The Easiest Cheese & Sausage Pinwheels Recipe You’ll Ever Make

Cheese and sausage pinwheels promise a delightful twist on classic appetizers that’ll make your next gathering unforgettable.

Crispy edges and gooey centers await you with this simple yet impressive snack.

Our recipe combines savory sausage with melted cheese wrapped in soft, flaky pastry.

Quick preparation means less time in the kitchen and more moments enjoying delicious bites.

Each pinwheel delivers a perfect balance of rich flavors and satisfying textures.

Small hands and big appetites alike will appreciate these crowd-pleasing morsels.

Roll up your sleeves and let’s create something deliciously memorable that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients for Cheese & Sausage Pinwheels

• Puff Pastry: A light and flaky pastry that provides a delicate and crispy foundation for the pinwheels.
• Sausage: A savory meat that adds rich flavor and protein to the appetizer.
• Cheese: Provides a creamy and melty texture that complements the sausage perfectly.

• Egg: Creates a golden brown exterior and helps seal the pastry roll.

• Flour: Used for dusting the surface to prevent the pastry from sticking.
• Salt, Pepper: Enhances the overall flavor of the pinwheels with subtle seasoning.

How to Make Pinwheels

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Station

Warm up your oven to 375F (190C).

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.

Step 2: Flatten the Pastry

Dust your work surface with flour.

Gently roll out the puff pastry into a thin, even rectangle that’s ready for delicious filling.

Step 3: Create Flavor Layers

• Shredded cheese
• Crumbled sausage

Step 4: Roll with Precision

Start rolling the pastry from the edge with filling, creating a tight spiral.

Seal the bare edge using a light coating of egg wash to keep everything secure.

Step 5: Slice into Pinwheels

Cut the rolled pastry into 1-inch thick rounds.

Position these slices cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 6: Add Golden Shine

Brush the top of each pinwheel with remaining egg wash, which will create a beautiful golden-brown exterior during baking.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven.

Bake for 18-20 minutes until the pinwheels are puffed and have a gorgeous golden color.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Allow the pinwheels to rest for a few minutes after removing from the oven.

This helps them set and makes them easier to handle.

Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips for Flaky and Flavorful Pinwheels

• Use egg wash along the pastry border to ensure a tight, secure roll that prevents filling from falling out during baking.
• Use a sharp, non-serrated knife and clean the blade between cuts to create clean, even pinwheel slices without squishing the pastry.
• Choose semi-hard cheeses like cheddar or gouda that melt well but won't create excessive grease when baked.
• Swap sausage with ham, bacon bits, or chorizo for different flavor profiles while maintaining the same cooking technique.
• Let puff pastry sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before rolling to prevent cracking and ensure easier manipulation.

Storing and Reheating Pinwheels

• Store leftover pinwheels in an airtight container for up to 3 days, keeping them fresh and preventing moisture.
• Wrap cooled pinwheels individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months for longer storage.
• Warm refrigerated or thawed pinwheels at 350F for 5-7 minutes, restoring their crispy texture and melting cheese.
• Zap cold pinwheels for 30-45 seconds, but note they might lose some crispiness compared to oven reheating.

Serving Suggestions for Pinwheels

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a bright, acidic sauvignon blanc to cut through the rich, savory flavors of the cheesy sausage pinwheels.
• Complement with Fresh Salad: Create a light mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the hearty, buttery pastry and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Match with Tangy Dipping Sauce: Whip up a quick mustard or marinara sauce to enhance the pinwheels' flavor profile and add an extra layer of zesty excitement.
• Serve with Sparkling Beverage: Pour chilled sparkling water or a light prosecco to cleanse the palate between bites and elevate the appetizer experience.

Variations to Try with Pinwheels

• Vegetarian Pinwheels: Replace sausage with sautéed spinach, mushrooms, and feta cheese for a meat-free option.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free puff pastry and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.
• Spicy Jalapeño Pinwheels: Add diced jalapeños and pepper jack cheese to create a zesty, hot flavor profile.
• Mediterranean-Style Pinwheels: Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and goat cheese for a Mediterranean-inspired variation.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of cheese and sausage?

Yes, you can easily swap cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, or gouda, and use different sausages such as pepperoni, chorizo, or breakfast sausage to customize the flavor.

• Do I need to thaw the puff pastry before using?

Always thaw frozen puff pastry in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for about 30-40 minutes until it’s pliable but still cold.

• How can I prevent the pinwheels from unrolling during baking?

Seal the edge of the pastry with egg wash and ensure you roll it tightly. You can also chill the roll for 10-15 minutes before slicing to help maintain its shape.

• Are these pinwheels good for make-ahead preparation?

You can assemble the roll, wrap it in plastic, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before slicing and baking. They’re perfect for preparing in advance for parties or brunches.

Cheese & Sausage Pinwheels Introduction

• Minimal ingredients and simple steps make these pinwheels super quick to assemble, perfect for busy home cooks who want delicious results without complicated techniques.
• Packed with cheesy, savory sausage flavors, these pinwheels are guaranteed to be a hit at parties, game nights, or casual gatherings where people love finger foods.
• Suitable for breakfast, brunch, afternoon snacking, or as a party appetizer, these pinwheels adapt easily to different meal occasions and can be prepared in advance.
• The combination of cheese and sausage creates a universally appealing taste that both children and adults will enjoy, making them a perfect family-friendly recipe.

Easy Cheese & Sausage Pinwheels Recipe

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4.6 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Savory cheese & sausage pinwheels spiral deliciously with golden, flaky pastry that wraps rich flavor into each perfect bite. Crowd-pleasing appetizers bring warmth and comfort you’ll love serving at parties or enjoying as a quick snack.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup cooked sausage, crumbled (chicken or turkey sausage)
• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed

Binding/Coating Ingredient:

• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375F (190C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper for optimal baking surface.
2. Dust a clean work surface with flour and carefully roll out the puff pastry into a thin, even rectangular shape.
3. Distribute the cheese and sausage across the pastry surface, ensuring even coverage and leaving a small border along one edge.
4. Carefully roll the pastry from the filled side, creating a tight spiral and using egg wash to seal the final edge securely.
5. Using a sharp knife, slice the rolled pastry into uniform 1-inch thick pinwheel sections.
6. Arrange the pinwheels cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet, maintaining slight spacing between each piece.
7. Generously brush the top of each pinwheel with egg wash to achieve a rich, golden exterior during baking.
8. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes until the pinwheels are puffy and display a deep golden-brown color.
9. Remove from the oven and allow the pinwheels to cool for a few minutes, which helps them set and become easier to handle before serving.

Notes

• Customize sausage selection by using turkey, chicken, or vegetarian alternatives for diverse dietary preferences.
• Enhance flavor complexity by adding herbs like thyme, rosemary, or chives to the cheese and sausage mixture.
• Prevent pastry from sticking by chilling the rolled log for 15 minutes before slicing, ensuring cleaner, more precise cuts.
• Make ahead and freeze uncooked pinwheels for quick entertaining, storing them in an airtight container up to 1 month before baking directly from frozen.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 320 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 16 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg