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Sausage cream cheese pinwheels are a scrumptious and easy-to-make appetizer, featuring a savory blend of spicy sausage and smooth cream cheese rolled in flaky crescent dough.
When baked, they transform into golden, bite-sized spirals with a delightful mix of rich, creamy filling and crispy, buttery pastry, making them an irresistible choice for gatherings and parties!
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At Sweet C’s, I add lots of tips in all of my recipes – because I am a home cook without any formal training, and I find I am more confident making dishes when I understand why it works, and what each ingredient means to the flavor of a recipe – my goal is for even the most beginner home cook to feel empowered in the kitchen.
I want each reader to walk away with a solid knowledge of each recipe, with all of the tips I’ve gathered from extensive testing of each recipe. I also answer questions my friends and family have asked about my recipes, to help everyone better understand the processes we use – and why!
Table of Contents
Ro-Tel Sausage Pinwheels
Sausage and cream cheese pinwheels made with crescent roll sheets are a delightful treat- they are creamy, rich, savory, and loaded with sausage flavor!
These pinwheels are always a hit at parties, or as afterschool snacks – I like to make a big batch and pop them in the fridge so when my kids are off school they can reheat for a meaty snack that holds hungry teens over until dinner.
Perfect for parties or as a comforting snack, these pinwheels are super simple with ingredients you probably have on hand – and pack a flavorful punch. You also prep and freeze them for easy party prep!
We hope you love this recipe as much as we do.
How to Make Sausage Pinwheels
First assemble the following ingredients:
- Roll breakfast sausage (1-lb) – Sausage offers a robust and savory flavor, often seasoned with a blend of herbs and spices that can range from mildly herby to distinctly spicy.
- Italian seasoning (1 tbsp) – Italian seasoning is a fragrant and savory blend of dried herbs like basil, oregano, rosemary, and thyme, offering a warm, slightly sweet, and earthy flavor profile reminiscent of Mediterranean cuisine.
- Cream cheese (8 oz) – Cream cheese has a mild, slightly tangy taste with a rich and creamy texture, making it a versatile base for both sweet and savory dishes.
- Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies (10-oz) – Rotel Diced Tomatoes with Green Chiles combine the juicy, mildly sweet flavor of tomatoes with the zesty, slightly spicy kick of green chiles, creating a vibrant and tangy taste perfect for adding a bold twist to dishes.
- Crescent dough sheets (16 oz) – Crescent roll sheets have a buttery, slightly sweet flavor with a delightfully flaky and tender texture, perfect for both sweet and savory fillings.
Use this Method
Combine Filling. In a large bowl, mix together cooked sausage, italian sausage, cream cheese, and drained Rotel tomatoes and green chilies.
Assemble. Open each can of dough and roll into a rectangle. Spread each rectangle with ½ of the cream cheese mixture. Roll each rectangle up jelly roll style and cut into 16 pinwheels (32 total). Place on a parchment-paper lined baking sheet.
Bake and Serve. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes at 375 degrees, or until golden brown.
Tips and Tricks for Making Sausage Cream Cheese Roll Ups
Choose Quality Sausage: Opt for high-quality sausage for better flavor. You can use mild or spicy depending on your preference.
Soften the Cream Cheese: Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing. This makes it easier to blend with other ingredients and spread.
Season Well: Don’t forget to season the sausage and cream cheese mixture with herbs and spices like garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika for added flavor.
Roll Tightly: When assembling, roll the dough tightly to ensure the pinwheels hold their shape and have even layers of sausage and cream cheese.
Chill Before Slicing: Chill the rolled log in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This makes slicing into individual pinwheels much easier and cleaner.
Sharp Knife for Slicing: Use a sharp knife to cut the pinwheels. A serrated knife can help make clean cuts without squishing the dough.
Don’t Overcrowd the Baking Sheet: Leave space between each pinwheel on the baking sheet to allow them to cook evenly and become crispy.
Egg Wash for a Golden Finish: Brush the pinwheels with an egg wash before baking for a beautiful golden color.
Keep an Eye on the Oven: Bake until they are golden brown and puffed up, but watch them closely to prevent burning.
Serve Warm: These pinwheels are best enjoyed warm, making them a great choice for parties or gatherings where they can be eaten soon after baking.
FAQs
You can use any type of ground sausage you prefer. Italian sausage, both sweet and spicy, is a popular choice for its flavor, but breakfast sausage or even turkey sausage works well too.
Yes, the sausage should be fully cooked and cooled before mixing with the cream cheese and adding to the dough.
Absolutely! Flavored cream cheese like garlic and herb can add an extra layer of taste to your pinwheels.
Yes, you can prepare the pinwheels and store them in the refrigerator overnight before slicing and baking. You can also freeze the rolled log and
Make sure the sausage is well-drained and cooled after cooking to prevent excess moisture. Also, avoid overloading the dough with the filling.
Use a sharp or serrated knife, and try to cut them into even sizes, about 1/2 inch thick. Chilling the rolled log in the refrigerator before slicing can make this process easier.
Yes, adding finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or spinach can enhance the flavor and nutritional value. Just make sure to sauté them first to remove excess moisture.
What to Serve with Sausage Pinwheels
Fresh Vegetable Platter: A selection of fresh vegetables like carrots, celery, bell peppers, and cucumbers offers a crunchy and healthy contrast to the rich pinwheels.
Marinara or Salsa Dip: These dips can add a tangy or spicy touch, complementing the savory flavors of the pinwheels. Try my Chipotle Hot Salsa.
Cheese Board: Offering a variety of cheeses provides guests with a delightful way to mix and match flavors.
Fruit Salad or Skewers: The sweetness and freshness of fruits can balance the richness of the pinwheels.
Mixed Nuts: A bowl of assorted nuts gives guests an additional savory and crunchy option to snack on.
Mustard or Aioli Dip: Dips like honey mustard or garlic aioli can enhance the flavors of the pinwheels with their creamy and tangy profiles.
Green Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing can add a fresh and light element to the meal. Try my kale apple salad.
Chips and Pretzels: They provide an additional salty and crunchy component that pairs well with the creamy texture of the pinwheels.
Cocktail Beverages: Serving assorted beverages, including cocktails, mocktails, or wine, can complement the flavors of the pinwheels and add a festive touch to the occasion.
Soup: A light soup, like a vegetable broth or a tomato soup, can be a warm and comforting addition, especially if the pinwheels are part of a larger meal. Try Cheeseburger Soup or Zuppa Toscano!
Try these other recipes next:
Sausage Cream Cheese Pinwheels Recipe
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Sausage Cream Cheese Pinwheels
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 1-lb roll breakfast sausage , cooked and crumbled
- 1 tbsp italian seasoning
- 1 8-oz cream cheese , softened
- 1 10-oz can Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies drained very well
- 2 8-oz cans refrigerated crescent dough sheets
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375ºF.
- In a large bowl, mix together cooked sausage, italian sausage, cream cheese, and drained Rotel tomatoes and green chilies.
- Open each can of dough and roll into a rectangle. Spread each rectangle with ½ of the cream cheese mixture. Roll each rectangle up jelly roll style and cut into 16 pinwheels (32 total). Place on a parchment-paper lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until golden brown. Enjoy warm!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
