Sausage Pinwheels

These Sausage Pinwheels are a delightful appetizer that everyone will love! They are incredibly easy to make with just four ingredients, making them perfect for parties, game days, or any gathering. With a savory filling of sausage and cheese wrapped in a flaky crust, these pinwheels are sure to impress your guests and keep them coming back for more.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Sausage Pinwheels
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Filling
• For the Dough
• How to Make Sausage Pinwheels
• Step 1: Cook the Sausage
• Step 2: Prepare the Dough
• Step 3: Add Cream Cheese
• Step 4: Layer Ingredients
• Step 5: Roll it Up
• Step 6: Repeat Process
• Step 7: Chill Logs
• Step 8: Preheat Oven
• Step 9: Slice Pinwheels
• Step 10: Bake
• Step 11: Cool and Serve
• How to Serve Sausage Pinwheels
• Pair with Dipping Sauces
• Serve with Fresh Vegetables
• Create a Charcuterie Board
• How to Perfect Sausage Pinwheels
• Best Side Dishes for Sausage Pinwheels
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Storing Sausage Pinwheels in the Refrigerator
• Freezing Sausage Pinwheels
• Reheating Sausage Pinwheels
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Can I use different types of sausage in my Sausage Pinwheels?
• How do I make my Sausage Pinwheels spicier?
• Can I prepare these Sausage Pinwheels ahead of time?
• What dipping sauces pair well with Sausage Pinwheels?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Sausage Pinwheels

Sausage pinwheels are not only delicious, but they also offer several great features:

• Quick Preparation: These pinwheels come together in just 30 minutes, making them a fantastic last-minute appetizer.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The combination of savory sausage and creamy cheese guarantees that everyone will enjoy them.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve them warm or at room temperature; they’re perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to festive parties.
• Simple Ingredients: With only four ingredients needed, you can whip these up with items you likely already have on hand.
• Make Ahead Option: You can prepare the logs in advance and bake them just before serving, saving you time on the day of your event.

Tools and Preparation

To make your sausage pinwheels successfully, you’ll need a few essential tools.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Large skillet: Perfect for browning the sausage evenly and ensuring it’s cooked through.
• Wax paper: Helps roll the dough easily without sticking, making the process smooth and hassle-free.
• Sharp knife: Essential for slicing the logs into perfect pinwheels without squishing them.

Ingredients

These sausage pinwheels are made with simple yet flavorful ingredients:

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

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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 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, pinching 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 Ingredients

Sprinkle half of the cooled 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 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 easily.

Step 8: Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F.

Step 9: Slice Pinwheels

Remove logs from refrigeration, unwrap them carefully, and use a sharp knife to slice each log into 1/2-inch-thick pinwheels.

Step 10: Bake

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

Step 11: Cool and Serve

Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your delicious sausage pinwheels!

How to Serve Sausage Pinwheels

Sausage pinwheels are versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some creative serving suggestions that will make your appetizer even more delightful.

Pair with Dipping Sauces

• Mustard Dip: A tangy mustard complements the savory flavors of the sausage.
• Ranch Dressing: Creamy ranch provides a cool contrast to the warm pinwheels.
• BBQ Sauce: Sweet and smoky BBQ sauce adds an extra layer of flavor.

Serve with Fresh Vegetables

• Carrot Sticks: Crunchy carrots offer a refreshing bite alongside the rich pinwheels.
• Celery Sticks: Crisp celery adds texture and balances the heaviness of the sausage.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Juicy tomatoes can cleanse the palate between bites.

Create a Charcuterie Board

• Cheese Variety: Include assorted cheeses, like gouda or brie, to enhance the flavor experience.
• Crackers and Breadsticks: Offer a variety for guests to enjoy with their pinwheels.
• Fruits: Add grapes or apple slices for a sweet touch that pairs well.

How to Perfect Sausage Pinwheels

Perfecting your sausage pinwheels involves attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure they turn out amazing every time.

• Use High-Quality Sausage: The flavor of your pinwheels greatly depends on the quality of sausage you choose.
• Chill Before Baking: Refrigerating the rolled logs helps them maintain their shape while baking.
• Evenly Spread Cream Cheese: A smooth layer ensures every bite is equally delicious and creamy.
• Leave Space on Baking Sheet: Allowing space between each pinwheel prevents them from sticking together while baking.
• Watch Baking Time Closely: Ovens vary, so keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking or underbaking.

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Best Side Dishes for Sausage Pinwheels

Pairing side dishes with your sausage pinwheels can elevate your appetizers even more. Here are some great options:

1. Garden Salad: A fresh salad adds a light and healthy contrast to the rich flavors of the pinwheels.
2. Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs complement the savory taste perfectly.
3. Coleslaw: Tangy coleslaw provides crunch and acidity, balancing out the richness of the sausage.
4. Stuffed Mushrooms: These bite-sized treats add variety and flavor to your appetizer spread.
5. Deviled Eggs: Classic deviled eggs offer creaminess that pairs nicely with sausage flavors.
6. Pasta Salad: A cold pasta salad can provide a refreshing touch alongside warm pinwheels.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making sausage pinwheels, it’s easy to overlook a few key steps. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Skipping the cooling step: Not allowing the sausage to cool can cause the cream cheese to melt too quickly, resulting in a messy filling. Always let the sausage cool before mixing.
• Overcrowding the baking sheet: Placing pinwheels too close together can lead to uneven cooking and soggy edges. Ensure there’s at least 1 inch of space between each pinwheel on the baking sheet.
• Neglecting to pinch seams: If you don’t pinch the seams of the crescent rolls together, the filling may leak out while baking. Make sure to seal them well for perfect pinwheels.
• Inconsistent slicing: Cutting uneven pinwheels can lead to some being undercooked or overcooked. Use a sharp knife and aim for uniform slices for even baking.
• Not chilling before slicing: If you slice the logs before they’re firm enough, it can cause them to fall apart. Refrigerate until they are solid enough to handle easily.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Storing Sausage Pinwheels in the Refrigerator

• 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 then aluminum foil for up to 2 months.
• Label with date for easy tracking.

Reheating Sausage Pinwheels

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F and bake for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals until hot; be careful not to overcook.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over low heat, turning occasionally until warm.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making sausage pinwheels.

Can I use different types of sausage in my Sausage Pinwheels?

Yes! You can experiment with different sausages, such as turkey or chicken sausage, depending on your taste preference.

How do I make my Sausage Pinwheels spicier?

Add chopped jalapeños or spicy cheese into the filling for an added kick!

Can I prepare these Sausage Pinwheels ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble them and store them in the fridge or freezer before baking.

What dipping sauces pair well with Sausage Pinwheels?

Mustard, ranch dressing, or barbecue sauce make excellent dips alongside these savory bites.

Final Thoughts

These sausage pinwheels are a delightful appetizer that everyone will enjoy. Their versatility allows you to customize fillings according to your taste, making them perfect for any occasion. Try this easy recipe today and impress your guests with these delicious bites!