Easy Sausage Pinwheels Recipe: Crispy, Creamy, and Ready in Just 30 Minutes

If you're looking for an easy, crowd-pleasing appetizer, these Sausage Pinwheels will become your go-to dish! The crispy crescent roll dough, paired with savory sausage, creamy cheese, and melty cheddar, makes these pinwheels an irresistible treat. Whether you're hosting a party or simply craving a tasty snack, this recipe is quick to prepare and always a hit.

Photo byInsanelyGoodRecipes

I first discovered these delightful pinwheels when I needed a last-minute appetizer for a family gathering. Since then, they’ve become a staple in my recipe collection—perfect for game days, holiday parties, or whenever I need something delicious in a pinch. I found this recipe on Insanely Good Recipes, and I'm excited to share it with you.

A Quick History of Pinwheels:

Pinwheels have been popular party foods for decades, with variations across cultures. Originally, they may have been inspired by the classic rolled pastry techniques found in many European dishes. Today, they remain a versatile dish that can be customized with different fillings, making them a modern favorite for entertaining.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 1 pound bulk pork sausage
• 2 (8-ounce) packages refrigerated crescent rolls
• 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

Cooking Instructions:

1. Cook the Sausage:
   In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add your pork sausage. Cook until browned and crumbly, which will take about 10 minutes. Once cooked, drain any excess grease and set the sausage aside to cool slightly.
2. Prepare the Dough:
   Lay out a sheet of wax paper and lightly spray it with cooking spray. Unroll one package of crescent rolls onto the paper, pinching the perforations together to form a single seamless sheet of dough.
3. Spread the Fillings:
   Take half of your softened cream cheese and spread it evenly over the dough, leaving a small 1/2-inch border around the edges. Then, sprinkle half of the cooked sausage and shredded cheddar cheese on top of the cream cheese.
4. Roll the Dough:
   Carefully roll the dough lengthwise into a log, using the wax paper to help you. Wrap the log tightly in plastic wrap, and repeat the process with the remaining ingredients for a second log.
5. Chill the Logs:
   Refrigerate the logs for at least an hour or until they are firm enough to slice. Chilling is crucial to help the pinwheels hold their shape when baked.
6. Slice and Bake:
   Preheat your oven to 375°F. Remove the logs from the fridge and unwrap them. Using a sharp knife, slice the logs into 1/2-inch-thick rounds. Place them on a baking sheet, leaving some space between each pinwheel.
7. Bake to Perfection:
   Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes or until the pinwheels turn golden brown. Let them cool slightly before serving, though it's hard to resist tasting them right out of the oven!

Pro Tips:

• Make Ahead: You can prep the pinwheels up to 24 hours in advance. Just refrigerate the logs and slice and bake when you’re ready.
• Keep the Dough Cool: To prevent the dough from becoming sticky or too soft, keep it in the fridge until just before you're ready to use it.
• Cheese Variations: Try using pepper jack or mozzarella cheese for a different flavor profile.
• Crescent Roll Sheets: If you prefer, you can use crescent roll sheets for a seamless dough experience.

Pairing Suggestions:

These sausage pinwheels pair wonderfully with dipping sauces such as marinara, ranch, or even honey mustard. For a complete snack spread, serve alongside veggie platters or fruit skewers to balance the savory flavors.

Did you try this Sausage Pinwheels Recipe? Let me know what you think in the comments! Don’t forget to share it with your friends and family for their next gathering, and hit that follow button for more delicious and easy recipes.