Sausage Pinwheels

Sausage pinwheels are a crowd-pleasing appetizer that combines the savory flavors of pork sausage and tangy cream cheese wrapped up in a flaky dough crust. Like sausage rolls or sausage strudels, these pinwheels are a quick yet impressive dish that can be prepared in advance and served warm or at room temperature. It’s another great recipe idea that utilizes refrigerated crescent roll dough for ease.

Sausage Pinwheel Ingredients

• Pork sausage: Whether you choose regular or spicy sausage, it adds a hearty and meaty base to the pinwheels that pairs perfectly with the cream cheese and crescent rolls.
• Sweet pepper: Diced red bell pepper adds a pop of color and a slight sweetness to balance the richness of the sausage and cream cheese. It also introduces a fresh, crunchy texture to each bite.
• Green onion: Chopped green onions offer a mild, fresh onion flavor that enhances the sausage’s savory taste.
• Cream cheese: Cubed cream cheese is the creamy element that holds the filling together. It melts beautifully with the sausage, creating a rich, smooth texture and balancing the savory flavors with a slight tang.
• Crescent rolls: Refrigerated crescent roll dough is easy to use and creates a golden brown pastry shell that encases the flavorful filling. Here are the best crescent rolls you can buy.

Directions

Step 1: Cook the sausage mixture

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In a large skillet, cook the bulk sausage over medium-high heat until browned and fully cooked, breaking it into crumbles. Add the diced red pepper and chopped green onion, and continue cooking for another couple of minutes until the vegetables are softened.

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Transfer the mixture to a bowl and let it cool for 10 minutes. Stir in the cream cheese until blended and then let the mixture cool completely.

Step 2: Prepare the crescent roll dough

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Unroll one can of crescent dough and separate it into four 6×4-1/2-inch rectangles, pinching the perforations to seal. Spread each rectangle with 1/3 cup filling to within 1/4 inch of the edges. Roll a rectangle up jelly-roll style, starting with a short side. Pinch the seams to seal and roll gently to make the log smooth. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet seam side down. Repeat with the remaining crescent dough.

Step 3: Chill and slice

For easier slicing, freeze the rolled dough logs until firm, about one hour. After chilling, slice each log into 10 slices using a sharp knife.

Step 4: Bake the pinwheels

Bake at 350°F on parchment-lined baking sheets until golden brown, for 15 to 18 minutes.

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Sausage Pinwheel Variations

• Vegetarian pinwheels: Replace the sausage with a plant-based sausage alternative and add extra vegetables like cooked mushrooms or spinach.
• Cheesier pinwheels: Sprinkle shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese over the sausage mixture before rolling for a cheesier version.
• Spicy pinwheels: Use spicy sausage or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling mixture for added heat.
• Saucy pinwheels: Pair these pinwheels with a marinara sauce or ranch dressing for extra flavor.

How to Store Sausage Pinwheels

Any leftover sausage pinwheels can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving.

Can you freeze sausage pinwheels?

You can freeze the assembled but unbaked pinwheels. Place the sliced pinwheels on a baking sheet and freeze them until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to two months. Bake directly from frozen but add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

How do you reheat sausage pinwheels?

To reheat leftover pinwheels, warm them in a preheated oven at 350° for five to seven minutes or until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave for about 30 seconds, though they’ll be crispier if reheated in the oven.

Can you make sausage pinwheels ahead of time?

Sausage pinwheels can be made ahead of time by assembling the rolls, slicing them and refrigerating them for up to 24 hours before baking.

Sausage Pinwheel Tips

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Can I use puff pastry instead of crescent rolls?

Yes, you can substitute puff pastry for crescent rolls for a flakier and crispier pinwheel. Just be sure to roll the dough out evenly and adjust the baking time slightly if needed.

What other fillings can I use in sausage pinwheels?

You can experiment with other fillings like cooked bacon, ham, or cooked vegetables like spinach and mushrooms to customize the pinwheels to your taste.

Can I serve these at room temperature?

Yes! Sausage pinwheels can be served at room temperature, which makes them ideal for parties and gatherings where they can sit out for a while and still be enjoyed.