Sausage Pinwheels

These Sausage Pinwheels are the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer! With just four simple ingredients, they’re perfect for any gathering—from game days to holiday parties. These pinwheels combine savory sausage, creamy cheese, and a flaky crust, making them an irresistible treat 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
• How to Make Sausage Pinwheels
• Step 1: Cook the Sausage
• Step 2: Prepare the Dough
• Step 3: Add Cream Cheese
• Step 4: Layer with Sausage and Cheese
• Step 5: Roll It Up
• Step 6: Repeat for Second Log
• Step 7: Chill Logs
• Step 8: Preheat Oven & Slice Logs
• Step 9: Bake Pinwheels
• Step 10: Serve & Enjoy!
• How to Serve Sausage Pinwheels
• Game Day Delight
• Holiday Gatherings
• Casual Get-Togethers
• 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?
• What dipping sauces pair well with Sausage Pinwheels?
• Can I use different types of sausage?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: You can whip up these pinwheels in no time, making them a go-to option for last-minute gatherings.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Their delicious flavor and appealing presentation make them a hit at parties and family events.
• Versatile Snack: Enjoy them as appetizers or pair them with your favorite dips for a delightful snack.
• Minimal Ingredients: With just four main ingredients, this recipe is budget-friendly without sacrificing taste.
• Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite spices or additional ingredients to make it your own.

Tools and Preparation

Before starting on the delicious sausage pinwheels, you’ll need some essential tools to ensure a smooth cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Large skillet: Allows you to cook the sausage evenly and drain excess grease effectively.
• Wax paper: Helps roll the dough tightly without sticking, ensuring clean edges for your pinwheels.
• Sharp knife: Ensures clean cuts when slicing the logs into pinwheels, giving you perfect-looking appetizers.

Ingredients

To create these delectable sausage pinwheels, gather the following ingredients:

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

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: Add Cream Cheese

Spread half of the softened cream cheese evenly over the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edges.

Step 4: Layer with 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 all filling. Wrap this log tightly in plastic wrap.

Step 6: Repeat for Second Log

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 they are firm enough to slice easily.

Step 8: Preheat Oven & Slice Logs

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

Step 9: Bake Pinwheels

Arrange your pinwheels on a baking sheet, leaving at least 1 inch of space between each. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until golden brown.

Step 10: Serve & Enjoy!

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

How to Serve Sausage Pinwheels

Sausage pinwheels are a delightful appetizer that can be enjoyed in various ways. Their versatility makes them perfect for different occasions, from casual gatherings to festive celebrations.

Game Day Delight

• With Dipping Sauces: Serve sausage pinwheels with a variety of dipping sauces like ranch, barbecue, or honey mustard for an extra flavor kick.
• On a Platter: Arrange them on a large platter with toothpicks for easy serving and snacking at parties.

Holiday Gatherings

• Festive Presentation: For holiday events, place the pinwheels on a decorative plate or serving board with seasonal garnishes like fresh herbs or cranberries.
• As Part of a Charcuterie Board: Incorporate sausage pinwheels into a charcuterie board alongside meats, cheeses, and fruits for an impressive spread.

Casual Get-Togethers

• Pair with Beverages: Offer sausage pinwheels alongside beer or cocktails for a fun pairing that guests will love.
• Serve Warm or Cold: These pinwheels taste great warm from the oven or cold, making them easy to prepare ahead of time.

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How to Perfect Sausage Pinwheels

To achieve the best sausage pinwheels, consider these helpful tips:

• Bold Homogeneous Filling: Ensure the cream cheese is softened properly before spreading. This helps create an even mixture and prevents tearing the dough.
• Bold Chill Before Slicing: Refrigerate the rolled logs until firm. Chilling makes slicing easier and results in better-shaped pinwheels.
• Bold Even Slices: Use a sharp knife for clean cuts. This will ensure all pinwheels are uniform in size and cook evenly.
• Bold Positioning on Baking Sheet: Space out the pinwheels on the baking sheet to allow them to expand while baking. This helps prevent them from sticking together.
• Bold Golden Brown Finish: Watch closely as they bake. Remove them from the oven as soon as they turn golden brown for optimal taste and texture.

Best Side Dishes for Sausage Pinwheels

Sausage pinwheels make a fantastic appetizer, but pairing them with the right side dishes can elevate your gathering. Here are some excellent options:

1. Bold Garden Salad: A fresh garden salad with mixed greens and vinaigrette provides a light contrast to the richness of sausage pinwheels.
2. Bold Vegetable Platter: Serve assorted raw vegetables like carrots, celery, and bell peppers with hummus or ranch dip for crunch.
3. Bold Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs can complement the savory flavors of the pinwheels beautifully.
4. Bold Cheese Platter: Include a variety of cheeses such as gouda and brie to offer guests more snacking choices alongside sausage pinwheels.
5. Bold Fruit Skewers: Colorful fruit skewers provide sweetness and balance, making them a refreshing side dish option.
6. Bold Spinach Dip: A creamy spinach dip served with crackers or bread is another delicious accompaniment that pairs well with sausage pinwheels.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making sausage pinwheels, it’s easy to make some common mistakes that can impact the final dish. Here are a few pitfalls to watch out for:

• Bold dough handling: Not keeping the crescent roll dough chilled can make it difficult to work with. Ensure it remains cold until you’re ready to use it for better results.
• Bold uneven spreading: Spreading the cream cheese unevenly can lead to inconsistent flavors in each bite. Use an offset spatula for an even layer.
• Bold using too much filling: Overfilling the pinwheels can cause them to burst during baking. Stick to the recommended amounts for the best outcome.
• Bold inadequate cooling: Skipping the chilling step can result in pinwheels that lose their shape. Always refrigerate the rolled logs before slicing.
• Bold ignoring baking space: Crowding the baking sheet can lead to uneven cooking. Make sure there’s at least 1 inch of space between each pinwheel.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store sausage pinwheels in an airtight container.
• They will keep well for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Sausage Pinwheels

• Wrap uncooked or cooked pinwheels tightly in plastic wrap.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Sausage Pinwheels

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F and bake for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals until hot.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for a few minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Sausage Pinwheels?

Sausage pinwheels are a delightful appetizer made from crescent roll dough filled with sausage and cheese, then baked into golden, flaky bites.

Can I make Sausage Pinwheels ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare them ahead by rolling and chilling them. Just slice and bake when you’re ready to serve.

How do I customize my Sausage Pinwheels?

Feel free to add your favorite spices, herbs, or different types of cheese. Variations like adding jalapeños or using different sausages can also enhance flavor.

What dipping sauces pair well with Sausage Pinwheels?

Sausage pinwheels taste great with ranch dressing, marinara sauce, or a spicy mustard dip.

Can I use different types of sausage?

Absolutely! You can use chicken, turkey, or even vegetarian sausage as substitutes based on your preference.

Final Thoughts

These sausage pinwheels are not only quick and easy but also incredibly versatile. Perfect for any gathering, you can customize them with various ingredients to suit your tastes. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a delicious appetizer that your guests will love!