3-Ingredient Sausage & Cheese Pinwheels
These 3-ingredient sausage and cheese pinwheels are another episode of my Game Day Bites series, and this one could not be easier. Flaky crescent dough gets rolled up with spicy sausage and melty cheddar, sliced and baked until golden and bubbly. These sausage pinwheels are perfect for game day, brunch or holiday parties.
More game day bites: Dill Pickle Bites and Bourbon Peach Crockpot Meatballs.
Why You’ll Love These Sausage Pinwheels
- Only 3 ingredients.
- Flaky, cheesy and spicy.
- Perfect game day snack.
- Freezer friendly.
Ingredients for Sausage and Cheese Pinwheels
The Pinwheels
Crescent roll dough, cooked hot pork sausage and shredded cheddar cheese.
Optional Toppings
Green onions, hot honey, ranch and hot sauce.
Swap note: Use mild sausage for a kid-friendly version.
How to Make Sausage Pinwheels
Step 1: Preheat
Preheat the oven to 375°F.
Step 2: Cook the sausage
Brown the sausage until fully cooked and drain the fat.
Step 3: Roll out the dough
Roll the crescent dough into one rectangle and seal the seams.
Step 4: Fill and roll
Spread the sausage over the dough, sprinkle with cheddar and roll tightly into a log.
Step 5: Slice and bake
Slice into 1 to 1 1/2 inch pinwheels, arrange on a lined sheet and bake 12 to 15 minutes until golden.
Carly’s Expert Tips
- Drain the sausage well so the dough does not get greasy.
- Chill the log for 10 minutes for cleaner slices.
- Use a serrated knife to slice.
- Drizzle with hot honey before serving.
Make It Your Own
- Breakfast: Add scrambled eggs.
- Pepper jack: Use pepper jack for heat.
- Cream cheese: Spread cream cheese on the dough first.
- Puff pastry: Use puff pastry instead.
Make-Ahead and Meal Prep: Assemble and slice the pinwheels up to 1 day ahead, or freeze unbaked for up to 2 months.
What to Serve With Sausage Pinwheels
Serve with ranch, hot sauce and other game day favorites like Mexican Street Corn Dip.
Storing and Reheating
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3 to 4 minutes.
What People Ask About Sausage Pinwheels
Can I use a different sausage?
Yes. Mild, maple or turkey sausage work.
Can I freeze sausage pinwheels?
Yes. Freeze unbaked and bake from frozen.
Can I make them ahead?
Yes. Assemble a day ahead.
What dough is best?
Crescent dough or puff pastry.
3-Ingredient Sausage & Cheese Pinwheels
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Brown sausage over medium heat until fully cooked, then drain excess fat.
- Roll crescent dough into one rectangle, sealing the seams.
- Evenly spread the cooked sausage over the dough, then sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Roll the dough tightly into a log and slice into 1–1½ inch pinwheels.
- Arrange the pinwheels on a lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, until golden and bubbly.
Nutrition
Notes
- For extra flavor, drizzle hot honey or ranch over the pinwheels before serving.
- Garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh touch.
- Serve with hot sauce on the side for those who like an extra kick.
