Looking for an appetizer that’s warm, cheesy, and guaranteed to disappear fast? These Cheesy Sausage Pinwheels are your go-to solution! With flaky crescent roll dough, savory sausage, and melty cheddar cheese, each bite delivers comfort and flavor in a fun, swirled shape. Whether you’re prepping for a brunch, game day, or a casual gathering, this easy pinwheel recipe is trending for good reason — it’s quick, crowd-pleasing, and deeply satisfying.
Made with just a few ingredients and minimal prep, Cheesy Sausage Pinwheels are a favorite in Southern kitchens and across American potlucks. Their golden, spiral form is as appealing to the eyes as it is to the taste buds.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Sausage Pinwheels Recipe
- Super easy to make – Just cook, mix, roll, slice, and bake!
- Perfect for any occasion – Ideal for parties, brunches, or lunchboxes.
- Minimal ingredients – Only a handful of pantry staples needed.
- Customizable – Use different cheeses or add spice to suit your taste.
- Make-ahead friendly – Assemble ahead and bake fresh before serving.
Ingredients Needed for Perfect Cheesy Sausage Pinwheels
- Refrigerated Crescent Dough Sheet
Provides a buttery, flaky base that rolls up beautifully and bakes to a golden finish. - Breakfast Sausage
Adds savory, meaty flavor with a hint of spice — the star of the filling. - Cream Cheese
Helps create a creamy, rich texture and binds the sausage mixture together. - Shredded Cheddar Cheese
Melts into the filling for gooey, cheesy deliciousness in every bite.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Cheesy Sausage Pinwheels
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cook the sausage in a skillet over medium heat until browned and fully cooked. Drain off excess fat.
- Mix the filling: In a medium bowl, combine the cooked sausage, softened cream cheese, and shredded cheddar until well blended.
- Roll out the crescent dough into a rectangle. If using perforated crescent rolls, pinch seams together to seal.
- Spread the sausage mixture evenly over the dough, reaching all the way to the edges.
- Roll up tightly from the long side into a log. Use a serrated knife to slice into 1/2-inch pinwheels.
- Place pinwheels on baking sheet spaced slightly apart.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
- Cool slightly and serve warm for best flavor.
Expert Tip: For cleaner slices, chill the rolled dough log for 15 minutes before cutting.
Recipe Tips & Variations
- Add spice: Use hot sausage or mix in diced jalapeños for a kick.
- Swap the cheese: Try pepper jack, mozzarella, or gouda for different flavor twists.
- Make it vegetarian: Use plant-based sausage alternatives and dairy-free cream cheese.
- Elevate the flavor: Add sautéed onions or a pinch of garlic powder to the filling.
How to Store & Reheat
Storage: Let leftovers cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Warm in the oven at 325°F for 5–7 minutes or microwave for 20–30 seconds until heated through.
Freezing Tip: You can freeze unbaked pinwheels for up to 1 month. Bake from frozen, adding 3–5 extra minutes.
Similar Recipes You’ll Love
If you’re a fan of cheesy, comforting, and crowd-pleasing dishes like these pinwheels, here are a few more recipes you’ll want to try next:
- Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Cheesy Breadsticks – All the flavors of a cheesesteak tucked inside buttery breadsticks.
- White Chocolate Blueberry Cheesecake Cupcakes – A fruity, creamy dessert that’s both elegant and easy.
- Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole – A hearty one-dish dinner that’s loaded with flavor and family-approved.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make Cheesy Sausage Pinwheels ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the rolls, slice them, and refrigerate (or freeze) before baking. Pop them in the oven when you’re ready to serve.
Can I use puff pastry instead of crescent dough?
Absolutely. Puff pastry gives a crispier, flakier finish but may take slightly longer to bake.
What type of sausage works best?
Breakfast sausage is the classic choice, but Italian sausage or even chorizo work wonderfully for added flavor.
Are these good served cold?
They’re best warm, but they can be eaten at room temperature and still taste great!
These Cheesy Sausage Pinwheels are a quick, satisfying, and flavorful appetizer that’s sure to become a staple in your recipe box. Perfect for busy mornings, holiday spreads, or snack cravings, this easy bake-and-serve dish checks all the boxes. Try it today, and don’t forget to share your spin on the recipe in the comments below or tag us on social!
Cheesy Sausage Pinwheels
Ingredients
- 1 can 8 oz refrigerated crescent dough sheet
- 1/2 lb breakfast sausage
- 4 oz cream cheese softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook sausage until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat.
- In a bowl, mix cooked sausage with cream cheese and shredded cheddar until well combined.
- Roll out crescent dough into a rectangle, pressing seams if needed.
- Spread sausage mixture evenly over the dough.
- Roll tightly from the long edge into a log. Slice into 1/2-inch thick pinwheels.
- Place pinwheels flat on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes or until golden brown.
- Cool slightly and serve warm.