Irresistible Homemade Sausage Pinwheels Recipe for Brunch Lovers

Crispy sausage pinwheels dance across my favorite appetizer playlist, promising a burst of flavor in every delightful bite.

Mornings feel magical when these spiraled treats emerge from the oven.

Flaky pastry wraps around savory sausage, creating a golden-brown canvas of deliciousness.

Unexpected guests will adore these quick and impressive little wheels that seem like you spent hours preparing.

Minimal ingredients create maximum impact with this crowd-pleasing recipe.

Comfort meets creativity in these irresistible pinwheels that make you the hero of any gathering.

Prepare to become the most requested cook in your social circle.

What’s Tasty About Sausage Pinwheels

• Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for game day, parties, or casual gatherings where everyone wants a delicious bite-sized appetizer that disappears fast.
• Customizable Comfort: Easy to adapt with different cheeses, swap sausage for ground turkey, or add extra herbs and spices to match personal taste preferences.
• Portable Party Snack: Compact, handheld design makes these pinwheels ideal for potlucks, brunch buffets, and on-the-go munching without creating messy cleanup.

Sausage Pinwheels Pantry List

• Pork Sausage: Rich protein base with savory flavor, essential for creating hearty pinwheels. Choose ground breakfast sausage for best results.
• Onion: Adds subtle sweetness and depth to the meat mixture. Fresh onion provides better flavor than dried.

• Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Creamy and tangy cheese blend that melts beautifully and adds richness. Freshly grated cheese recommended for maximum flavor.

• Crescent Roll Dough: Convenient base that creates flaky, golden exterior. Use refrigerated dough for consistent texture.
• Garlic Powder: Provides aromatic seasoning to enhance overall taste profile.
• Dried Oregano: Adds herbal note and complements the sausage's savory elements.
• Egg: Used for egg wash to create golden, shiny exterior on pinwheels.

Sausage Pinwheels Baking Steps

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Baking Station

Heat the oven to 375°F.

Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper, creating a perfect landing spot for your delicious pinwheels.

Step 2: Create Flavor-Packed Sausage Base

• Onion
• Garlic powder
• Oregano

Break the sausage into tiny crumbles and cook until beautifully browned.

Drain any extra grease and let the mixture cool down slightly.

Step 3: Transform Crescent Dough

Spread out the crescent roll dough on a clean surface.

Gently press the seams together, creating one smooth rectangular canvas for your culinary masterpiece.

Step 4: Layer Delicious Ingredients

Spread the sausage mixture evenly across the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.

• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese

Step 5: Roll into Pinwheel Magic

Tightly roll the dough from one edge to the other, creating a gorgeous log packed with flavor.

Step 6: Slice and Arrange

Cut the roll into 1-inch wide pinwheels.

Carefully place each pinwheel on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 7: Add Golden Finish

Brush the pinwheels with beaten egg, giving them a gorgeous golden-brown shine.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes.

Watch for a beautiful golden color and melted cheese.

Step 9: Serve and Devour

Pull out your stunning pinwheels and serve them warm.

Get ready for a taste explosion!

Sausage Pinwheel Tips Made Easy

• Choose spicy Italian sausage for extra kick or mild sausage for kid-friendly version, ensuring maximum flavor flexibility.
• Keep crescent roll dough chilled until ready to use, preventing stickiness and making rolling easier.
• Use a sharp serrated knife or dental floss to slice pinwheels cleanly without squishing the delicate roll.
• Pat sausage mixture dry before adding cheese to prevent soggy bottom and ensure crispy texture.
• Assemble pinwheels in advance, refrigerate, and bake just before serving for convenient entertaining or quick appetizers.

Sausage Pinwheels That Stay Tasty

• Store leftover pinwheels in an airtight container for up to 3 days, keeping them fresh and preventing them from drying out.
• Wrap individually in plastic wrap, place in a freezer bag, and store for up to 1 month for longer preservation.
• Warm pinwheels at 350°F for 8-10 minutes to restore crispy texture and melted cheese, ensuring they taste almost freshly baked.
• Quick reheat in microwave for 20-30 seconds, though texture might be slightly softer compared to oven reheating.

Satisfying Matches for Grandma’s Goulash

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a light, zesty Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the richness of the sausage and cheese, creating a refreshing balance.
• Complement with Fresh Salad: Toss a simple mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette to provide a bright, tangy contrast to the savory pinwheels and cleanse the palate.
• Match with Spicy Marinara Dip: Prepare a quick marinara sauce with red pepper flakes to add a zesty kick that enhances the herbal notes in the sausage and provides a dipping option.
• Serve Alongside Chilled Cucumber Relish: Create a cool, crunchy cucumber relish with dill and vinegar to offer a fresh, light accompaniment that balances the warm, cheesy pinwheels.

Tasty Sausage Pinwheel Variations

• Vegetarian Pinwheels: Replace sausage with seasoned plant-based ground crumbles or finely chopped mushrooms, using smoked paprika and thyme for depth of flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap crescent roll dough with gluten-free puff pastry or a homemade almond flour-based dough to accommodate wheat sensitivities.
• Spicy Southwestern Version: Add diced green chiles, swap mozzarella for pepper jack cheese, and mix in some chili powder to create a zesty southwestern-inspired pinwheel.
• Mediterranean Style: Use ground lamb instead of sausage, incorporate feta cheese, add chopped spinach, and season with oregano and mint for a Mediterranean-inspired variation.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of sausage?

Yes, you can swap the sausage for ground turkey, chicken, or even vegetarian sausage alternatives. Just ensure the meat is fully cooked before adding to the pinwheels.

• Is it possible to make these pinwheels ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the rolled log, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before slicing and baking. This makes them perfect for meal prep or entertaining.

• How do I prevent the pinwheels from unrolling during baking?

Slice the pinwheels carefully and place them close together on the baking sheet. The egg wash helps seal the edges, and pressing the seams together before rolling ensures they stay compact.

• Can I freeze these sausage pinwheels?

Yes, you can freeze the unbaked pinwheels. Place them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Sausage Pinwheels Recipe

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4.8 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Irresistible sausage pinwheels blend flaky pastry with savory sausage in a delightful appetizer that promises crowd-pleasing flavor. Quick and simple preparation makes these spiraled treats perfect for gatherings where guests crave something deliciously unexpected.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 1 pound (1 lb) ground sausage (mild or spicy, depending on preference)

Cheese and Dairy:

• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Herbs, Spices, and Additional Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 package (8 ounces) crescent roll dough

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and prepare a parchment-lined baking sheet to ensure easy cleanup and prevent sticking.
2. Sauté the sausage in a skillet, incorporating onion, garlic powder, and oregano. Break the meat into fine crumbles while cooking until thoroughly browned.
3. Carefully drain any excess fat from the sausage mixture and allow it to cool slightly to prevent dough sogginess.
4. Spread out the crescent roll dough on a clean surface, meticulously pressing the perforated seams to create a seamless rectangular base.
5. Distribute the seasoned sausage mixture evenly across the dough, maintaining a small margin around the edges to prevent overflow during rolling.
6. Generously sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the sausage layer, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
7. Tightly roll the dough from one long edge to the opposite side, creating a compact cylindrical log with integrated fillings.
8. Using a sharp knife, slice the rolled log into uniform 1-inch thick pinwheels, arranging them carefully on the prepared baking sheet.
9. Delicately brush the pinwheel surfaces with beaten egg to promote a rich, golden-brown exterior during baking.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, monitoring until the pinwheels achieve a beautiful golden color and the cheese melts completely.
11. Remove from the oven and allow a brief cooling period before serving these savory appetizers warm.

Notes

• Make sure to drain the sausage thoroughly to prevent soggy pinwheels and ensure a crispy texture.
• Chill the rolled log for 15 minutes before slicing to get cleaner, more precise cuts that hold their shape.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute crescent roll dough with a gluten-free puff pastry or almond flour-based dough.
• Customize the filling by adding chopped spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or switching cheeses for a unique flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 11 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg