Sausage Pinwheels

These Sausage Pinwheels are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, making them perfect for any occasion. With their flaky crust and savory filling, they are sure to impress your guests at parties, game days, or family gatherings. This recipe combines just four simple ingredients into a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: These pinwheels come together in just 30 minutes, making them ideal for last-minute gatherings.
• Few Ingredients: With only four main ingredients, you can whip up a tasty treat without a long shopping list.
• Customizable Filling: Feel free to mix things up by adding different cheeses or spices to suit your taste.
• Perfectly Portable: These pinwheels are easy to transport, making them great for picnics or potlucks.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The combination of sausage and cheese wrapped in flaky dough is universally loved.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, make sure you have the right tools on hand. Having everything prepared will make your cooking experience smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking sheet: Ensures even cooking and browning of the pinwheels.
• Large skillet: Perfect for browning the sausage evenly and quickly.
• Wax paper: Helps roll the dough easily without sticking.
• Sharp knife: Necessary for cleanly slicing the pinwheels into perfect portions.

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

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. This should take about 10 minutes. Once cooked thoroughly, drain any excess grease and set aside to cool.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

Lay out a sheet of wax paper on your workspace 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 and Fillings

Spread half of the softened cream cheese evenly over the dough while leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edges. Next, sprinkle half of the cooked sausage along with half of the shredded cheddar cheese over this layer of cream cheese.

Step 4: Roll Up the Dough

Using the wax paper as assistance, roll the dough lengthwise into a tight log that encases all filling ingredients. Wrap this log tightly in plastic wrap.

Step 5: Repeat for Second Log

Repeat steps 2 through 4 with the second package of crescent rolls and remaining ingredients to create another log.

Step 6: Chill Before Slicing

Refrigerate both wrapped logs for at least one hour or until firm enough to slice comfortably.

Step 7: Preheat Oven & Slice Logs

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

Step 8: Bake Pinwheels

Arrange these pinwheels on a baking sheet with at least an inch of space between them. Bake in preheated oven for about 10-15 minutes or until they turn golden brown.

Step 9: Cool & Serve

Once baked, remove from oven and allow pinwheels to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy these delightful bites warm!

How to Serve Sausage Pinwheels

Sausage pinwheels are delicious and versatile, making them suitable for various occasions. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a casual get-together, here are some creative ways to serve these tasty bites.

As a Game Day Snack

• Accompany with Dips: Serve with ranch dressing or spicy mustard for an extra kick.
• Pair with Veggies: Add a platter of fresh veggies to complement the savory flavors.

On a Charcuterie Board

• Mix with Cheeses: Include different cheeses for variety, such as gouda or pepper jack.
• Add Fruits: Fresh fruits like grapes or apple slices can balance the rich flavors of the sausage.

For Holiday Gatherings

• Festive Platter: Arrange your pinwheels on a festive platter with seasonal decorations.
• Serve Warm: Keep them warm in a slow cooker for easy access and enjoyment.

As Part of a Meal

• Include in Breakfast Spread: Pair with scrambled eggs and fresh fruit for a hearty brunch option.
• Serve with Soup: Great alongside tomato soup or chili for a comforting meal.

How to Perfect Sausage Pinwheels

Making the perfect sausage pinwheels requires attention to detail. Follow these tips to ensure they turn out delicious every time.

• Bold Preparation: Always cook the sausage thoroughly until browned and crumbly to enhance flavor.
• Bold Chill the Dough: Keeping the crescent roll dough chilled makes it easier to handle and shape.
• Bold Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality sausage and cheese for richer taste.
• Bold Control Thickness: Slice the pinwheels evenly to ensure consistent cooking.
• Bold Bake in Batches: If making a large quantity, bake in batches to avoid overcrowding on the baking sheet.

Best Side Dishes for Sausage Pinwheels

Sausage pinwheels pair wonderfully with various side dishes. Here are some great options to consider that will complement their flavors perfectly.

1. Garlic Breadsticks: Soft and buttery breadsticks that add a comforting touch.
2. Caesar Salad: A crisp salad with romaine, croutons, and Caesar dressing provides a refreshing contrast.
3. Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory stuffed mushrooms can create an elegant touch alongside your pinwheels.
4. Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs make for a hearty side option.
5. Caprese Skewers: Cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze offer freshness.
6. Fruit Skewers: Colorful fruit skewers bring sweetness and balance to your appetizer spread.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can elevate your sausage pinwheels from ordinary to extraordinary.

• Boldly Overfilling: Adding too much filling can make rolling the dough difficult. Stick to the recommended amounts for the best results.
• Ignoring Chill Time: Skipping the refrigeration step can lead to unmanageable dough. Always chill the logs for at least 1 hour before slicing.
• Neglecting Oven Temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature can result in uneven cooking. Preheat your oven to 375°F and ensure it’s fully heated before baking.
• Cutting Uneven Pinwheels: Slicing the logs unevenly can cause some pinwheels to undercook or overcook. Use a sharp knife and aim for consistent 1/2-inch slices.
• Forgetting About Spacing: Crowding the baking sheet can prevent even cooking. Leave at least 1 inch of space between each pinwheel on the tray.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Ensure they are completely cooled before sealing to avoid condensation.

Freezing Sausage Pinwheels

• Wrap individual pinwheels tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months for optimal freshness.

Reheating Sausage Pinwheels

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake for about 10 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 30-60 seconds, checking frequently to avoid sogginess.
• Stovetop: Place on a skillet over medium heat, cover, and warm for about 5 minutes, flipping occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Sausage Pinwheels?

Sausage pinwheels are savory appetizers made with pork sausage, cream cheese, and crescent roll dough, rolled into tight logs and sliced into pinwheel shapes.

Can I customize my Sausage Pinwheels?

Absolutely! You can add different cheeses, spices, or even vegetables like spinach or peppers to suit your taste preferences.

How long do Sausage Pinwheels last?

When stored properly in an airtight container, they last up to 3 days in the refrigerator or up to 2 months in the freezer.

Can I make Sausage Pinwheels ahead of time?

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

Final Thoughts

Sausage pinwheels are an easy and delightful appetizer that everyone will love. With their flaky crust and savory filling, they’re perfect for any gathering. Feel free to customize them with your favorite ingredients for a personal touch!