Sausage Pinwheels Recipe

If you’re hunting for the ultimate crowd-pleaser, look no further than these Sausage Pinwheels. Warm, golden, cheesy, and packed with savory sausage and sweet peppers, they’re the kind of bite-sized treat that disappears in seconds—perfect for brunches, parties, and cozy mornings alike!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Sausage Pinwheels lies in their super-simple ingredient list: every bite bursts with flavor and color, thanks to just a few pantry heroes. Here’s what each ingredient brings to the table (literally!).

• Bulk Pork Sausage (regular or spicy): This is the star of the show, giving the pinwheels their hearty, savory flavor—choose spicy to add a little kick!
• Diced Sweet Red Pepper: Adds juicy sweetness and a fun pop of color in every swirl.
• Green Onion: Delivers a gentle bite and a hint of freshness that brightens up the filling.
• Cream Cheese: Makes the filling extra creamy and ensures every pinwheel is rich and luscious.
• Refrigerated Crescent Rolls: These make the iconic flaky, buttery pinwheel layers with zero dough fuss.

Variations

One of the best things about making Sausage Pinwheels is how endlessly customizable they are. Whether you’re upping the heat, sneaking in veggies, or going gluten-free, it’s easy to make these your own!

• Veggie Lovers: Swap in finely chopped mushrooms, spinach, or roasted zucchini for a flavor boost (or to sneak in more greenery for kids).
• Cheesy Spin: Add a handful of shredded cheddar, pepper jack, or smoked gouda with the cream cheese for a cheesier, gooier filling.
• Different Sausage: Try Italian sausage, chicken sausage, or even a vegetarian sausage for a brand new twist on the pinwheels.
• Sweet Heat: Toss in a finely diced jalapeño or a pinch of smoked paprika for an irresistible spicy-sweet combo.
• Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free crescent roll dough for a celiac-friendly treat everyone can enjoy.

How to Make Sausage Pinwheels

Step 1: Cook the Sausage Filling

Start by browning your pork sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Break it up as it cooks—crumbly bits are what you want! Once the sausage is no longer pink, stir in the diced red pepper and green onion and keep cooking for two more minutes. Be sure to drain off any excess fat, then transfer the mixture to a bowl and let it cool down for about 10 minutes.

Step 2: Blend in the Cream Cheese

Once the sausage mixture has cooled a bit, add the cubed cream cheese. Stir, stir, stir until everything mingles into a creamy, savory filling! Let the mixture cool completely—this makes it much easier to spread evenly later on.

Step 3: Shape and Fill the Dough

Unroll one tube of crescent dough and gently separate it into four rectangles. Pinch all the perforations tight, then press each rectangle out to about 6 x 4½ inches. Spread each with a generous layer of your sausage-cream cheese filling, leaving a ¼-inch border on all sides (it helps prevent leaks!).

Step 4: Roll Up and Freeze

Roll each filled rectangle up like a jelly roll, starting from the short side. Pinch the seams to seal and gently roll each log to smooth it out. Place seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with waxed paper. Repeat with the second tube of crescent dough and the remaining filling. Cover and freeze your pinwheel logs until firm, about one hour.

Step 5: Slice and Bake

When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cut each frozen log into 10 slices using a sharp, serrated knife—this gives you beautiful, tidy pinwheels. Arrange them on parchment-lined baking sheets and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until golden and puffed. Serve warm and watch them vanish!

How to Serve Sausage Pinwheels

Garnishes

Sausage Pinwheels already look festive, but add a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or chives for a vibrant touch right before serving. If you love a little zing, a dusting of freshly ground black pepper or a pinch of smoked paprika also brightens their flavor and appearance.

Side Dishes

These pinwheels pair beautifully with a fresh fruit salad, a crisp green salad, or even a platter of roasted veggies. If you’re serving them for brunch, offer alongside scrambled eggs or a big bowl of creamy tomato soup for a cozy combination.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange Sausage Pinwheels in a circular “wreath” on a platter with little bowls of dipping sauces in the center. Or, stack them on a tiered stand for a dazzling brunch display—these bites look just as good as they taste!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Sausage Pinwheels (lucky you!), let them cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep their texture and flavor for up to three days—just be sure to reheat before enjoying again.

Freezing

Sausage Pinwheels freeze beautifully, either before or after baking! Freeze the filled, unbaked logs for up to 3 months and slice straight from the freezer, or freeze baked pinwheels in a single layer before transferring to a zip-top bag. So handy for impromptu cravings or parties!

Reheating

For best results, reheat pinwheels in a 350°F oven until warmed through and crisp—about 8 minutes from the fridge, or 12 from frozen. A toaster oven also works well and keeps the pastry perfectly flaky!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re feeding a party or just need a cozy dish for lazy mornings, these Sausage Pinwheels never disappoint. Give them a try and don’t be surprised if you find yourself making extra “just in case”—they’re destined to become a new favorite at your table!

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