warm.

Notes

• Drain sausage thoroughly to prevent soggy pinwheels and ensure a crispy texture that will make every bite delightful.
• Choose high-quality cream cheese at room temperature for smoother spreading and better integration with other ingredients.
• Chill logs completely before slicing to maintain their shape and create perfect, uniform rounds that look professionally prepared.
• Try alternative fillings like pepper jack cheese, green onions, or jalapeños for a personalized flavor twist that keeps the recipe exciting.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 16
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg