These Sausage Pinwheels are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, blending savory sausage, creamy cheese, and golden, flaky pastry into irresistible spirals of flavor. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, need a quick party snack, or want an easy breakfast that feels a bit special, this recipe brings together everything we love about comfort food in one bite-sized treat. The combination of seasoned sausage and tangy cream cheese, all wrapped up in buttery crescent dough, makes these pinwheels a go-to recipe you’ll want to share with everyone.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how just a handful of everyday ingredients come together to create something this delicious. Each component plays a key role, contributing to the rich flavor, tender texture, or beautiful golden color that makes Sausage Pinwheels so hard to resist.
- Breakfast sausage (1 pound): Choose mild for classic flavor or spicy for a little kick; this is the star of your pinwheels.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): Adds creamy richness and helps bind the filling together for that perfect swirl.
- Refrigerated crescent roll dough (8 oz can): The shortcut to flaky, buttery layers; use a dough sheet for easiest rolling.
- Garlic powder (¼ teaspoon): Just a hint of garlicky depth to elevate the sausage filling.
- Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Provides a subtle warmth and balances the richness of the cheese and sausage.
- Egg, beaten (for egg wash): Gives your pinwheels that beautifully shiny, golden-brown finish.
How to Make Sausage Pinwheels
Step 1: Cook the Sausage
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a skillet over medium heat, crumble and cook the breakfast sausage until it’s beautifully browned and fully cooked. This step is key for building deep, savory flavor. Once the sausage is cooked through, drain any excess grease, and let it cool for a few minutes so it doesn’t melt the cream cheese in the next step.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
Transfer your cooled sausage to a bowl, then add the softened cream cheese, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir everything together until it’s well combined and creamy. This rich, flavorful mixture will be the heart of your Sausage Pinwheels, so take a moment to make sure it’s evenly mixed.
Step 3: Prepare the Dough
Roll out the crescent dough into a rectangle on a lightly floured surface. If you’re using standard crescent rolls, gently press the seams together to create a smooth sheet. This step is what makes those beautiful, flaky swirls possible.
Step 4: Spread and Roll
Spread the sausage and cream cheese mixture evenly over the dough, leaving about a half-inch border around the edges. Starting from the long side, roll the dough up tightly into a log. This ensures every bite is packed with that savory filling.
Step 5: Slice and Arrange
Using a sharp knife, carefully slice the log into ½- to ¾-inch thick pinwheels. Arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them out so they have room to puff up and turn golden.
Step 6: Egg Wash and Bake
Brush the tops of the pinwheels with your beaten egg. This little step is what gives the Sausage Pinwheels their irresistible shine and gorgeous color. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and puffed up. Serve warm, and watch them disappear!
How to Serve Sausage Pinwheels
Garnishes
For extra flair, sprinkle your Sausage Pinwheels with chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives right before serving. A little grated parmesan or even a dusting of smoked paprika can add a fun pop of flavor and color, making your pinwheels as beautiful as they are tasty.
Side Dishes
These pinwheels are a fantastic addition to any brunch spread. Try pairing them with a crisp green salad, fresh fruit, or a tray of roasted breakfast potatoes. They also love a side of tangy dipping sauces, like honey mustard or a spicy sriracha mayo.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack your Sausage Pinwheels on a rustic wooden board for an inviting party platter, or arrange them in a circular “wreath” shape for festive occasions. For a breakfast buffet, offer a variety of dipping sauces in small bowls alongside the pinwheels to let guests mix and match flavors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let the pinwheels cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to three days, making them great for grab-and-go snacks or a quick breakfast.
Freezing
Sausage Pinwheels freeze beautifully! Before baking, arrange the sliced, unbaked pinwheels on a tray and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to enjoy, thaw them briefly and bake as directed. You can also freeze baked pinwheels and reheat as needed.
Reheating
To recapture that fresh-from-the-oven magic, reheat leftover Sausage Pinwheels in a 350°F oven for about 8-10 minutes until warmed through and crisp. The microwave works in a pinch, but the oven will keep them perfectly flaky.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Appetizer
Absolutely! You can swap in Italian sausage, turkey sausage, or even a plant-based alternative if you like. Just make sure it’s cooked and crumbled before mixing with the cream cheese.
Can I make Sausage Pinwheels ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble and slice the pinwheels, then refrigerate them (covered) overnight before baking. In the morning, just brush with egg wash and bake as usual for a stress-free start to your day.
What if I don’t have crescent roll dough?
Puff pastry is a great substitute and will give you a flakier texture. Roll it out, add the filling, and proceed as directed. Be sure to keep the pastry cold for best results.
Can I add cheese to the filling?
Definitely! A generous handful of shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack cheese mixed into the filling adds a melty, gooey element that takes these Sausage Pinwheels to the next level.
How do I keep the pinwheels from unrolling during baking?
Rolling the dough tightly and placing the pinwheels seam-side down on the baking sheet helps them stay together. The egg wash also acts as a light adhesive, keeping everything in place as they bake up golden and gorgeous.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried making Sausage Pinwheels at home, you’re in for a treat! They’re as simple as they are scrumptious, and always a hit at any gathering. Give this recipe a whirl and savor those buttery, savory spirals—you might just find a new favorite to share with friends and family.
Print
Sausage Pinwheels Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 12 pinwheels 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and easy-to-make Sausage Pinwheels featuring savory breakfast sausage combined with creamy cheese, wrapped in flaky crescent roll dough. Perfect for appetizers, breakfast, or party snacks.
Ingredients
Filling
- 1 pound breakfast sausage (mild or spicy)
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Dough
- 1 (8 oz) can refrigerated crescent roll dough (or crescent dough sheet)
Topping
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage until browned and fully cooked, breaking it into crumbles. Drain any excess grease and let it cool slightly.
- Mix Filling: In a bowl, combine the cooked sausage, softened cream cheese, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir until well mixed and creamy.
- Prepare Dough: Roll out the crescent dough into a rectangle on a lightly floured surface, pressing seams together if using crescent rolls to form one sheet.
- Assemble Pinwheels: Spread the sausage mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a ½-inch border around the edges.
- Roll and Slice: Starting from the long side, roll the dough into a tight log. Slice into ½- to ¾-inch thick pinwheels and arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Apply Egg Wash: Brush the tops of each pinwheel with the beaten egg to ensure a beautiful golden crust.
- Bake: Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the pinwheels are golden brown and puffed.
- Serve: Allow to cool slightly and serve warm for best taste.
Notes
- These pinwheels can be made ahead and frozen before baking — just thaw slightly before baking as directed.
- Try adding shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese for a flavorful twist.
- Use mild or spicy sausage to suit your preference.
- Brush with egg wash for a shiny, golden finish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pinwheel
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 330mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
