Sausage Pinwheels are a crowd-pleasing appetizer that combines flaky pastry with savory sausage filling, creating a delightful swirl of flavors in every bite.
Typically made with puff pastry or biscuit dough, these pinwheels are rolled up with seasoned sausage, then sliced into rounds and baked until golden brown.
The result is a crisp, buttery exterior with a juicy, flavorful center that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, parties, or as a snack. They’re incredibly versatile—you can enjoy them warm right out of the oven or at room temperature, making them ideal for entertaining or meal prepping.
Why You’ll Love Sausage Pinwheels
These Sausage Pinwheels are the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer or breakfast snack. Made with flaky crescent roll dough and savory sausage, they’re simple to prep, bake in minutes, and deliver big on flavor. Perfect for holidays, brunch buffets, game days, or quick weekday breakfasts!
The crispy outer layers, cheesy sausage filling, and buttery flavor make these little spirals incredibly addictive. Bonus? They freeze well and reheat like a dream—ideal for meal prep or last-minute guests!
Sausage Pinwheels
Description
The beauty of Sausage Pinwheels lies in their simplicity. You can prepare them in advance, refrigerate or freeze, and bake when needed, saving time during busy mornings or gatherings.
They also lend themselves well to creative seasoning, whether you prefer spicy, herby, or cheesy flavors.
These pinwheels pair wonderfully with dips like honey mustard, ranch, or spicy ketchup, and can even be served alongside eggs for a hearty breakfast plate.
Whether you’re hosting a holiday brunch or looking for a quick weekday snack, Sausage Pinwheels offer a delicious, make-ahead-friendly solution that everyone will love.
Crescent roll dough is layered with savory sausage (and optional cheese), rolled up, sliced into pinwheels, and baked until golden. A quick, flaky bite perfect for breakfast or parties!
Ingredients
1 tube crescent roll dough sheet (or puff pastry sheet)
Instructions
-
Cook the Sausage:
In a skillet over medium heat, cook sausage until browned and crumbled. Drain excess grease and let cool slightly.
-
Prepare Dough:
Unroll crescent roll dough into a rectangle. Gently press seams together if using crescent rolls instead of a full sheet.
-
Assemble:
Spread sausage evenly over the dough, sprinkle cheese if using, then roll tightly from the long edge into a log.
-
Slice & Bake:
Cut into ½-inch slices and place cut-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 375°F for 18–20 minutes until golden and crisp.
-
Serve:
Let cool for a few minutes and serve warm. Perfect with dipping sauces or on their own!
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 250kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 20g31%
- Sodium 450mg19%
- Total Carbohydrate 15g5%
- Protein 10g20%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Tips & Serving Tricks:
- Add cheese: Sharp cheddar or pepper jack adds melty goodness.
- Freeze before or after baking: Great for make-ahead meals—just bake straight from frozen!
- Switch up the sausage: Try spicy, maple, or even plant-based sausage.
- Brush with butter: Before baking, brush tops with melted butter for golden shine.
- Serve with dips: Ranch, honey mustard, or maple syrup work great!
Variations and Storage:
Variations:
- Cheesy Sausage Pinwheels: Sprinkle shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack cheese over the sausage before rolling for an extra melty center.
- Spicy Kick: Use spicy sausage or add crushed red pepper flakes, jalapeños, or hot sauce to the filling for a bold flavor.
- Herb-Infused: Mix fresh herbs like parsley, rosemary, or thyme into the sausage for a fragrant twist.
- Veggie Boost: Add finely chopped onions, bell peppers, or spinach to the filling for extra texture and nutrition.
- Breakfast Style: Incorporate scrambled eggs into the sausage filling for a complete breakfast in one bite.
- Sweet & Savory: Drizzle with a touch of maple syrup or honey before baking for a hint of sweetness.
Storage:
- Refrigerator: Store cooled pinwheels in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes to restore crispness.
- Freezer (Before Baking): Assemble the pinwheels, slice them, and place on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 5–7 minutes to the baking time.
- Freezer (After Baking): Allow baked pinwheels to cool completely, then freeze in a single layer before transferring to an airtight container. Reheat in the oven to keep them flaky.
- Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare the roll, wrap tightly in plastic, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before slicing and baking. This helps flavors meld and saves time on busy mornings or event days.
Conclution:
In conclusion, Sausage Pinwheels are the perfect combination of savory, flaky, and satisfying, making them an irresistible choice for any occasion.
Whether you're serving them as a party appetizer, a brunch item, or a hearty snack, these golden-brown spirals are always a hit.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity: with just a few ingredients—usually sausage, puff pastry or crescent dough, and a blend of cheese or seasonings—you can create a dish that tastes gourmet without requiring advanced kitchen skills.
The flavor possibilities are virtually endless. While classic breakfast sausage and cream cheese make for a tried-and-true filling, you can easily get creative with ingredients.
Try spicy Italian sausage for a kick, add shredded cheddar or pepper jack for extra richness, or mix in herbs like chives or parsley for freshness.
You can even customize them for different dietary needs by using plant-based sausage or gluten-free dough options.
These pinwheels are also incredibly convenient. You can prep them ahead of time, store them in the fridge, and bake them just before serving.
They freeze beautifully, too—either before or after baking—making them a great make-ahead option for parties, holidays, or quick weekday snacks. Their compact, portable size also makes them ideal for lunchboxes or picnic spreads.
One of the standout features of Sausage Pinwheels is how universally appealing they are. Adults love their savory, cheesy flavor, while kids enjoy their fun, swirled shape and handheld convenience.
Whether you serve them warm from the oven or at room temperature, they’re guaranteed to disappear fast.
With minimal prep, customizable fillings, and crowd-pleasing flavor, Sausage Pinwheels offer a simple yet delicious way to upgrade your appetizer game or breakfast table.
This is a recipe you’ll return to again and again for its ease, versatility, and undeniable comfort.
Pin this recipe to share with your friends and followers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble and refrigerate the log overnight. Slice and bake fresh the next day.
Can I use puff pastry instead of crescent rolls?
Absolutely! Puff pastry will give a flakier, more pastry-like texture.
Can I make them vegetarian?
Try a plant-based sausage or a veggie scramble filling for a tasty meatless version.
