Introduction
Sausage Cream Cheese Pinwheels are the perfect bite-sized appetizer or snack that combines savory sausage with creamy cheese and a hint of seasoning, all rolled up in a flaky crescent dough. These little pinwheels are irresistibly delicious and incredibly easy to make, making them ideal for parties, game days, or any gathering where you need a crowd-pleasing dish. The combination of the rich cream cheese filling and savory sausage wrapped in warm dough is a true comfort food, and they come together in no time. Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying them as a snack, these pinwheels will disappear in minutes!
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Sausage Cream Cheese Pinwheels – Savory, Creamy, and Deliciously Addictive
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 20-24 pinwheels
Description
Sausage Cream Cheese Pinwheels are a savory, easy-to-make appetizer featuring a flavorful sausage and cream cheese filling wrapped in a soft dough and baked to golden perfection. Perfect for parties or as a delicious snack.
Ingredients
- 1 pound breakfast sausage (or any preferred sausage)
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 package refrigerated crescent roll dough (or pizza dough)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for brushing)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- In a large skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat, breaking it apart as it cooks. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess grease if necessary and let it cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked sausage, cream cheese, shredded cheddar, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Mix until smooth and well combined.
- Unroll the crescent roll dough or pizza dough onto a lightly floured surface. If using crescent rolls, pinch the seams together to form a solid sheet of dough.
- Spread the sausage and cream cheese mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Roll the dough up tightly, starting from one edge, to form a log. Slice the log into 1-inch thick pinwheels.
- Place the pinwheels on the prepared baking sheet. If desired, brush the tops with a bit of olive oil for extra crispness and golden color.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the pinwheels are golden brown and the filling is heated through.
- Allow the pinwheels to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some chopped green onions to the filling.
- If you prefer a spicier bite, you can use hot sausage or add diced jalapeños to the mixture.
- These can be made ahead and frozen. Simply freeze the unbaked pinwheels on a baking sheet, then transfer to a zip-top bag for storage. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Sausage Cream Cheese Pinwheels are not only simple to prepare, but they’re also full of flavor. The creamy, cheesy filling pairs perfectly with the savory sausage, and the flaky crescent dough provides just the right amount of texture. These pinwheels can be served warm or at room temperature, making them versatile for any occasion. They’re also highly customizable – add your favorite seasonings or make them spicier with some hot sauce or peppers for an extra kick. These pinwheels are sure to be a hit at any party or family gathering.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ingredients Breakdown
For the Pinwheels:
- Breakfast Sausage: Adds a rich, savory base to the filling.
- Cream Cheese: Provides a creamy, smooth texture that balances the sausage and enhances the flavor.
- Crescent Roll Dough: Flaky dough that serves as the perfect vessel for the filling.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Adds a bit of sharpness and melts beautifully into the filling.
- Onion Powder: Adds depth and flavor to the filling.
- Garlic Powder: Enhances the overall savory profile of the pinwheels.
- Salt and Pepper: Season the filling to taste.
Directions
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
1. Cook the Sausage:
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage until fully browned, breaking it apart into small crumbles as it cooks. Drain any excess grease and set the sausage aside to cool slightly.
2. Prepare the Filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked sausage with cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well combined and the mixture is smooth.
3. Prepare the Dough:
- Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Unroll the crescent roll dough onto the baking sheet and press the seams together to form one large rectangle. If using crescent roll sheets, no need to press the seams.
4. Assemble the Pinwheels:
- Spread the sausage and cream cheese mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a small border along the edges.
- Starting at one edge, carefully roll the dough up into a tight log.
5. Slice the Pinwheels:
- Slice the rolled dough into 1-inch thick pinwheels and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake:
- Bake the pinwheels in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and fully cooked through.
7. Serve:
- Allow the pinwheels to cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve them warm or at room temperature. Optional: Serve with a side of ranch or hot sauce for dipping.
Equipment needed :
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe makes approximately 20-24 pinwheels. Preparation time is about 10 minutes, cooking time is 12-15 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store any leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes or microwave them for 20-30 seconds until warm.
Variations and Customizations
Spicy Kick: Add chopped jalapeños, crushed red pepper flakes, or hot sausage to make these pinwheels spicier.
Cheese Varieties: Swap out the cheddar for Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a cheese blend for different flavor profiles.
Vegetarian Version: Use vegetarian sausage or swap in mushrooms and spinach for a meatless version.
Seasonings: You can add extra spices like paprika, cumin, or Italian seasoning to customize the flavor of the filling.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
Approximate values per pinwheel (based on 24 pinwheels):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 120 kcal |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Carbohydrates | 6 g |
| Fat | 9 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugar | 1 g |
| Sodium | 270 mg |
Expert Tips & Customizations
Don’t Overstuff: Make sure not to overfill the dough, as it can cause the pinwheels to unroll or spill out during baking.
Even Slicing: For even pinwheels, use a sharp knife and slice gently so the filling stays intact.
Room Temperature Dough: If you use refrigerated crescent roll dough, let it come to room temperature before unrolling for easier handling.
FAQs
Can I make these pinwheels ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble them ahead of time and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. Alternatively, you can freeze the unbaked pinwheels and bake them straight from the freezer—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Can I use a different type of dough?
Yes, you can use puff pastry or pizza dough if you prefer a different texture, though the baking time may vary slightly.
How do I prevent the filling from leaking out?
Be sure to tightly roll up the dough and seal the edges before baking to prevent the filling from leaking out.
Can I freeze the pinwheels?
Yes, you can freeze unbaked pinwheels for up to 1 month. When ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the baking time from frozen.
What can I serve these with?
These pinwheels are great with dipping sauces like ranch, buffalo sauce, or marinara, or you can serve them alongside a fresh salad or vegetable platter.
Conclusion
Sausage Cream Cheese Pinwheels are a quick, easy, and irresistible appetizer that everyone will love. With a rich and savory sausage filling, creamy cheese, and flaky dough, they’re perfect for parties, snacks, or even a quick dinner. Customize them with your favorite ingredients or add a spicy twist, and you’ll have a go-to recipe that will disappear as quickly as you can make them.
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