Description
Sausage Pinwheels are a delicious and savory appetizer made with seasoned pork sausage, creamy cheese, and flaky crescent roll dough. Perfectly baked to golden brown, these bite-sized pinwheels are an ideal snack or party finger food that combines creamy, cheesy, and meaty flavors wrapped in a tender, buttery crust.
Ingredients
Scale
Sausage Mixture
- 1 pound bulk pork sausage
Dough and Filling
- 2 (8-ounce) packages refrigerated crescent rolls
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage: Add the bulk pork sausage to a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the sausage until browned and crumbly, approximately 10 minutes. Once cooked, drain any excess grease and set the sausage aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare the Dough: Lay out a sheet of wax paper and lightly spray it with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Unroll one package of refrigerated crescent rolls onto the wax paper, then pinch the perforations to form a seamless sheet of dough.
- Assemble the Filling: Spread half of the softened cream cheese evenly over the dough sheet, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edges free. Sprinkle half of the cooked sausage evenly over the cream cheese, followed by half of the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Roll the Dough: Using the wax paper to aid you, carefully roll the dough lengthwise into a tight log, fully encasing the filling. Wrap the log tightly with plastic wrap to keep its shape.
- Repeat for Second Log: Repeat steps 2 through 4 with the remaining crescent rolls, cream cheese, cooked sausage, and cheddar to create a second dough log.
- Chill the Logs: Place the wrapped logs in the refrigerator for at least one hour or until firm enough to slice easily without squashing.
- Preheat Oven: When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). Remove the logs from the refrigerator and unwrap them.
- Slice the Pinwheels: Using a sharp knife, cut each log into 1/2-inch-thick slices. Arrange the pinwheels spaced evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the pinwheels for 10 to 15 minutes or until they turn a lovely golden brown on top and are cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the pinwheels from the oven and allow them to cool slightly on a wire rack before serving warm for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened at room temperature for easier spreading.
- You can substitute pork sausage with turkey sausage for a leaner option.
- These pinwheels can be prepared in advance and baked fresh when needed.
- For extra flavor, add chopped herbs or spices like garlic powder or paprika to the sausage while cooking.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven for best results.
