Name: Sausage Pinwheels Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 2 cloves garlic minced; 1 pound ground breakfast sausage; 4 ounces cream cheese; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 1 can crescent roll dough seamless sheet, not precut; ½ cup cheddar cheese shredded; 3 tablespoons green onion minced

There’s something about these golden, flaky bites that just draws everyone in. This Sausage Pinwheels Recipe perfectly balances savory sausage, creamy cheese, and a tender, buttery crust — making them an irresistible snack or appetizer. Trust me, once you try them, they’ll become your go-to for gatherings or quick bites.

There are eight small round pastry rolls on a white plate. Each roll has a golden-brown crust on the outside with a soft, light tan inside showing a filling of finely ground meat mixed with small green herb pieces. The texture of the filling looks crumbly and moist. The rolls are neatly placed on a white marbled surface. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Sausage Pinwheels Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Sausage Pinwheels Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Sausage Pinwheels Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I absolutely love making this recipe whenever I want something comforting yet impressive without too much fuss. The way the sausage filling combines with cream cheese and cheddar inside a perfectly baked crescent roll is pure magic.

Simple Ingredients: You probably have most of everything you need in your pantry and fridge already.
Quick to Assemble: It takes less than half an hour to prep, then just bake and enjoy.
Irresistibly Flavorful: Creamy, cheesy, and bursting with savory sausage — a true crowd-pleaser.
Versatile Snack or Meal: Perfect for game day, parties, or as a hearty breakfast treat.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Sausage Pinwheels Recipe lies in the balance of flavors and textures. Each ingredient plays a role to create that comforting, flaky, and savory treat you’ll want again and again.

Flat lay of two cloves of fresh garlic, a small white bowl of golden vegetable oil, a mound of raw ground breakfast sausage, a smooth block of cream cheese, a small white bowl of kosher salt, a small white bowl of black peppercorns, a rectangular sheet of crescent roll dough, a small pile of shredded cheddar cheese, and a few fresh green onion sprigs all arranged symmetrically in perfect proportions on simple white ceramic dishes placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Vegetable oil: Helps sauté the garlic and sausage evenly without sticking.
Garlic: Adds a warm, aromatic depth that perks up the sausage.
Ground breakfast sausage: The star ingredient with rich, spiced flavor; use your favorite brand for best results.
Cream cheese: Adds creamy moisture that binds the mixture and balances the spice.
Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering them.
Black pepper: Brings a mild heat that's perfect for sausage dishes.
Crescent roll dough (seamless sheet): Makes rolling easy and ensures flaky, buttery pastry every time.
Cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully, contributing sharpness and gooey texture.
Green onion: Refreshes the rich filling with a subtle onion crunch.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love that this sausage pinwheels recipe is so adaptable — once you’ve mastered the basics, you can make it your own. Whether it’s swapping out cheeses or adding herbs, it’s fun to experiment and tailor the flavors just the way you like.

Variation: I sometimes add a pinch of smoked paprika or chopped fresh thyme into the sausage mix for a smoky twist that my family loves.
Cheese Swap: Feel free to use mozzarella or pepper jack if you want a milder or spicier cheese punch.
Veggie Boost: Adding finely diced bell peppers or mushrooms right in with the sausage can add a lovely texture and extra flavor.
Spice Level: You can easily make it milder for kids or heat it up with a dash of cayenne or hot sauce in the filling.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Sausage Pinwheels Recipe

A close-up view of a small savory pie on a white plate with slightly raised edges, sitting on a white marbled surface. The pie has a golden-brown crust forming a cup shape holding a creamy, light beige meat filling with visible bits of cooked ground meat and herbs, shown with one side broken open revealing its soft inside texture. Behind this pie, there is a silver fork resting on the plate's edge. In the blurry background, there are more similar pies arranged on a white plate, also resting on the white marbled surface. The overall look is warm and inviting, with soft natural light and a simple white subway tile wall behind. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics and Sausage

I start by heating the vegetable oil in a large saucepan over medium heat — wait for it to shimmer, that’s when it’s hot enough. Then in goes the minced garlic. It smells so amazing as it cooks for 2-3 minutes till golden; don’t rush this step because garlic develops the base flavor here. Next up, add your ground sausage, breaking it apart as it browns. Cook it thoroughly, about 8 minutes, so every bite is flavorful and cooked through. Once browned, drain excess fat (unless you like it extra rich) and transfer the sausage to a bowl.

Step 2: Blend the Cream Cheese and Season

This is where the creamy magic happens. While the sausage's still warm, mix in the cream cheese — don’t hesitate to use your hands or a spatula to really combine it well. Sprinkle in kosher salt and black pepper, tasting carefully since some sausage brands come pre-seasoned. You want to enhance, not overpower. Cover and chill for about 15-20 minutes till the mixture is room temperature; this makes spreading easier later on.

Step 3: Prepare the Dough and Spread Filling

Grab a large rectangle of plastic wrap on your counter or cutting board — this will help shape your roll and keep things tidy. Unroll your crescent roll dough onto the plastic, creating a smooth rectangle without any pre-cut perforations. Spread the sausage mixture evenly over the dough, leaving about a half-inch strip along one long edge free. This empty strip will be crucial for sealing your pinwheel log later.

Step 4: Add Cheese and Green Onions

Sprinkle shredded cheddar evenly across the sausage layer, then shower minced green onions on top for a fresh bite. The colors alone make you excited to roll this up and bake. The cheese melts into a gooey blanket inside these pinwheels, making every bite deliciously rich.

Step 5: Roll, Seal, and Chill

Use the plastic wrap to gently but firmly roll the dough from the long side with filling toward the empty strip, like making a jelly roll. Once you reach the edge, moisten that bare strip with a little water to help seal. Finish rolling and pinch down along the seam so it stays closed. Wrap your log tightly in the plastic wrap and pop it into the freezer for about 20 minutes. This chilling step makes slicing easier and keeps the pinwheels from falling apart when baked.

Step 6: Slice and Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 375°F while the dough chills. When ready, unwrap the log and cut into eight equal slices with a sharp knife — a clean cut helps the pinwheels hold shape. Place them spaced out on a parchment-lined baking sheet so they can puff up nicely. Bake for 15-17 minutes or until golden brown and irresistible. Your kitchen will fill with the tantalizing scent of baked sausage and cheese — it’s such a joyful moment!

Top Tip

From the many times I’ve made this Sausage Pinwheels Recipe, a few simple tricks have made a huge difference. These tips ensure your pinwheels come out perfectly every time.

Chill the Roll: Don’t skip the freezing step before slicing! It keeps the log firm and prevents the filling from spilling out during baking.
Use Seamless Crescent Dough: Avoid pre-cut dough sheets, which can unravel and break during rolling or baking.
Seal the Edges Well: Moisten the dough edge with water and pinch firmly to avoid pinwheels opening up in the oven.
Drain Excess Fat: If your sausage renders a lot of oil, drain it well to prevent greasy pinwheels.

How to Serve Sausage Pinwheels Recipe

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle fresh parsley or chopped chives on top just before serving to add a burst of color and fresh herbal notes. Sometimes a side of tangy mustard or a dollop of sour cream works wonders for dipping and balancing the richness.

Side Dishes

These pinwheels pair beautifully with crisp green salads, roasted veggies, or even a light tomato soup for dipping. For breakfast, I often serve them alongside scrambled eggs or fresh fruit to round out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I like to arrange the pinwheels on a round platter with colorful veggies and dips in the center. You can even stack them pyramid style or thread them onto skewers to make fun, handheld bites that are sure to impress guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheating in the oven keeps them crispy, much better than the microwave for preserving that flaky texture.

Freezing

If you want to make these ahead of time, you can freeze the rolled log before slicing. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready, thaw in the fridge overnight, slice, and bake as usual.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers wrapped loosely in foil at 350°F for about 10 minutes — this warms them through without drying them out. If you like the crust crispier, unwrap for the last few minutes of heating.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of sausage for this recipe?

Yes! You can substitute breakfast sausage with Italian sausage, chorizo, or even ground turkey sausage depending on your flavor preferences. Just be mindful of seasoning adjustments since different sausages have varying salt and spice levels.

What’s the best way to prevent the dough from getting soggy?

Draining excess fat from the cooked sausage mixture before assembling is key to avoiding soggy dough. Also, chilling the rolled dough before slicing helps keep the pinwheels from becoming too moist during baking.

Can I prepare these pinwheels ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the log and freeze it before slicing, or slice and freeze the pinwheels separately. Just thaw and bake when ready to serve for fresh-tasting results.

Can I add vegetables to the sausage filling?

Yes, finely diced veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach work well when mixed into the sausage. Just make sure to cook and drain any excess moisture before assembling to keep the dough flaky.

Final Thoughts

This Sausage Pinwheels Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s simple, satisfying, and undeniably tasty. They’ve rescued many busy mornings and turned casual get-togethers into memorable ones. I can’t recommend giving them a try enough — you’ll enjoy the process and love the results, just as I do. So roll up your sleeves, and let’s get baking together!