Rotel Sausage & Cream Cheese Pinwheels Recipe
If you’re hunting for the ultimate crowd-pleaser, this Rotel Sausage & Cream Cheese Pinwheels Recipe is about to become your new go-to. These little bites offer a perfect blend of creamy, savory sausage mingled with the zesty kick of Rotel tomatoes and green chilies, all wrapped in golden, flaky crescent dough. They’re insanely easy to make, travel well for parties, and bring an irresistible pop of color and flavor with every bite. Trust me, once these pinwheels hit your table, they’ll disappear fast!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple ingredients is the first step to creating something truly special. Each item here plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, from the spicy sausage to the tangy cream cheese, culminating in that iconic Rotel freshness and buttery dough.
- 1 (1-lb) roll breakfast sausage: Provides a hearty, savory base with plenty of rich flavor when cooked and crumbled.
- 1 (8-oz) cream cheese: Softened to a spreadable texture, it brings creamy tanginess that balances the spices perfectly.
- 1 (10-oz) can Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies: Drained well; these add a zesty, slightly spicy twist that brightens every bite.
- 2 (8-oz) cans refrigerated crescent dough sheets: The flaky canvas for rolling all those delicious fillings into pinwheel perfection.
How to Make Rotel Sausage & Cream Cheese Pinwheels Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start off by heating your oven to a warm 375ºF. This ensures that the pinwheels bake evenly and come out perfectly golden and flaky. While the oven warms, get ready to mix the filling.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a large bowl, combine the cooked and crumbled breakfast sausage with the softened cream cheese. Then, fold in the well-drained Rotel tomatoes and green chilies. This mixture should be creamy with nice bursts of zest and spice from the vegetables, perfectly melding savory and tangy flavors.
Step 3: Roll Out the Dough
Open each can of crescent dough and carefully roll them into rectangles on a clean surface. These rectangles are your base for spreading the sausage-cream cheese mixture. Spread half of the filling onto each rectangle evenly, making sure to cover every inch, so each pinwheel is packed with flavor.
Step 4: Form Pinwheels and Bake
Roll up each dough rectangle jelly roll style, starting from one edge. Then slice each roll into 16 bite-sized pinwheels, giving you a total of 32 scrumptious pieces. Lay them out on a parchment-paper lined baking sheet. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the dough turns a beautiful golden brown and the edges become crispy.
How to Serve Rotel Sausage & Cream Cheese Pinwheels Recipe
Garnishes
Bring these pinwheels to life with a sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro or green onions. The fresh herbs add a lovely pop of color and a hint of brightness that contrasts the rich filling beautifully. You might also consider a dusting of smoked paprika for a subtle smoky aroma.
Side Dishes
Pair these pinwheels with cool, crisp sides like a simple garden salad or crunchy veggie sticks with ranch dip to balance the warm, creamy bites. They also shine alongside a fresh salsa or guacamole, amplifying the Southwestern flair of this dish.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the pinwheels on a vibrant platter arranged like a colorful pinwheel itself, or stack them high on a tiered tray for parties. For a festive touch, add little toothpicks with bright flags or ribbons to each piece, making them easy to grab and incredibly inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. These pinwheels stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days, making them ideal for quick snacks or a next-day treat.
Freezing
If you want to keep these goodies longer, freeze the pinwheels before baking. Arrange them on a baking sheet without touching, freeze until solid, then transfer to a sealed freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to a month and bake straight from frozen with a few extra minutes in the oven.
Reheating
To reheat, place the pinwheels on a baking sheet and warm them in a 350ºF oven for about 10 minutes until heated through and crisp again. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve that flaky texture and avoid sogginess.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage in this Rotel Sausage & Cream Cheese Pinwheels Recipe?
Absolutely! While breakfast sausage is traditional for its savory flavor, you can swap in spicy Italian sausage, turkey sausage, or even a plant-based alternative to suit your taste or dietary needs.
Do I need to drain the Rotel tomatoes and green chilies before mixing?
Yes, it’s essential to drain the Rotel well to prevent the filling from becoming too wet, which can make the dough soggy and affect the texture of your pinwheels.
Can I prepare these pinwheels without cream cheese?
Cream cheese is key for that luscious creamy texture and tangy flavor. Omitting it would change the character of the dish, but you could try a dairy-free cream cheese if you have dietary restrictions.
Are crescent dough sheets necessary, or can I use homemade dough?
Crescent dough sheets keep this recipe incredibly quick and easy, but if you prefer, homemade puff pastry or biscuit dough can be a delicious substitute for a more artisanal touch.
What’s the best way to serve these at a party?
Serve them warm on a large platter with dips like ranch dressing, salsa, or a creamy jalapeño sauce on the side. Use toothpicks for easy snacking, and watch them disappear in no time!
Final Thoughts
This Rotel Sausage & Cream Cheese Pinwheels Recipe is a surefire favorite for potlucks, game days, or whenever you want a delicious, easy-to-make appetizer that wows. It’s packed with flavor, quick to prepare, and guaranteed to bring smiles around the table. Give it a try and get ready for endless compliments!
Print
Rotel Sausage & Cream Cheese Pinwheels Recipe
- Total Time: 25-28 minutes
- Yield: 32 pinwheels 1x
Description
Delicious and easy-to-make Rotel Sausage & Cream Cheese Pinwheels feature a savory blend of cooked breakfast sausage, creamy softened cream cheese, and zesty diced tomatoes with green chilies, all rolled inside flaky crescent dough and baked to golden perfection. Perfect as a party appetizer or a flavorful snack, these pinwheels are quick to prepare and sure to please a crowd.
Ingredients
Sausage Mixture
- 1 (1-lb) roll breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled
- 1 (8-oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1 (10-oz) can Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies, drained very well
Dough
- 2 (8-oz) cans refrigerated crescent dough sheets
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375ºF (190ºC) to prepare for baking the pinwheels.
- Mix Filling: In a large bowl, combine the cooked and crumbled breakfast sausage with the softened cream cheese and drained Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Prepare Dough: Open each can of crescent dough and carefully unroll each sheet into a rectangle shape on a clean surface.
- Spread Filling: Evenly spread half of the sausage and cream cheese mixture over each dough rectangle, smoothing it out to the edges for full coverage.
- Roll and Slice: Roll each rectangle jelly-roll style starting from one edge, creating a tight spiral log. Using a sharp knife, cut each rolled rectangle into 16 equal pinwheels, giving a total of 32 pinwheels.
- Arrange and Bake: Place the pinwheels cut side up on a parchment-paper-lined baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the pinwheels are puffed and golden brown.
- Serve: Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving warm as a tasty appetizer or snack.
Notes
- Be sure to drain the Rotel tomatoes and green chilies very well to prevent soggy dough.
- Use a sharp knife to ensure clean cuts on the pinwheels for even baking.
- These pinwheels can be made ahead and baked just before serving for convenience.
- Substitute turkey sausage for a leaner option, if preferred.
- Serve with ranch dressing or salsa for dipping to enhance flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
