Name: Cheddar 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 so satisfying about a warm, cheesy spiral packed with savory sausage—and that’s exactly what you get with this Cheddar Sausage Pinwheels Recipe. They’re easy to make, perfect for sharing, and hit all those cozy comfort food vibes just right.

The image shows seven small round rolls arranged on a white plate placed on a white marbled surface. Each roll has two layers: the outer golden-brown baked dough layer wrapping tightly around a light brown filling mixed with small bits of green herbs. The texture of the dough looks soft but firm, while the filling appears crumbly with a slightly moist look. The rolls are evenly spaced on the plate with some shadows creating depth. 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 Cheddar Sausage Pinwheels Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Cheddar Sausage Pinwheels Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Cheddar Sausage Pinwheels Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’m honestly obsessed with how these pinwheels come together. The combination of creamy cheese and seasoned sausage wrapped in flaky dough feels fancy but is really simple—making it a total winner for parties or casual snacks.

Quick to prepare: You’ll have these ready in about an hour, with minimal active cooking time.
Family-friendly flavors: Cheddar and sausage are a classic combo that both kids and adults love.
Perfect for entertaining: These bite-sized pinwheels are great finger foods for get-togethers.
Flexible to customize: You can easily swap out ingredients to match what you have or your taste preferences.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Cheddar Sausage Pinwheels Recipe plays a tasty role. The sausage brings rich, savory depth, while the cheddar adds sharpness that melts perfectly. The cream cheese makes the filling creamy and keeps it all moist inside the golden roll.

Flat lay of two unpeeled garlic cloves, a small mound of raw ground breakfast sausage, a simple white ceramic bowl with cream cheese, a small white bowl with kosher salt, a small white bowl with black pepper, a flat sheet of crescent roll dough seamless sheet, a small pile of shredded cheddar cheese, and a few sprigs of fresh green onion, all arranged symmetrically and naturally 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 without overpowering flavors.
Garlic: Adds a subtle aromatic kick that enhances the sausage.
Ground breakfast sausage: The star protein, seasoned and juicy for great taste.
Cream cheese: Brings richness and binds the filling beautifully.
Kosher salt and black pepper: Season to balance and bring out all the flavors.
Crescent roll dough (seamless sheet): Its flaky texture wraps everything in a perfectly golden package.
Cheddar cheese (shredded): Sharp and melts nicely, adding cheesy goodness inside.
Green onion: Fresh and mild, it adds a light burst of color and flavor.

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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 switching up this Cheddar Sausage Pinwheels Recipe depending on the occasion. Sometimes I use spicy sausage for a little kick or mix in some diced bell peppers for extra crunch. You can definitely make it your own!

Variation: Once, I swapped green onions for finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley and thyme—super fresh and different, but just as tasty.
Dietary tweaks: You can use turkey sausage for a leaner option, or vegan cream cheese if you want a plant-based twist.
Seasonal changes: In winter, I add a pinch of smoked paprika to the sausage filling for that cozy, warming vibe.

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

The image shows a white plate on a white marbled surface with a small round biscuit split open to reveal its inside layers. The biscuit has a golden-brown outer crust, a thick middle layer with a light beige, crumbly sausage filling poking out, and a creamy white gravy coating the filling. The biscuit is resting on a silver fork. In the blurry background, there is a white plate with several whole biscuits with golden-brown tops. The setting has a simple and clean look with a white tile wall behind. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Sauté the Sausage with Garlic

Heat your vegetable oil in a large saucepan over medium heat until it shimmers—this means it’s hot enough. Toss in your minced garlic and cook it gently for 2 to 3 minutes until it starts turning golden and fragrant. Then, add the ground breakfast sausage and cook it thoroughly, stirring frequently for about 8 minutes. Once browned, drain off extra grease to keep the filling from getting too oily. Transferring the sausage to a bowl, let it cool with the cream cheese mixed in, seasoning carefully with salt and pepper. Cooling it down helps the filling set and spread better later.

Step 2: Prepare and Spread the Dough

Roll out your crescent roll dough on a rectangle of plastic wrap on your counter or cutting board. The plastic wrap is a lifesaver here—it keeps everything tidy and helps when rolling later. Spread the cooled sausage mixture evenly across the dough, leaving about a half-inch bare strip on one long edge; this area is your sealing edge.

Step 3: Add Cheese and Green Onions, Then Roll

Sprinkle shredded cheddar and minced green onions right over your sausage layer. Now, using the plastic wrap, start rolling the dough from the long side towards the bare edge. Once nearly rolled, dampen that free edge with a little water—it acts like glue—and finish sealing the log tightly. Wrap it back up securely in the plastic wrap and pop it in the freezer for about 20 minutes to firm up. This chill time is key for neat, clean slices.

Step 4: Slice and Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 375°F while the dough chills. When ready, cut the log into 8 equal pieces—each a perfect pinwheel. Place these on a parchment-lined sheet pan with room to expand, and bake for 15-17 minutes until they’re beautifully golden and puffed. The smell coming from the oven will be irresistible!

Top Tip

Having made Cheddar Sausage Pinwheels more times than I can count, these small tips have saved me from soggy or messy rolls and make the process so much smoother:

Use the plastic wrap: Rolling the dough on plastic wrap keeps your counter clean and helps roll an even, tight log without sticking.
Don’t skip chilling: Freezing the rolled log before slicing prevents squished pinwheels and keeps the spirals crisp and intact.
Drain excess grease: After cooking the sausage, draining is crucial to avoid the filling being too oily, which affects bake texture.
Seal with water: Moistening the dough’s bare edge helps it stick perfectly, so your pinwheels don’t unravel during baking.

How to Serve Cheddar Sausage Pinwheels Recipe

Cheddar Sausage Pinwheels - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

When I serve these pinwheels, I like to sprinkle a little extra sliced green onion on top right after baking for a fresh pop of color and mild bite. Sometimes a small side of sour cream or a tangy mustard dip works beautifully for dunking too.

Side Dishes

I often pair these with a crisp garden salad or some roasted veggies to balance the richness. A simple tomato basil soup on the side can turn these pinwheels into a full cozy meal, especially on chillier days.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I have arranged the pinwheels in a wreath shape on a large platter, garnished with fresh herbs like rosemary and parsley to make it festive. It’s always a hit and looks so inviting on the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After the pinwheels have cooled, I store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They stay delicious for up to 3 days, making a great grab-and-go snack or quick lunch.

Freezing

I’ve had good success freezing the pinwheel log before slicing. Just wrap it tight in plastic and pop it in a freezer bag. When you want to bake, slice straight from frozen and add a couple extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

To reheat, I warm the pinwheels in a toaster oven or conventional oven at about 350°F for 8-10 minutes to restore their crispness. Microwaving can get them soggy, so I try to avoid that method.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use store-bought cooked sausage instead of raw?

Absolutely! If you’re short on time, precooked sausage works fine, just make sure to chop it finely and mix well with the cream cheese for even flavor. However, cooking it fresh releases more aroma and flavor.

What’s the best dough to use for pinwheels?

The seamless crescent roll dough sheet is ideal because it’s easy to roll and bakes into flaky, buttery layers. You could also use puff pastry for a flakier texture but watch the baking time carefully.

Can I prep these in advance?

Yes! You can assemble the rolled pinwheel log and keep it wrapped in the fridge for up to 24 hours before freezing or baking. This makes it a perfect make-ahead appetizer.

How do I make these vegetarian?

Swap the sausage for a plant-based sausage alternative or a sautéed mushroom and herb mixture. Keep the cream cheese and cheddar, or choose vegan cheeses to keep it fully plant-based.

Final Thoughts

This Cheddar Sausage Pinwheels Recipe feels like such a gem in my kitchen—a little bit indulgent, very comforting, and super straightforward. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want something cozy for yourself, I promise these will deliver. Give them a try—I know you’ll enjoy the crispy, cheesy swirls and rich sausage filling just as much as I do!