Lasagna Sausage Pinwheels
Lasagna Sausage Pinwheels are a hearty twist on classic lasagna, combining spicy Italian sausage with rich tomato and creamy cheeses. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, these savory pinwheels are sure to please both kids and adults alike, delivering comforting flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. hot Italian link sausage ⓘ
- 3/4 c. chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic ⓘ
- 3 c. tomato juice ⓘ
- 1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste ⓘ
- 1/2 c. water
- 2 tsp. sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 1 (12 oz.) carton cottage cheese ⓘ
- 1 egg ⓘ
- 1/2 c. grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 2 c. shredded Mozzarella cheese ⓘ
- salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown sausage over low heat in a large, heavy skillet; drain sausage on paper towels, reserving 1/4 cup drippings.
- Saute onion and garlic in drippings until crisp-tender.
- Return sausage to skillet; stir in tomato paste, water, sugar, 1/2 teaspoon salt and bay leaf.
- Simmer, uncovered, for 1 hour; stir occasionally. Discard bay leaf.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider using a mix of sweet and hot Italian sausage. If you prefer a lighter option, swap out the cottage cheese for ricotta cheese. You can also add chopped spinach or kale for extra nutrition. Make sure to let the mixture cool before rolling to avoid soggy pinwheels.
Serving Suggestions
These Lasagna Sausage Pinwheels are delicious served with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. Pair them with a rich marinara sauce for dipping. They also make a great appetizer for gatherings or parties, similar to Mini-Pizza Snacks, and are sure to impress your guests.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the pinwheels in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave them for a quicker option, but be careful not to overcook.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lasagna Sausage Pinwheels contains roughly 1098 calories, with 53g protein, 149g carbohydrates, and 41g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (208% of the Daily Value), calcium (142% of the Daily Value), and protein (107% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1793mg per serving (78% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use turkey sausage instead of Italian sausage?
Yes, turkey sausage is a great alternative for a healthier version of this recipe. It will still provide plenty of flavor, especially when seasoned well. Just make sure to choose a variety that is well-spiced to maintain the dish's traditional taste.
How can I make these pinwheels vegetarian?
To make the pinwheels vegetarian, you can substitute the sausage with a plant-based sausage or use a combination of sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers. This will add great texture and flavor while keeping the dish hearty.
Can I freeze the pinwheels before cooking?
Yes, you can freeze the pinwheels before baking. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. When ready to cook, bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).