Why This Recipe Is a Keeper
Before we dive into the method, here is why these sausage pinwheels will become a favorite.
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Only 3 ingredients. Simple and affordable.
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Ready in under 30 minutes.
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Flaky and savory. The perfect texture combination.
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Crowd-pleasing. Everyone loves sausage and cheese.
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Budget-friendly. Sausage, cream cheese, and crescent dough are inexpensive.
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Perfect for parties, game days, and gatherings.
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Great for leftovers.
Ingredients
Servings: 8
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1 pound smoky ground sausage
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1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
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1 can (8 ounces) refrigerated crescent roll dough
Ingredient Notes
Sausage: Use smoky ground sausage.
Cream cheese: Use full-fat cream cheese. Soften it to room temperature.
Crescent dough: Use refrigerated crescent roll dough.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a rimmed pan.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage
Cook the sausage in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it into small crumbles, until fully browned and cooked through. Drain off any excess grease and let it cool for a few minutes.
Step 3: Make the Filling
In a medium bowl, stir the softened cream cheese and cooked sausage together until evenly combined into a spreadable filling.
Step 4: Prepare the Dough
Unroll the crescent dough and press the seams together to form one large rectangle. Spread the sausage mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
Step 5: Roll and Slice
Starting from a long side, roll the dough up tightly into a log. Slice into 1-inch rounds and place the pinwheels cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 6: Bake
Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the pinwheels are puffed and golden brown. Let them cool for 5 minutes before serving.
How to Serve Sausage Pinwheels
These flaky, savory pinwheels are delicious on their own, but a few accompaniments make them even better.
With Mustard: Serve with honey mustard or spicy mustard.
With Ranch Dressing: Cool and creamy.
With Hot Sauce: Add a dash of heat.
With a Green Salad: Add to a party platter.
With Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle with parsley or chives.
Variations & Tips
Make Them with Spicy Sausage: Use hot Italian sausage.
Make Them with Different Cheese: Use pepper jack or cheddar.
Make Them with Herbs: Add thyme or rosemary.
Make Them with Bacon: Add crumbled bacon.
Make Them with Jalapeños: Add diced jalapeños.
Make Them with Onion: Add finely chopped onion.
Make Them with Garlic: Add garlic powder.
Make Them Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free crescent dough.
Make Them with Puff Pastry: Use puff pastry instead of crescent dough.
Pro Tips for Absolute Success
Let the sausage cool before mixing with the cream cheese. This prevents the cream cheese from melting.
Press the seams of the dough together. This prevents gaps.
Roll the dough tightly. This keeps the pinwheels intact.
Bake until golden brown. This ensures the dough is cooked through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different sausage?
Yes. Italian sausage or turkey sausage can be used.
Can I use a different cheese?
Yes. Pepper jack or cheddar can be used.
Can I use a different dough?
Yes. Puff pastry can be used.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.
Can I freeze these pinwheels?
Yes. Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
How long do leftovers last?
Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Why is my cheese leaking out?
The pinwheels were overfilled. Use less filling.
Can I add more filling?
Yes. Add extra sausage mixture.
Can I use a different pan?
Yes. Any baking sheet works.
Can I make these in a slow cooker?
This recipe is designed for the oven.
The Beauty of Sausage Pinwheels
There is something deeply satisfying about a warm, flaky, savory pinwheel that comes together with almost no effort. It is the kind of food that makes people happy. These smoky sausage and cream cheese pinwheels are a celebration of all those things.
Keep sausage in your freezer. Keep crescent dough in your fridge. Keep cream cheese in your fridge. This recipe is the reason why.
Recipe Card
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 to 15 minutes
Cooling Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 35 minutes
Yield: 8 servings