Cheesy Sausage Pinwheels Recipe
Introduction
Cheesy Sausage Pinwheels are a tasty and easy-to-make appetizer featuring savory sausage, creamy cheese, and flaky pastry. They make perfect bite-sized treats for parties, game days, or family gatherings. Everyone will love these flavorful little pinwheels!

Ingredients
- 1 pound breakfast sausage (mild or spicy, based on preference)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
- 1/2 cup cream cheese (softened)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 package (1 sheet) refrigerated crescent roll dough or puff pastry
- Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)
- Additional shredded cheese (for topping, optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Step 2: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage until browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain any excess grease. Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheese, cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper until well combined.
- Step 3: If using crescent roll dough, unroll and press seams together to form a rectangle. If using puff pastry, roll it out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick.
- Step 4: Spread the sausage mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Starting from one edge, roll the dough into a tight log, rolling evenly to keep the filling inside. Slice the roll into 1-inch thick pinwheels using a sharp knife.
- Step 5: Arrange pinwheels on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. If desired, sprinkle additional shredded cheese on top. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
- Step 6: Let the pinwheels cool slightly, then garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- Try different cheeses like pepper jack for heat or feta for tanginess to change the flavor profile.
- Add finely chopped vegetables such as bell peppers or spinach to the sausage mixture for extra nutrition and taste.
- Spice things up by adding hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes to the filling.
Storage
Store leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them before baking for up to 2 months; bake from frozen and add a few extra minutes to the baking time. Reheat warm before serving.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make these pinwheels ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the pinwheels and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking to save time on the day you plan to serve them.
Can I use a different type of dough?
Absolutely! Phyllo dough, biscuit dough, or homemade pastry all work well as alternatives to crescent roll or puff pastry dough.
Print
Cheesy Sausage Pinwheels Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 pinwheels 1x
Description
Cheesy Sausage Pinwheels are delicious, bite-sized appetizers made with savory breakfast sausage, creamy cheese, and flaky crescent roll or puff pastry dough. Perfect for parties, game days, or family gatherings, these pinwheels are easy to prepare and bursting with flavor.
Ingredients
For the Pinwheels
- 1 pound breakfast sausage (mild or spicy, based on preference)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
- 1/2 cup cream cheese (softened)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 package (1 sheet) refrigerated crescent roll dough or puff pastry
For Garnish (Optional)
- Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Additional shredded cheese (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature for baking the pinwheels evenly and to a perfect golden brown.
- Cook the Sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage until it is browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spatula while cooking. Once cooked, drain any excess grease. Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheese, cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper until the mixture is well combined and creamy.
- Prepare the Dough: If using crescent roll dough, unroll it and press the seams together to form a single rectangular sheet. If using puff pastry, roll it out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness for an even base.
- Assemble the Pinwheels: Evenly spread the sausage and cheese filling over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Starting from one edge, carefully roll the dough into a tight log, ensuring the filling stays inside. Use a sharp knife to slice the roll into 1-inch thick pinwheels.
- Bake the Pinwheels: Arrange the pinwheels on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. If desired, sprinkle additional shredded cheese on top. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the pinwheels turn golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
- Serve: Remove the pinwheels from the oven and allow them to cool slightly. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm and enjoy these savory and cheesy appetizers!
Notes
- You can prepare the pinwheels up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate before baking.
- These pinwheels can be frozen before baking for up to 2 months; bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- Try different cheeses such as pepper jack for spice or feta for tanginess to customize flavor.
- Add finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers or spinach into the filling for added nutrition and taste.
- Serve with dipping sauces like ranch, marinara, or spicy mustard for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: cheesy sausage pinwheels, sausage appetizers, party appetizers, finger foods, cheesy appetizers, crescent roll recipes

