Easy Cheese & Sausage Pinwheels are a quick and tasty appetizer or snack that combines savory sausage and melty cheese wrapped in a soft, flaky dough. Perfect for parties, game days, or any casual gathering, these pinwheels are easy to make and sure to be a hit!
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) breakfast sausage (mild or spicy, your choice)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
- 1 can refrigerated crescent roll dough (or puff pastry)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp mustard powder (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for greasing)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil.
- Cook the Sausage:
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
- Once browned and fully cooked (about 6-8 minutes), drain any excess fat and stir in the garlic powder, oregano, mustard powder (if using), salt, and pepper. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare the Crescent Roll Dough:
- Unroll the crescent roll dough onto a clean surface. Pinch the seams together to form one large rectangle. If using puff pastry, roll it out to a similar size.
- Assemble the Pinwheels:
- Sprinkle an even layer of shredded cheddar cheese over the dough.
- Evenly spread the cooked sausage mixture on top of the cheese.
- Roll and Slice:
- Starting at one edge, carefully roll the dough into a log, making sure the filling stays inside.
- Slice the rolled dough into 1-inch wide pinwheels.
- Bake the Pinwheels:
- Arrange the pinwheels on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are spaced apart.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the pinwheels are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Serve:
- Let the pinwheels cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them warm with a dipping sauce like ranch, ketchup, or mustard, if desired.
Tips:
- Cheese Options: You can use mozzarella, pepper jack, or a mix of cheeses for a different flavor.
- Add Vegetables: Add some sautéed onions or bell peppers to the sausage mixture for extra flavor.
- Freezing: To make ahead, freeze the pinwheels before baking. When you’re ready, bake them directly from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.
- Make Them Mini: Use mini crescent roll dough for smaller, bite-sized pinwheels.
These Easy Cheese & Sausage Pinwheels are simple to make and full of flavor. Perfect for any occasion!