If you’re searching for the ultimate party-friendly appetizer that boasts layers of flavor and irresistible bites, you have to try these Sausage and Cream Cheese Pinwheels. This recipe perfectly balances savory sausage, creamy cheese, and tender baked crescent roll dough, delivering a golden, melty spiral that just disappears in minutes. Whether you’re entertaining friends or need a cozy snack for game night, Sausage and Cream Cheese Pinwheels promise to be the dish everyone requests again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the biggest perks of Sausage and Cream Cheese Pinwheels is how accessible, familiar ingredients can create such a wow-worthy result. Each component adds its own spark—bold flavors, creamy textures, and a soft, golden exterior—coming together in perfect harmony.
- Refrigerated crescent roll dough (8 oz package): The secret to light, flaky pinwheels that require zero fuss.
- Breakfast sausage (1/2 lb, crumbled): Pick your favorite mild or spicy sausage; it’s the heart of the savory filling.
- Cream cheese (4 oz, softened): Gives the filling a rich, silky smoothness that keeps every bite luscious.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1/4 cup): Adds a pop of color and a tangy, melty bite to the center.
- Garlic powder (1/4 teaspoon): For just enough savory kick and aroma.
- Black pepper (1/8 teaspoon): Enhances the flavor and introduces a gentle warmth.
- Egg (1, beaten, optional for egg wash): Brushed on top, it creates a beautiful glossy finish after baking.
How to Make Sausage and Cream Cheese Pinwheels
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheet and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper—not only does this save you from sticky messes, but it also helps ensure those luscious Sausage and Cream Cheese Pinwheels slide right off, golden and intact.
Step 2: Cook and Crumble the Sausage
In a skillet over medium heat, break apart your sausage as it cooks, aiming for savory, evenly browned crumbles. This is where all those meaty flavors deepen, so don’t rush. Once the sausage is fully browned, drain away any excess grease and let it cool for a few minutes—it shouldn’t be piping hot when mixed with cheese.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Filling
Transfer the cooled sausage into a bowl and add softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir until everything is beautifully melded together—the cream cheese will turn the filling gloriously spreadable, the cheddar melts in, and the spices wake up your taste buds.
Step 4: Prep the Crescent Dough
Unroll your package of crescent roll dough onto a lightly floured surface. Gently pinch the seams together to make one unified rectangle; this way, you avoid gaps that could leak filling. A few extra seconds here creates the perfect canvas for your flavorful layer.
Step 5: Fill, Roll, and Slice
Using a spatula, spread the sausage and cream cheese mixture evenly over the crescent dough, reaching right to the edges. Start from the long side and carefully roll up the dough into a tight, uniform log. With a sharp knife, slice into 1/2-inch pinwheels, revealing those gorgeous, savory spirals.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Arrange the cut pinwheels cut-side down on your prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space for expansion. If you’d like, brush the tops with lightly beaten egg for a bakery-style golden finish. Pop them in the oven for 12 to 15 minutes or until the pinwheels are puffed and beautifully golden brown.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Let the Sausage and Cream Cheese Pinwheels cool just long enough to not scorch your fingers—they’re best enjoyed warm, when the cheeses are oozy and the outside crisp. Prepare to watch them vanish!
How to Serve Sausage and Cream Cheese Pinwheels
Garnishes
Amp up their visual and flavor appeal with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives as soon as they come out of the oven. A light dusting of extra cheddar or red pepper flakes can add a pop of color and a gentle kick.
Side Dishes
Balance these rich, savory pinwheels with a crisp green salad tossed in a bright vinaigrette or serve with crunchy crudité. For bigger gatherings, offer a spread of fresh fruit or bowls of tangy marinara for dipping—a surprising hit with these flavors!
Creative Ways to Present
Stack your Sausage and Cream Cheese Pinwheels on a wooden board with toothpicks for easy, snackable bites. For brunch, pair with mini breakfast muffins and bowls of fruit. For parties, arrange them in a spiral pattern or shape them into a fun appetizer wreath for an impressive centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any Sausage and Cream Cheese Pinwheels left over (which will be rare!) should be cooled completely, then stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and tempting for up to three days.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze either unbaked or baked pinwheels! To freeze unbaked, prepare the roll, wrap tightly in plastic, and place in a freezer-safe bag; slice and bake straight from the freezer with just a few extra minutes added to the cook time. For baked pinwheels, cool them first, freeze on a tray, and then transfer to a zip-top bag for up to two months.
Reheating
For best results, reheat Sausage and Cream Cheese Pinwheels in a 350°F oven for 5 to 8 minutes until warmed through and the edges re-crisp. The microwave works in a pinch, but you’ll get a softer texture—perfect if you just can’t wait!
FAQs
Can I use a different type Appetizer
Absolutely! Hot, sweet, chicken, or even turkey sausage all work wonderfully with this recipe. Switching up the sausage keeps your Sausage and Cream Cheese Pinwheels exciting every time you make them.
What if I don’t have crescent roll dough?
You can substitute puff pastry or pizza dough for a slightly different texture and look. Just roll out to a similar thickness and proceed as usual—your pinwheels will still be irresistible.
Can Sausage and Cream Cheese Pinwheels be made gluten-free?
Yes—swap out the regular dough for your favorite gluten-free crescent roll or pizza dough alternative. All of the filling ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so you’ll still get big flavor.
How do I make these spicy?
Use spicy sausage, toss in some chopped jalapeños, or sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes into the cheese filling. Sausage and Cream Cheese Pinwheels take on bold heat beautifully, so feel free to play!
Can I prep them ahead for a party?
Definitely. Assemble the roll (before slicing and baking), wrap tightly, and refrigerate overnight. When ready to bake, just slice, arrange, and pop them in the oven fresh—no one will ever guess you planned ahead.
Final Thoughts
There’s simply something special about sharing a warm tray of Sausage and Cream Cheese Pinwheels with people you love. They’re fun to make, delicious for any occasion, and destined to be the appetizer everyone raves about. Don’t be surprised if these spiraled bites become your new signature snack—try them soon and see for yourself!
Print
Sausage and Cream Cheese Pinwheels Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 16 pinwheels
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Sausage and Cream Cheese Pinwheels are a delightful appetizer or snack that’s perfect for any gathering. Flaky crescent roll dough is filled with a savory mixture of breakfast sausage, cream cheese, and cheddar, then baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Crescent Roll Dough:
- 1 (8 oz) package refrigerated crescent roll dough
Sausage Filling:
- 1/2 lb breakfast sausage (crumbled)
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Egg Wash:
- 1 egg, beaten (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cook the sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage until fully browned, breaking it into crumbles. Drain excess grease and let it cool slightly.
- Prepare the filling: In a medium bowl, mix the cooked sausage with softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, garlic powder, and black pepper until well combined.
- Assemble the pinwheels: Unroll the crescent dough onto a lightly floured surface and pinch the seams together to create a single rectangle. Spread the sausage mixture evenly over the dough. Roll up the dough into a log, slice into pinwheels, and place them on the baking sheet.
- Bake: Brush with beaten egg if desired, then bake for 12–15 minutes until golden brown. Serve warm.
Notes
- You can make these ahead and refrigerate the unbaked roll overnight.
- Try using spicy sausage or adding diced jalapeños for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pinwheel
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
