Name: Creamy Chicken Sausage Pinwheels
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American comfort
Ingredients: 1 lb plain chicken sausage, cooked and crumbled; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 (10 oz) can Rotel, drained; 2 tbsp parsley, finely chopped (optional); 1–2 tbsp cilantro, finely chopped (optional); 2 tubes crescent roll dough, triangles halved lengthwise

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These Creamy Chicken Sausage Pinwheels are the ultimate game-time snack or party appetizer—savory, warm, and irresistibly creamy. Ground chicken sausage meets smooth cream cheese and zesty Rotel, all wrapped in flaky crescent roll dough. Baked until golden and gooey, they’re crave-worthy and nearly effortless to make. Perfect for day-of prep or feeding a crowd.

Made with convenient ingredients and no complicated steps, these pinwheels are sure to become a crowd-favorite whenever you’re entertaining or just craving something delicious with minimal fuss.

Creamy Chicken Sausage Pinwheels

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Flavor: Creamy, spicy, and satisfying with just a handful of pantry staples.
Simple Prep: A basic filling, roll-and-bake method—done in under 30 minutes.
Kid-Friendly: Mild, cheesy, and familiar—great for little hands.
Crowd-Pleaser: Bite-sized and hearty, ideal for parties, snacks, or game nights.
Customizable: Mix in your favorite herbs, cheeses, or try different types of sausage.

Ingredients

Yip: you can find a full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.

1 pound plain chicken sausage, cooked and crumbled
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 (10‑ounce) can Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, very well drained
2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley (optional)
1–2 tablespoons finely chopped cilantro (optional)
2 tubes crescent roll dough (each triangle halved lengthwise)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Oven
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling
In a mixing bowl, blend together the cooked chicken sausage, softened cream cheese, and well‑drained Rotel. Stir in parsley and/or cilantro if using.

Step 3: Assemble Pinwheels
Unroll the crescent rolls and use a pizza cutter or knife to split each triangle in half lengthwise, creating skinny triangles. Place about a heaping teaspoon (or a small cookie scoop) of the sausage mixture at the wide end of each triangle. Roll them up and place seam-side down on the baking sheet.

Step 4: Bake to Golden
Bake for about 15 minutes, until the pinwheels turn golden and the filling is hot and bubbly.

Step 5: Serve
Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving warm. These are best enjoyed fresh from the oven.

Variations

Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or jalapeño for extra heat.
Cheesy Twist: Sprinkle shredded cheddar or pepper jack inside before rolling.
Herby Upgrade: Swap in basil, chives, or a pinch of dried Italian seasoning.
Swap the Sausage: Turkey or plant-based sausage work well too.
Buffalo Style: Mix in a drizzle of hot sauce with the filling, and serve with ranch or blue cheese dip.

Heating and Storage

Store: Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheat: Warm in an oven at 350°F for 5–7 minutes or microwave for 30–45 seconds.
Not Ideal for Freezing: The cream cheese filling textures change and may become watery after thawing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes—assemble and refrigerate for up to 4 hours before baking.

Can I use spicy sausage?

Absolutely—use your favorite sausage flavor for a kick.

Do the pinwheels need dipping sauce?

They’re delicious on their own, but ranch, salsa, or guacamole are great options.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes—simply double all ingredients and use more parchment or baking sheets.

Are these freezer-friendly?

The dough freezes okay, but the cream cheese filling may separate after thawing.

What if I don’t have Rotel?

Use chopped tomatoes and a dash of cumin or chili powder to mimic the flavor.

Can I freeze the baked ones?

They’re best fresh. Reheated leftovers can get soggy; warming just before serving is best.

Any tips for crispier dough?

Chill the assembled pinwheels in the fridge for 10 minutes before baking for a tighter shape and crispier bake.

Can I batch prepare for parties?

Totally—a great grab-and-go option for hosting or potlucks.

Can I make mini pinwheels?

Yes! Cut each crescent into three skinny strips instead and decrease bake time slightly.

Conclusion

These Creamy Chicken Sausage Pinwheels are your new go-to snack: quick to make, bursting with flavor, and always a hit. From game-day gatherings to easy weeknight bites, these golden rolls filled with savory cream cheese and sausage are the perfect bite-sized indulgence. Give them a try—they’re destined to become a repeat request.