Sausage Cheese Pinwheels
Crispy, cheesy sausage pinwheels feature flaky crescent rolls filled with savory sausage and melted cheese, perfect as an appetizer or snack for gatherings and casual entertaining.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven according to crescent roll package instructions.
- Roll out the crescent rolls into a rectangle on a baking sheet or work surface.
- Crumble the raw sausage evenly over the rolled-out dough.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese over the sausage.
- Carefully roll up the dough into a tight log from the longer side.
- Chill the rolled dough in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes to firm up.
- Slice the chilled roll into individual pinwheels.
- Place the pinwheels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake as directed on the crescent roll package, usually 12-15 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider seasoning the sausage with herbs like oregano or Italian seasoning before crumbling it over the dough. You can easily substitute with turkey sausage for a leaner option or use a mix of different cheeses such as cheddar and mozzarella to enhance the taste. If you have leftover filling, try using it in a breakfast scramble or in a pasta dish for a delicious twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the sausage cheese pinwheels warm as a delightful appetizer or snack. They pair beautifully with a side of marinara sauce for dipping or a fresh salad for a light meal. For a complete spread, consider serving them alongside other favorites like Dawn's Breakfast Casserole or a selection of cheeses and crackers for a brunch gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. Alternatively, you can microwave them for 30-45 seconds, but this may make them a bit softer.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sausage Cheese Pinwheels contains roughly 20 calories, with 1g protein, 1g carbohydrates, and 1g fat.
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 cooked sausage instead of raw?
Yes, you can use cooked sausage for this recipe. Just crumble the cooked sausage onto the dough and follow the rest of the instructions as usual. Keep in mind that the baking time might be slightly shorter since the sausage is already cooked.
How do I make these pinwheels vegetarian?
To make vegetarian pinwheels, substitute the raw sausage with a meat alternative, such as crumbled tofu or a plant-based sausage. You can also add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach along with the cheese for added texture and flavor.
Can I freeze the pinwheels before baking?
Absolutely! You can freeze the assembled pinwheels before baking. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. When you're ready to bake, remove them from the freezer and bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking 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).