Sausage Pinwheels
These Sausage Pinwheels are a delightful, quick appetizer that everyone will love! With their flaky crust and savory filling, they are ideal for gatherings like parties, game days, or holiday celebrations. Simple to make and bursting with flavor, these pinwheels are sure to be a standout dish at your next event.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: These pinwheels come together in just 30 minutes, making them perfect for last-minute gatherings.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Packed with sausage and cheese, they offer flavors everyone enjoys.
- Versatile: Customize the filling by adding herbs or spices to suit your taste.
- Minimal Ingredients: With just four ingredients, you can whip these up without a lot of fuss.
- Make Ahead: Prepare them in advance and bake right before serving for ultimate convenience.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start making your delicious Sausage Pinwheels, gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline the process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- skillet
- wax paper
- plastic wrap
- sharp knife
- baking sheet
Importance of Each Tool
- Skillet: A good skillet ensures even cooking of the sausage for the best flavor.
- Sharp Knife: A sharp knife helps you slice cleanly through the logs into perfect pinwheels.
- Baking Sheet: A sturdy baking sheet is essential for even baking and preventing pinwheels from sticking.
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
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 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 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, leaving 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, encasing the filling. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap.
Step 6: Repeat Process
Repeat with the second package of crescent rolls and remaining ingredients to create a second log.
Step 7: Chill Logs
Refrigerate wrapped logs for at least 1 hour or until firm enough to slice.
Step 8: Preheat Oven
Preheat oven to 375°F. Remove logs from refrigerator, unwrap them, and use a sharp knife to slice each log into 1/2-inch-thick pinwheels.
Step 9: Bake Pinwheels
Arrange 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: Cool and Serve
Remove from oven and allow pinwheels to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your delicious Sausage Pinwheels!
How to Serve Sausage Pinwheels
Sausage pinwheels make a delightful appetizer that can be served in various ways. Whether for casual gatherings or formal events, here are some exciting serving suggestions to enhance your presentation.
Pair with Dipping Sauces
- Mustard – A tangy mustard complements the savory flavors of the sausage.
- Ranch Dressing – Creamy ranch adds a cool contrast to the warm pinwheels.
- BBQ Sauce – Sweet and smoky BBQ sauce enhances the richness of the dish.
Serve on a Platter
- Garnished with Fresh Herbs – Arrange your sausage pinwheels on a platter and sprinkle fresh parsley or chives for color.
- With Cheese Cubes – Add an assortment of cheese cubes around the pinwheels for variety.
- Fruit Accompaniments – Include slices of apples or grapes to balance the savory taste.
Make it a Meal
- Serve with Salad – A light green salad can complement the richness of sausage pinwheels nicely.
- Accompany with Soup – Pairing these appetizers with a warm soup can create a comforting meal.
How to Perfect Sausage Pinwheels
Making perfect sausage pinwheels requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your appetizer turns out delicious every time.
- Use Quality Sausage – Choose high-quality pork sausage for better flavor and texture.
- Chill Before Slicing – Chilling the logs before slicing makes them easier to cut and helps maintain their shape.
- Don’t Overfill – Be careful not to overstuff the pinwheels, as this can lead to messy baking and uneven cooking.
- Space Them Out on the Baking Sheet – Leaving space between each pinwheel allows for proper expansion while baking, ensuring they cook evenly.
- Watch Them Bake – Keep an eye on them in the oven; baking times may vary based on your oven’s accuracy.
- Experiment with Flavors – Feel free to add herbs, spices, or different cheeses for unique twists on this classic recipe.
Best Side Dishes for Sausage Pinwheels
Sausage pinwheels pair well with various side dishes that complement their flavor. Consider these tasty options:
- Caesar Salad – Crisp romaine lettuce and creamy dressing provide a refreshing contrast.
- Potato Wedges – Seasoned potato wedges offer a hearty side that pairs perfectly with appetizers.
- Vegetable Platter – Colorful raw veggies add crunch and freshness alongside your savory bites.
- Coleslaw – A tangy coleslaw balances well with the richness of sausage pinwheels.
- Garlic Breadsticks – Soft, cheesy breadsticks are great for dipping into sauces served with the pinwheels.
- Fruit Salad – A light fruit salad brings sweetness and brightness to your appetizer spread.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making sausage pinwheels, it’s easy to overlook some key details. Here are common mistakes and how to avoid them.
- Not cooking the sausage properly: Ensure the sausage is fully browned and crumbly. This adds flavor and ensures it’s safe to eat.
- Ignoring dough temperature: If the crescent rolls are too warm, they can become difficult to handle. Keep them chilled until you’re ready to use them.
- Skipping the refrigeration step: Failing to refrigerate the logs can lead to pinwheels that fall apart while slicing. Always chill for at least an hour.
- Not leaving enough space on the baking sheet: If you crowd the pinwheels, they won’t bake evenly. Space them out for best results.
- Overbaking the pinwheels: Keep an eye on them while baking; overcooked pinwheels can become dry. Remove them once they are golden brown.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover sausage pinwheels in an airtight container.
- They can last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Sausage Pinwheels
- Wrap each log tightly in plastic wrap before freezing.
- They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Sausage Pinwheels
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and bake for about 10 minutes for a crispy texture.
- Microwave: Heat each pinwheel for about 30 seconds, but this may make them soft.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about sausage pinwheels.
How do I make Sausage Pinwheels ahead of time?
You can prepare the logs in advance and refrigerate or freeze them until you’re ready to bake.
Can I customize my Sausage Pinwheels?
Absolutely! You can add vegetables or different types of cheese to suit your taste.
What dipping sauces go well with Sausage Pinwheels?
Sausage pinwheels pair wonderfully with ranch dressing, marinara sauce, or honey mustard.
How long do Sausage Pinwheels take to cook?
They typically take about 10-15 minutes to bake at 375°F until golden brown.
Final Thoughts
Sausage pinwheels are not only delicious but also versatile, making them ideal for any gathering. Feel free to customize your filling with different cheeses or spices. Try this easy recipe and impress your guests!
Sausage Pinwheels
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 20 servings 1x
Description
Sausage Pinwheels are the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer that combines a flaky crescent roll crust with a savory filling of pork sausage and creamy cheese. Perfect for any occasion, from game days to holiday gatherings, this recipe is quick and easy, taking just 30 minutes to prepare. The delightful contrast of warm, cheesy goodness wrapped in buttery pastry makes these pinwheels irresistible. They can be customized with your favorite herbs or spices, making them versatile enough to suit any palate. Whether served as finger food at parties or as a comforting snack at home, Sausage Pinwheels are sure to impress your guests and become a staple in your appetizer repertoire.
Ingredients
- 1 pound bulk pork sausage
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 (8-ounce) packages refrigerated crescent rolls
Instructions
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the sausage until browned and crumbly, about 10 minutes. Drain and let cool.
- Lay a sheet of wax paper on a surface and spray lightly with cooking spray. Unroll one package of crescent rolls onto it, sealing perforations to form a sheet.
- Spread half of the cream cheese over the dough, leaving a border.
- Sprinkle half of the cooked sausage and half of the cheddar on top.
- Roll the dough tightly into a log using the wax paper for assistance. Wrap in plastic wrap.
- Repeat with remaining ingredients for a second log.
- Refrigerate logs for at least 1 hour until firm.
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Unwrap logs and slice into 1/2-inch thick pinwheels.
- Arrange on a baking sheet with space between each pinwheel, then bake for 10-15 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool slightly before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 pinwheels (35g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
