If you are looking for a fun, flavorful, and utterly addictive appetizer or snack, this Sausage Cream Cheese Cheddar Crescent Roll Pinwheels Recipe is exactly what you need. These golden, spiral bites bring together savory cooked sausage, creamy softened cream cheese, and sharp cheddar all wrapped up in buttery crescent roll dough. Each pinwheel delivers a perfect balance of texture and taste, crispy on the outside yet soft, cheesy, and meaty on the inside. Whether you’re serving them at a party, game day, or just craving a comforting treat, these pinwheels will quickly become your new favorite finger food.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let their deliciousness fool you; these pinwheels require simple, everyday ingredients that come together effortlessly. Each item plays a vital role, from the spicy, well-cooked sausage adding depth, to the cream cheese giving richness, with sharp cheddar lending a burst of tangy flavor. The crescent rolls provide that delicate, flaky texture that envelopes all the fillings so perfectly.
- Bulk pork sausage: Choose a tasty, high-quality sausage to ensure bold and juicy flavor throughout the pinwheels.
- Refrigerated crescent rolls: These flaky dough sheets create the perfect golden exterior that crisps up beautifully while baking.
- Cream cheese, softened: This ingredient smooths out the filling, bringing creamy texture and mild tang that balances the sausage.
- Cheddar cheese, shredded: Sharp cheddar adds a delightful punch of cheese flavor and melts perfectly inside each roll.
How to Make Sausage Cream Cheese Cheddar Crescent Roll Pinwheels Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Sausage
Start by cooking the sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Let it brown nicely and crumble as you break it apart, which should take about 10 minutes. Once cooked through, drain any excess grease to keep the pinwheels from becoming too oily, then set the sausage aside to cool slightly.
Step 2: Prepare the Crescent Roll Dough
Next, lay a sheet of wax paper on your countertop and spray it lightly with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Unroll one package of the crescent rolls onto the wax paper, then pinch together all the perforations carefully to form one continuous sheet of dough. This gives you a perfect base without any gaps.
Step 3: Layer the Fillings
Spread half of the softened cream cheese evenly across the dough, leaving about a half-inch border all around. Then sprinkle half of the cooked sausage and shredded cheddar on top of the cream cheese. The layering ensures every bite of the pinwheel is packed with flavor.
Step 4: Roll it Up
Using the wax paper beneath to help, roll the dough lengthwise into a tight log, making sure to encase all the filling. Wrap the log securely in plastic wrap to hold its shape. Repeat this process with the remaining dough and filling ingredients to form a second log.
Step 5: Chill the Logs
Place the wrapped logs in the refrigerator for at least an hour. This chilling step is crucial for firming up the rolls so they’re easy to slice cleanly into those beautiful pinwheels.
Step 6: Slice and Bake
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Unwrap the chilled logs and slice them into half-inch thick pieces using a sharp knife. Lay the slices flat on a baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes until the pinwheels turn golden brown and crispy on the edges.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Remove the freshly baked pinwheels from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before serving. This step helps the layers settle and makes them easier to pick up and enjoy.
How to Serve Sausage Cream Cheese Cheddar Crescent Roll Pinwheels Recipe
Garnishes
Add a pop of color and extra flavor by garnishing your pinwheels with freshly chopped parsley or chives. You can also sprinkle a little flaky sea salt on top just as they come out of the oven for a slight hint of crunch and brightness.
Side Dishes
Because these pinwheels are rich and filling, pairing them with light, fresh sides works great. Think crisp green salads, a tangy tomato salsa, or even a refreshing cucumber yogurt dip that balances the richness while keeping things exciting on your palate.
Creative Ways to Present
Impress your guests by arranging pinwheels on a wooden charcuterie board alongside some olives, pickles, and fresh veggies. Alternatively, you can serve them warm alongside a bowl of spicy marinara sauce or honey mustard for dipping—fun and flavorful additions that elevate this crowd-pleaser.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should last for 3 to 4 days without losing their delicious flavor or texture, making them perfect for a next-day snack or quick lunch.
Freezing
Sausage Cream Cheese Cheddar Crescent Roll Pinwheels Recipe is freezer-friendly! After slicing but before baking, place the pinwheels on a parchment-lined tray and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a sealed freezer bag for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
To reheat and revive that golden crispness, warm the pinwheels in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 8 to 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can make the dough soggy and the cheese rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use other types of sausage?
Absolutely! While bulk pork sausage works wonderfully here, you can switch it up with turkey sausage or even a spicy Italian variety depending on your flavor preference. Just make sure to cook the sausage thoroughly before assembling the pinwheels.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute the sausage with cooked vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or a plant-based sausage alternative. The cream cheese and cheddar still provide plenty of richness to make them just as tasty.
Can I make these pinwheels ahead of time for a party?
Definitely! Prepare and assemble the pinwheel logs, then refrigerate or freeze before baking. Bake them fresh just before your guests arrive to serve warm and inviting bites.
What’s the best way to slice the pinwheels cleanly?
Use a very sharp knife and chill the logs well before slicing. Cutting while cold helps keep the filling intact and prevents the dough from getting squished.
Can I add other cheeses or spices?
Feel free to experiment! Adding pepper jack cheese or smoked gouda can add exciting flavor twists. You can also mix in garlic powder, onion powder, or fresh herbs to the sausage for an extra punch.
Final Thoughts
This Sausage Cream Cheese Cheddar Crescent Roll Pinwheels Recipe is genuinely a little bit of magic wrapped in dough. They are incredibly easy to make, bursting with flavor, and sure to bring smiles to any gathering. Once you try these, they’ll become your go-to for game day, potlucks, or even cozy snack nights at home. So grab the ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy the deliciousness that awaits in each golden pinwheel bite!
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Sausage Cream Cheese Cheddar Crescent Roll Pinwheels Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delicious Sausage Pinwheels featuring seasoned pork sausage, creamy cheese, and flaky crescent roll dough, perfect as a savory appetizer or party snack. These pinwheels combine rich cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and browned sausage rolled into buttery crescent dough, baked to golden perfection in under 30 minutes after prep.
Ingredients
Sausage Mixture
- 1 pound bulk pork sausage
Dough and Filling
- 2 (8-ounce) packages refrigerated crescent rolls
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage: Add the sausage to a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook, stirring frequently, until browned and crumbly, about 10 minutes. Drain any excess grease and set the cooked sausage aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare the Dough Base: Lay out a sheet of wax paper and spray it with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Unroll one package of crescent rolls onto the wax paper, then pinch the perforations together carefully to form a single seamless sheet of dough.
- Assemble the Filling: Spread half of the softened cream cheese evenly over the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border on all edges. Sprinkle half of the cooked sausage evenly over the cream cheese, followed by half of the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Roll the Log: Using the wax paper to help, roll the dough lengthwise tightly into a log, encasing the filling. Wrap this log securely in plastic wrap to hold its shape.
- Repeat Assembly: Repeat the dough rolling and filling process with the remaining crescent rolls and filling ingredients to form a second log wrapped in plastic.
- Chill to Set: Refrigerate the wrapped logs for at least one hour, or until they are firm enough to slice without losing shape.
- Slice the Pinwheels: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Remove the chilled logs from the refrigerator and unwrap them. Using a sharp knife, cut each log into 1/2-inch-thick slices, arranging them flat on a baking sheet with some space in between.
- Bake: Bake the pinwheels in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the crescent dough is golden brown and cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the pinwheels from the oven and allow them to cool slightly on the baking sheet before serving warm as a delicious appetizer or snack.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened for easy spreading.
- Pinching the crescent roll perforations together tightly prevents filling leakage during baking.
- Wrap the logs tightly in plastic wrap to maintain shape during chilling.
- Can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking.
- For added flavor, consider adding herbs or spices to the sausage while cooking.
- Serve warm for best texture and flavor.
- Leftovers can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
