Sausage and Cream Cheese Pinwheels

If you’re looking for a snack that’s equal parts savory, creamy, and super easy to make, then these Sausage and Cream Cheese Pinwheels are your new best friend. Picture this: a buttery, flaky crescent dough wrapped around a savory filling of spicy sausage and rich cream cheese. The combination of flavors is incredible, and trust me, they’ll disappear from the table faster than you can say “yum!” Whether you’re hosting a party, having a cozy movie night, or need a quick appetizer for a family get-together, these pinwheels will always be a crowd-pleaser. Don’t be surprised if they’re the first thing to go—everyone will be coming back for seconds (and thirds).

Why You’ll Love Sausage and Cream Cheese Pinwheels

These pinwheels are a perfect blend of comfort, flavor, and simplicity. Here’s why they’re going to become your go-to appetizer:

Easy to Make:

With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you’ll have these tasty pinwheels ready in no time. No complicated steps—just mix, roll, bake, and enjoy.

Creamy and Savory:

The combination of sausage and cream cheese is a flavor match made in heaven. The sausage adds just the right amount of spice and richness, while the cream cheese keeps things smooth and indulgent.

Perfect for Any Occasion:

These pinwheels work for almost any situation. Whether it’s a party, a snack, or a light meal, they fit the bill. Plus, they’re great for making ahead of time, so you can prep them for busy days.

Customizable:

You can easily make these your own by tweaking the flavors. Want to make them spicier? Add some chili flakes or hot sauce. Or if you want a more mild version, just adjust the seasoning.

Everyone Loves Them:

Whether it’s the kids, adults, or anyone in between, these Sausage and Cream Cheese Pinwheels are universally adored. The warm, savory filling inside the golden, flaky dough is a hit with just about everyone.

Ingredients

Let’s take a look at the simple, but delicious ingredients that come together to make these Sausage and Cream Cheese Pinwheels a family favorite:

Breakfast Sausage

The savory star of the show. Use your favorite breakfast sausage (spicy or mild), which gives the pinwheels their rich, flavorful base.

Cream Cheese

Softened cream cheese makes the filling extra creamy and smooth, balancing the spiciness of the sausage with its velvety texture.

Crescent Roll Dough

Flaky and buttery, crescent roll dough is the perfect vehicle for this savory filling. It adds just the right amount of crunch and softness to the pinwheels.

Cheddar Cheese

Shredded cheddar adds a nice, melty finish to the filling, bringing an extra layer of richness and flavor to every bite.

Onion Powder and Garlic Powder

A little seasoning goes a long way. Onion and garlic powders are the perfect way to add some depth and flavor to the creamy sausage mixture.

(Note: The full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the recipe card above.)

Instructions

Ready to dive into making these tasty little pinwheels? Let’s go!

1. Cook the Sausage:

In a skillet over medium heat, crumble and cook the breakfast sausage until it’s browned and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to break up any large chunks. Drain off any excess grease.

2. Mix the Filling:

In a large bowl, combine the cooked sausage with softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix until everything is well combined and creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed—this is where you can add more spice if you like!

3. Roll Out the Dough:

Unroll the crescent roll dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. If you’re using regular crescent rolls, pinch together the perforated seams so you have one large sheet of dough. You want it to be a solid base for rolling.

4. Spread the Filling:

Evenly spread the sausage and cream cheese mixture over the dough, leaving about 1/4 inch of space at the edges. Make sure to spread it all the way to the corners so every bite has that perfect filling-to-dough ratio.

5. Roll and Slice:

Carefully roll up the dough into a tight log, starting from one end. Once it’s fully rolled, slice it into 12 even pinwheels (about 1-inch wide). Place the pinwheels on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them out a little so they have room to puff up.

6. Bake:

Bake the pinwheels in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 12-15 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and the filling is hot and bubbly. You might want to keep an eye on them towards the end to ensure they don’t overcook.

7. Serve and Enjoy:

Once they’re out of the oven, let the pinwheels cool for a minute or two before serving. They’re best enjoyed warm, but they’re still delicious at room temperature if you’re making them ahead of time. Serve them with a side of dipping sauce, like ranch or hot sauce, for an extra kick.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: [Number of servings]
Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]
Preparation Time:
Prep Time: [Time to prepare ingredients]
Cook Time: [Time to cook or bake]
Total Time: [Total time needed]

How to Serve Sausage and Cream Cheese Pinwheels

These pinwheels are great on their own, but here are some ideas to take your snacking experience up a notch:

With Dipping Sauces:

Serve your pinwheels with a side of dipping sauces like ranch dressing, spicy mustard, or buffalo sauce for an extra burst of flavor. You can also make a simple dipping sauce with sour cream, chives, and a bit of hot sauce.

Pair with a Salad:

For a light meal or brunch, serve these pinwheels alongside a fresh green salad or a side of fruit. The contrast of flavors and textures will make for a well-rounded, satisfying meal.

Great for Parties:

These pinwheels are perfect for any party or gathering. They’re finger food-friendly, and everyone loves a good savory bite. Make a big batch and watch them disappear.

Serve with a Side of Veggies:

For a more filling meal, serve these pinwheels with some roasted vegetables or sautéed greens. The savory pinwheels paired with some healthy veggies create a balanced plate.

Additional Tips

Here are a few extra tips to make sure your Sausage and Cream Cheese Pinwheels turn out perfectly:

Make Them Spicy:

Want to give your pinwheels a little extra heat? Try using spicy sausage, adding red pepper flakes, or stirring in some diced jalapeños into the filling for an added kick.

Prep Ahead:

You can make these pinwheels ahead of time! Just prepare them as instructed, but instead of baking them right away, cover and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. You can also freeze them (unbaked) and bake them from frozen—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Experiment with Fillings:

Don’t be afraid to get creative! You can switch up the sausage for other proteins like chorizo, bacon, or ground turkey, and you can also add vegetables like sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the filling.

Keep Them Warm:

If you’re serving these at a party, keep them warm in a slow cooker on the “keep warm” setting or in a chafing dish. They’ll stay nice and toasty, and guests can enjoy them throughout the event.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make these pinwheels ahead of time?

A1: Yes! You can prep the pinwheels ahead of time, refrigerate them, and bake them when you’re ready. Alternatively, you can freeze them before baking and then bake from frozen (just add extra time to the baking).

Q2: Can I use a different type of dough?

A2: Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of crescent roll dough, you can use puff pastry or pizza dough instead. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly, so keep an eye on them while baking.

Q3: Can I add vegetables to the filling?

A3: Yes! Feel free to get creative with the filling. Sautéed spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms would all be great additions. Just make sure the veggies are cooked and well-drained so they don’t make the filling too wet.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?

A4: Store any leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can reheat them in the microwave for a quick snack or in the oven for a crispier texture.

Q5: Can I make these pinwheels gluten-free?

A5: Yes! If you need a gluten-free version, use gluten-free crescent roll dough or pizza dough, and make sure to check the sausage and other ingredients for hidden gluten.

Conclusion

These Sausage and Cream Cheese Pinwheels are the perfect combination of savory, creamy, and oh-so-delicious. Whether you’re serving them for a party, a game day snack, or just because you want something warm and comforting, these pinwheels are guaranteed to be a hit. Quick to make, easy to customize, and utterly satisfying, they’re a go-to recipe you’ll want to keep in your back pocket for any occasion. Go ahead

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