Sausage Cream Cheese Pinwheels

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Sausage Cream Cheese Pinwheels are the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer or snack. With flaky crescent dough, creamy cheese, and savory sausage, these pinwheels are both irresistible and easy to make. Perfect for game days, holiday gatherings, or a quick breakfast treat, this recipe offers a delightful combination of flavors that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes.
  • Versatile: Works as a breakfast, snack, or party appetizer.
  • Crowd-pleaser: Loved by kids and adults alike.
  • Customizable: Easily adaptable with different add-ins.

How to Make Sausage Cream Cheese Pinwheels

This recipe is simple, quick, and uses minimal ingredients. You’ll roll up crescent dough with a creamy sausage mixture, slice it, and bake to golden perfection.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  • Bring the oven up to 375°F (190°C).
  • Cook the sausage: In a skillet, cook sausage over medium heat until browned. Drain excess grease.
  • Mix the filling: In a bowl, combine the cooked sausage with softened cream cheese. Mix well until smooth.
  • Prepare the dough: Roll out the crescent dough onto a flat surface. If using pre-cut crescent rolls, press the seams together to form a sheet.
  • Spread the filling: Evenly spread the sausage and cream cheese mixture over the dough.
  • Roll and slice: Starting from the longer edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Slice into 1-inch thick pieces.
  • Bake: Place pinwheels on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
  • Serve: Let them cool slightly and serve warm.

Variations

  • Add a kick: Mix in diced jalapeños for a spicy twist.
  • Cheesy upgrade: Sprinkle shredded cheddar or mozzarella over the filling before rolling.
  • Herbaceous touch: Add chopped chives, parsley, or a pinch of garlic powder to the cream cheese mixture.
  • Sweet & savory: Drizzle with a bit of honey or maple syrup for a sweet-savory combo.

Storage Instructions

  • Refrigerator: Place leftover sausage cream cheese pinwheels sealed in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes or in the microwave for 20-30 seconds.
  • Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the baked pinwheels in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.. Bake directly from frozen in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 10-12 minutes to reheat.
Sausage Cream Cheese Pinwheels

Sausage Cream Cheese Pinwheels

Servings

8

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

15

minutes

Ingredients

  • Ground Sausage (8 ounces / 225 grams):
    Choose a mild, spicy, or breakfast sausage depending on your flavor preference.
    Cooked and crumbled.
    Cream Cheese (8 ounces / 225 grams):
    Softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
    Full-fat for a rich and creamy filling, or light for a lower-calorie option.
    Crescent Roll Dough (1 can, 8 ounces / 225 grams):
    Pre-made refrigerated crescent roll dough for convenience.
    Can be substituted with puff pastry or homemade dough.
    Shredded Cheese (Optional, ½ cup / 50 grams):
    Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella for extra gooeyness.
    Seasonings (Optional):
    Garlic Powder (½ teaspoon): Enhances the flavor of the sausage.
    Onion Powder (½ teaspoon): Adds a savory depth.
    Dried Herbs (¼ teaspoon): Parsley, oregano, or thyme for an herby kick.
    Egg Wash:
    1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon of water or milk for a golden, shiny crust.

Directions

  • Bring your oven up to 375°F (190°C).
  • Brown sausage in a skillet; drain grease.
  • Mix sausage with softened cream cheese until smooth.
  • Roll out crescent dough, pressing seams together if needed.
  • Spread the sausage mixture evenly over the dough.
  • Roll the dough into a log and slice into 1-inch thick rounds.
  • Place slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden.
  • Cool slightly and enjoy warm.

FAQ

1. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the pinwheels, slice them, and refrigerate the slices on a baking sheet. Bake them fresh when ready to serve.

2. Can I freeze the pinwheels?
Absolutely! Freeze the unbaked pinwheels on a tray, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Cook directly from frozen, extending the cooking time by a few minutes.

3. What type of sausage works best?
Pork sausage is traditional, but turkey or plant-based sausage can also be used for variation.

4. Is it possible to substitute puff pastry for crescent dough? Yes! Puff pastry works wonderfully and creates an even flakier texture.

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