If you need a warm, savory appetizer that disappears fast, fennel sausage pinwheels are a smart choice. They’re made by rolling flavorful fennel sausage inside flaky pastry and slicing it into bite-sized spirals that bake up golden and crisp. The aroma alone will pull people toward the snack table.
What makes these pinwheels stand out is the fennel sausage. It adds a subtle sweetness and a little herb flavor that pairs perfectly with buttery pastry. They’re easy to prep ahead, simple to serve, and the small portions make them ideal for parties, game days, or casual gatherings.
Helpful Tips
- Use cold puff pastry. Cold pastry is easier to roll and slice cleanly. If it starts getting soft, pop it back in the fridge for a few minutes.
- Spread the sausage evenly. A thin, even layer helps the pinwheels cook at the same rate and keeps the spirals looking neat when sliced.
- Chill before slicing. Once rolled, chilling the log briefly firms everything up so the pinwheels hold their shape when cut.
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Fennel Sausage Pinwheels
Ingredients
- 1/2 pound spicy ground Italian sausage
- 1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds
- 4 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1 frozen puff pastry dough thawed
- 1/4 cup shredded cheese
Instructions
- In a skillet over medium high heat, cook the sausage, crumbling with a spatula as it cooks. Near the end, add the fennel seeds and continue cooking until browned. Drain well. Cool completely.
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
- Mix cooled sausage, cream cheese, and half the Monterey Jack cheese together in a bowl. Stir well to combine.
- Roll out the puff pastry dough. Use a rolling pin to smooth the seams down.
- Spread the sausage mixture in an even layer on top.
- Roll the dough up into a log. Place it in the freezer for 10 minutes to firm up.
- With a serrated knife, slice horizontally into 1” slices and place on ungreased baking sheet.
- Sprinkle with remaining cheese. Bake for 15-17 minutes until golden on top.
Nutrition
Laura is a home cook, with 25 years experience behind the stove, who spends an extraordinary amount of time in the kitchen cooking. She loves making new recipes and finding wonderful new things to eat, both at home or abroad. She spends a lot of time researching, crafting, and perfecting her recipes.