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
- Preheat the oven 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: Store leftover sausage cream cheese pinwheels 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 frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 10-12 minutes.
Sausage Cream Cheese Pinwheels
8
servings10
minutes15
minutesIngredients
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
- Preheat oven 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. Bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
3. What type of sausage works best?
Pork sausage is traditional, but turkey or plant-based sausage can also be used for variation.
4. Can I use puff pastry instead of crescent dough?
Yes! Puff pastry works wonderfully and creates an even flakier texture.
