Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Sausage Cream Cheese Pinwheels are the perfect appetizer for parties, game days, or any occasion that calls for a bite-sized treat packed with flavor. The combination of savory sausage and creamy cheese wrapped in a flaky crescent roll makes each pinwheel irresistible. This simple recipe is quick to prepare, and it’s always a hit with guests—whether you’re serving them warm out of the oven or prepping them in advance. The richness of the cream cheese balances out the sausage’s spiciness, creating a smooth, flavorful filling that pairs perfectly with the buttery crust. The best part? They’re so easy to make, and the result is a platter of piping-hot pinwheels everyone will reach for!
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Sausage Cream Cheese Pinwheels: A Savory, Crowd-Pleasing Appetizer
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 16 pinwheels
Description
Sausage Cream Cheese Pinwheels are a savory, bite-sized appetizer featuring seasoned sausage, creamy cheese, and herbs wrapped in a soft tortilla, perfect for parties or snacks.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) ground breakfast sausage
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1/2 cup green onions, finely chopped (optional)
Instructions
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage until browned and crumbled, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain any excess fat.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked sausage with softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and fresh parsley. Stir until well mixed.
- Spread the sausage mixture evenly onto each tortilla.
- Sprinkle chopped green onions over the filling if desired.
- Carefully roll up each tortilla tightly, then slice into 1-inch pinwheels.
- Serve immediately, or refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up before serving for better slicing.
Notes
- For a spicier version, use spicy sausage or add hot sauce to the cream cheese mixture.
- These can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving.
- Great for game day, parties, or as a quick snack!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ground sausage: The star of the dish, ground sausage provides a savory, juicy filling with a bit of spice (depending on the variety you choose).
- Cream cheese: This adds richness and a creamy texture that pairs beautifully with the sausage.
- Crescent roll dough: The base for the pinwheels, creating a flaky, golden exterior that crisps up perfectly in the oven.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: For extra flavor and melt, cheddar cheese adds a sharpness that contrasts with the creaminess of the filling.
- Garlic powder & onion powder: These spices give a savory, aromatic depth to the filling without overpowering the other flavors.
- Salt & pepper: To taste, balancing the richness of the sausage and cream cheese.
Directions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Cook the sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, crumble and cook the sausage until it’s fully browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess grease if necessary and set the cooked sausage aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare the filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked sausage, cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well combined and creamy.
- Prepare the dough: Unroll the crescent roll dough on a flat surface. Pinch the seams together to form one large rectangle, removing any perforations that would separate the dough into individual triangles.
- Spread the filling: Evenly spread the sausage and cream cheese mixture over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Roll it up: Starting from one edge, carefully roll the dough into a log. Slice the rolled dough into 12-15 equal pinwheels, depending on your preferred size.
- Bake: Place the pinwheels on the prepared baking sheet, making sure there’s a little space between each one. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the pinwheels are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Let the pinwheels cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy them warm with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch or marinara!
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 6 to 8 people as an appetizer.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Storage/reheating
Store any leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave, but reheating in the oven helps keep the crust crispy.
Variations and Customizations
These Sausage Cream Cheese Pinwheels are incredibly adaptable, and you can tweak the recipe based on your preferences:
- Spicy Version: Add diced jalapeños or a bit of hot sauce to the filling to give these pinwheels a spicy kick.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the sausage with cooked, crumbled plant-based sausage or even sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
- Herb Twist: Add fresh herbs like parsley or chives to the cream cheese mixture for an extra burst of flavor.
- Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. Pepper jack cheese adds spice, while mozzarella brings a milder, meltier texture.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 230 |
| Protein (g) | 9 |
| Carbs (g) | 6 |
| Fat (g) | 18 |
| Saturated Fat (g) | 8 |
| Fiber (g) | 0 |
| Sugar (g) | 1 |
| Sodium (mg) | 550 |
Expert Tips & Customizations
- Roll Tight: Be sure to roll the dough tightly to ensure the pinwheels stay intact when baking.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Leave space between the pinwheels on the baking sheet so they can cook evenly and get crispy on all sides.
- Check the Bottom: If the tops are golden but the bottoms are not, flip them halfway through baking.
- Chill the Dough: If the dough feels too soft or sticky when rolling, refrigerate it for a few minutes to make it easier to handle.
FAQs
Can I use crescent roll dough from a tube?
Yes, this recipe works perfectly with store-bought crescent roll dough. Just make sure to pinch the seams together before adding the filling.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pinwheels, roll them up, and refrigerate them for a few hours before baking. You can also freeze them and bake directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time.
How do I prevent soggy pinwheels?
To avoid sogginess, make sure to drain the sausage thoroughly and not overload the filling. Also, don’t leave the pinwheels in the fridge for too long before baking.
Can I use other types of sausage?
Absolutely! You can use mild, spicy, turkey, or chicken sausage depending on your taste preferences.
Can I make these gluten-free?
You can make these gluten-free by using gluten-free crescent roll dough or another suitable gluten-free pastry dough.
Conclusion
Sausage Cream Cheese Pinwheels are the perfect savory snack or appetizer, bringing together crispy, flaky dough with a creamy, flavorful filling. They’re incredibly easy to make, customizable to suit your tastes, and sure to be a hit at your next gathering. Whether you’re serving them for a party or simply enjoying them as a snack, they’re bound to disappear quickly!
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