Name: Sausage and Cream Cheese Pinwheels Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Crescent Roll Dough: 1 (8 oz) tube refrigerated crescent roll dough Sausage Mixture: 1/2 pound breakfast sausage (pork or turkey), 4 oz cream cheese (softened), 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon onion powder, 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

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If you’re searching for an appetizer that’s guaranteed to delight any crowd and disappear in minutes, look no further than Sausage and Cream Cheese Pinwheels. These golden, spiraled bites are a comforting meld of savory sausage, creamy tanginess, and flaky pastry, delivering everything you crave in a single, poppable bite. Whether you’re pulling them together for a laid-back brunch or game day gathering, Sausage and Cream Cheese Pinwheels are a surefire hit thanks to their irresistible flavor and approachable prep.

Sausage and Cream Cheese Pinwheels Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at just how simple yet transformative each component is in creating Sausage and Cream Cheese Pinwheels. With just a handful of well-chosen ingredients, you’ll coax out layers of flavor, tenderness, and that picture-perfect swirl with minimal fuss.

Refrigerated crescent roll dough (8 oz): This flaky dough bakes up golden and crisp, making a speedy, no-fuss pastry base for your pinwheels.
Breakfast sausage (1/2 pound, pork or turkey): Use your favorite variety; the sausage lends rich, savory depth and a slight snap in every bite.
Cream cheese (4 oz, softened): Softened cream cheese turns luscious and creamy, bringing everyone together in a deliciously smooth filling.
Garlic powder (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a cozy, aromatic warmth that balances the flavors without overpowering them.
Onion powder (1/4 teaspoon): Just a hint brightens the filling and gives it gentle savoriness.
Black pepper (1/8 teaspoon): A pinch of pepper perks everything up and adds a subtle kick.

How to Make Sausage and Cream Cheese Pinwheels

Step 1: Cook the Sausage

Start by browning your breakfast sausage in a skillet over medium heat. As it cooks, break the sausage into fine crumbles with a spatula or wooden spoon. This not only ensures even cooking but also guarantees a perfectly textured filling for your Sausage and Cream Cheese Pinwheels. Once the sausage is fully cooked and no longer pink, drain off any excess grease and transfer it to a plate to cool slightly.

Step 2: Mix Up the Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine the warm sausage crumbles with softened cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir everything together until the mixture is completely homogenous. The warmth of the sausage will gently melt the cream cheese, making it easy to spread later on. This dreamy filling is what gives these pinwheels their signature flavor and creamy bite.

Step 3: Prep the Dough

Unroll your crescent roll dough on a clean, lightly floured surface. Gently press and pinch the seams together to form a single, seamless rectangle. Taking a moment with this step ensures you’ll get flawless spirals without any filling leaks as you roll and slice the dough for your Sausage and Cream Cheese Pinwheels.

Step 4: Assemble and Roll

Evenly spread the sausage and cream cheese mixture all over the surface of your dough rectangle, right up to the edges. Now, starting from one of the longer sides, tightly roll the dough into a log—just like you would with cinnamon rolls. Rolling tightly ensures the filling stays neatly inside, promising a pretty pinwheel shape.

Step 5: Slice and Bake

With a sharp knife, slice your rolled log into 1/2-inch thick rounds. Arrange the pinwheels flat, spiral-side up, on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Pop them into a preheated 375°F oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the Sausage and Cream Cheese Pinwheels are golden brown, puffed, and irresistibly fragrant. Serve them warm for the ultimate bite!

How to Serve Sausage and Cream Cheese Pinwheels

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives adds a burst of color and a pop of freshness—perfect for balancing the richness of Sausage and Cream Cheese Pinwheels. If you’re feeling adventurous, a dusting of grated Parmesan or even a little paprika can bring another layer of flavor and visual interest.

Side Dishes

Sausage and Cream Cheese Pinwheels pair beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in a zesty vinaigrette, offering a lovely contrast to their hearty flavors. For brunch spreads, they’re fantastic alongside scrambled eggs, fruit salad, or a tray of roasted vegetables. They also play well with other handheld nibbles like stuffed mushrooms or deviled eggs for a winning appetizer board.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking your Sausage and Cream Cheese Pinwheels in a pyramid for an impressive centerpiece, or arrange them in concentric circles on a pretty platter. Toothpicks or small skewers can make them even more party-friendly. For extra flair, serve them with little ramekins of mustard or spicy aioli for dipping.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, Sausage and Cream Cheese Pinwheels can be transferred to an airtight container and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Their flavor holds up beautifully, and they make a terrific grab-and-go snack or quick breakfast treat as well.

Freezing

These pinwheels are freezer-friendly, making them an entertainer’s dream. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag or airtight container. They’ll keep well for up to two months, ready to be reheated whenever you need a last-minute bite.

Reheating

For best results, reheat Sausage and Cream Cheese Pinwheels in a 350°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes, or until they’re warmed through and regain a hint of their original crispness. Microwaving works in a pinch, but baking preserves their delicious flaky texture.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Appetizer

Absolutely! Pork sausage is classic, but turkey, chicken, or even spicy Italian sausage work wonderfully depending on your taste preferences. Feel free to experiment—just be sure to drain off any excess grease before combining with the other filling ingredients.

Can I make Sausage and Cream Cheese Pinwheels ahead of time?

Yes, you sure can. After assembling and rolling the dough log, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, simply slice and bake as directed. Chilling the log makes it even easier to get neat, beautifully-shaped pinwheels.

What if I don’t have crescent roll dough?

No worries! Puff pastry or refrigerated pizza dough can step in as tasty alternatives. The texture will be slightly different but still puffy and delicious—just remember to watch the bake time, as it may vary a bit.

Can I add extra ingredients to the filling?

Absolutely! Chopped green onions, shredded cheddar, diced jalapeños, or a pinch of crushed red pepper can all add an extra kick of flavor or texture to your Sausage and Cream Cheese Pinwheels. Let your taste buds be your guide.

How do I keep the pinwheels from unrolling during baking?

Make sure to press the dough seams together firmly before adding the filling, roll the log tightly, and place the slices spiral-side up on the baking sheet. If a few start to unwind, simply tuck the loose ends underneath before baking.

Final Thoughts

I can’t think of a better treat for sharing than Sausage and Cream Cheese Pinwheels—warm from the oven, they’re nearly impossible to resist. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try the next time you’re hosting friends or want to add a little sparkle to your snack game. Happy baking and happy gathering!

Sausage and Cream Cheese Pinwheels Recipe

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4.6 from 28 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 12 pinwheels
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

These Sausage and Cream Cheese Pinwheels are a delicious appetizer perfect for parties or gatherings. Flaky crescent roll dough is filled with a savory mixture of breakfast sausage, cream cheese, and spices, baked until golden and puffed.

Ingredients

Crescent Roll Dough:

1 (8 oz) tube refrigerated crescent roll dough

Sausage Mixture:

1/2 pound breakfast sausage (pork or turkey), 4 oz cream cheese (softened), 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon onion powder, 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage until browned and fully cooked, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Drain excess grease and let the sausage cool slightly.
In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked sausage, softened cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir until evenly mixed.
Unroll the crescent roll dough into a rectangle, pressing the seams together to seal. Spread the sausage and cream cheese mixture evenly over the dough.
Starting from the long side, roll the dough tightly into a log. Slice into 1/2-inch pieces and place the pinwheels flat on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed. Serve warm.