Sausage Pinwheels: Flavorful, Bite-Sized Party Snacks

Sausage Pinwheels are a savory, crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s perfect for parties, gatherings, or just a delicious snack. These flaky, golden pinwheels are made with a simple puff pastry, loaded with savory sausage, cheese, and herbs, and then rolled up into bite-sized pieces. They’re easy to make, and always a hit!

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) ground sausage (Italian sausage, breakfast sausage, or any preferred type)
• 1 sheet puff pastry (store-bought or homemade)
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or mozzarella, or a blend of both)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing)
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash, optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Sausage Filling:

1. Cook the Sausage:
   In a large skillet, cook the ground sausage over medium heat, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it is fully cooked and browned (about 6-8 minutes). Drain any excess grease and remove from the heat.
2. Season the Sausage:
   Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme (or Italian seasoning), salt, and pepper to taste. Mix well, then let it cool slightly.

Assemble the Pinwheels:

3. Prepare the Puff Pastry:
   Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly flour a work surface and roll out the puff pastry sheet to smooth out any creases. If using frozen puff pastry, allow it to thaw before using.
4. Spread the Sausage Filling:
   Once the sausage has cooled slightly, spread an even layer of the cooked sausage mixture over the entire surface of the puff pastry, leaving about 1 inch around the edges.
5. Add the Cheese:
   Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan evenly over the sausage layer.
6. Roll Up the Pastry:
   Starting from one edge, carefully roll up the puff pastry into a tight log or cylinder. Use a sharp knife to slice the roll into approximately 1-inch wide pinwheels.

Bake the Pinwheels:

7. Prepare for Baking:
   Place the pinwheels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased. If desired, brush the tops of the pinwheels with the beaten egg for a golden finish.
8. Bake:
   Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the pinwheels are golden brown and the puff pastry has risen and become crispy.

Serve:

9. Serve Warm:
   Let the sausage pinwheels cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them as a snack or appetizer with a dipping sauce like mustard, ranch, or marinara!

Tips for the Best Sausage Pinwheels:

• Add Spice: If you like a little heat, use spicy sausage or add red pepper flakes to the filling.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the pinwheels in advance by assembling them, then refrigerating them until you’re ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
• Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses, like pepper jack or gouda, for unique