Sausage Pinwheels
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Sausage pinwheels are a tasty snack that’s perfect for parties. You only need four ingredients to make these yummy treats. These pinwheels take just 30 minutes to prepare and cook, making them a quick and easy option for busy hosts.

The recipe uses pork sausage, crescent rolls, cream cheese, and cheddar cheese. You’ll cook the sausage, then roll it up with the other ingredients in crescent roll dough. After chilling the rolls, you’ll slice and bake them until they’re golden brown. Your guests will love these cheesy, meaty bites!

Exact Ingredients List
Here’s what you need to make these tasty sausage pinwheels:
- 1 pound bulk pork sausage
- 2 (8-ounce) packages refrigerated crescent rolls
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
That’s it! Just four simple ingredients to create a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Make sure your cream cheese is softened before you start. This will make it easier to spread on the dough.
For the sausage, you can use mild or spicy depending on your taste. If you prefer, turkey sausage works well too.
The shredded cheddar cheese adds a nice flavor, but feel free to experiment with other types of cheese. Mozzarella or pepper jack could be yummy options.
Remember, this recipe makes about 32 servings. It’s perfect for parties or gatherings where you need to feed a crowd.

Instructions
Cook the sausage in a big pan over medium-high heat. Stir it for about 10 minutes until it’s brown and crumbly. Drain the extra grease and set it aside.
Put wax paper on the counter and spray it with cooking spray. Open a package of crescent rolls and unroll it onto the paper. Press the edges together to make one big sheet.
Spread half the cream cheese on the dough. Leave a small space around the edges. Sprinkle half the cooked sausage and cheese on top.
Use the wax paper to help you roll the dough into a log. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Do this again with the other ingredients to make a second log.
Put both logs in the fridge for at least an hour. This helps them get firm so you can cut them easily.
Heat your oven to 375°F. Take the logs out of the fridge and unwrap them. Cut them into half-inch slices with a sharp knife. Put the slices on a baking sheet.
Bake the pinwheels for 10-15 minutes. They’re done when they look golden brown. Let them cool a bit before you eat them. Enjoy your tasty sausage pinwheels!

Possible Substitutes List
You can easily swap out ingredients in these sausage pinwheels to suit your tastes. Try these yummy options:
Meat:
- Turkey sausage
- Chicken sausage
- Vegetarian sausage crumbles
Cheese:
- Pepper jack for a spicy kick
- Mozzarella for a milder flavor
- Goat cheese for a tangy twist
Dough:
- Puff pastry sheets
- Pizza dough
- Phyllo dough (for a crispy texture)
Want to mix it up? Add some veggies! Finely chopped spinach, bell peppers, or onions can add color and nutrition.
For a sweet version, use breakfast sausage and add a sprinkle of brown sugar before rolling. Yum!
Remember to adjust cooking times if you use different doughs. Keep an eye on your pinwheels to avoid burning.
How To Make It Diabetes-Friendly
You can tweak this recipe to make it more diabetes-friendly. Start by using lean turkey sausage instead of pork. This swap cuts down on fat and calories.
Next, pick whole wheat crescent rolls. They have more fiber, which helps control blood sugar. Use low-fat cream cheese to reduce the overall fat content.
Try using less cheese or pick a strong-flavored one like sharp cheddar. You’ll get more taste with less. Add some veggies like finely chopped spinach or bell peppers to boost nutrition.
Make smaller pinwheels to control portion sizes. Cut each log into 24 slices instead of 16. This gives you more pieces with fewer calories each.
Here’s a quick breakdown of swaps:
- Turkey sausage for pork sausage
- Whole wheat crescent rolls
- Low-fat cream cheese
- Less cheese or stronger-flavored cheese
- Added veggies
- Smaller portions
Remember to check with your doctor or dietitian about how these treats fit into your meal plan. Enjoy your diabetes-friendly sausage pinwheels in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Tips, Tricks & Storing
For extra flavor, try adding some herbs to your sausage mixture. Sage, thyme, or rosemary work great. Just mix them in before cooking the sausage.
Make sure your cream cheese is really soft before spreading. This will make it much easier to work with. You can microwave it for 10-15 seconds if needed.
Don’t overfill your pinwheels. Leave that 1/2-inch border to prevent the filling from spilling out when you roll them up.
To get clean slices, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts. You can also chill the logs for a bit longer if they’re too soft to slice neatly.
Want to make these ahead? You can prepare the logs up to 24 hours in advance. Just keep them wrapped in plastic in the fridge until you’re ready to slice and bake.
Leftover pinwheels can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes.
For a fun twist, try different cheese combinations. Pepper jack or smoked gouda can add a nice kick to your pinwheels.