Description
Sausage and Cream Cheese Pinwheels are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer perfect for parties, brunch, or game day. Featuring a savory mixture of browned breakfast sausage and creamy cheese wrapped in flaky crescent roll dough, these bite-sized treats bake to golden perfection. They can be prepped ahead and baked fresh, making them both convenient and crowd-pleasing.
Ingredients
Scale
Sausage Mixture
- 1 pound breakfast sausage (pork or turkey)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Dough & Finishing
- 2 cans refrigerated crescent roll dough (or crescent dough sheets)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage until fully browned, breaking it up into small crumbles. Drain any excess grease to keep the mixture from being too oily.
- Mix in Cream Cheese and Seasonings: Stir the softened cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper into the cooked sausage. Mix until fully combined and allow the mixture to cool slightly so it’s easier to handle.
- Prepare the Crescent Dough: Unroll one crescent dough sheet onto a lightly floured surface. Press any seams together to form a solid rectangle without gaps.
- Spread Sausage Mixture: Evenly spread half of the sausage mixture over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges to allow for rolling.
- Roll and Slice: Carefully roll the dough tightly from the long side into a log. Using a sharp knife, slice the log into approximately 1/2-inch thick pinwheels. Repeat these steps with the second dough sheet and remaining sausage mixture.
- Place on Baking Sheet: Arrange the pinwheels cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly.
- Apply Egg Wash: If desired, brush the tops of the pinwheels lightly with the beaten egg to promote a shiny, golden crust.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes or until the pinwheels are golden brown and puffed up.
- Serve Warm: Remove from the oven and serve the pinwheels warm for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- These pinwheels are perfect for parties, brunch, or game day snacks.
- You can prep the sausage logs ahead of time and refrigerate them, then slice and bake just before serving to save time.
- Use turkey sausage for a leaner alternative.
- Brush with egg wash for a glossy finish, or omit if preferred.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the oven for best results.
