Cuban Sausage Pinwheels Recipe
Introduction
Cuban Sausage Pinwheels are a flavorful and satisfying appetizer perfect for gatherings or snacks. Combining seasoned sausage, creamy cheese, and a hint of pickles wrapped in a tortilla, these pinwheels pack a delightful punch in every bite.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground sausage
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 pieces bacon, cooked and chopped
- 2 tablespoons green onion or chives, chopped
- 1/3 cup pickles, chopped
- 4 large flour tortillas (or 6 smaller tortillas)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and mayonnaise. Mix until smooth and well blended.
- Step 2: Stir in the cooked and chopped bacon, chopped green onions, and chopped pickles to the cheese mixture until evenly distributed.
- Step 3: Heat a medium skillet over medium-high heat and add the canola oil. Once hot, add the ground sausage. Break it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks.
- Step 4: Season the sausage with salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook until lightly browned and fully cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
- Step 5: Lay out the tortillas flat and spread a generous layer of the cream cheese mixture evenly over each one.
- Step 6: Distribute about half a cup of the cooked sausage mixture evenly over the cream cheese layer on each tortilla.
- Step 7: Tightly roll each tortilla up, then slice into 1-inch pinwheel pieces.
- Step 8: Serve immediately or refrigerate in an airtight container until ready to enjoy.
Tips & Variations
- Use smoked sausage or chorizo for a different flavor profile.
- For extra heat, add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper or chopped jalapeños to the sausage mixture.
- Try using whole wheat or spinach tortillas for added nutrition and color.
- Make ahead and refrigerate for up to 24 hours to let the flavors meld before serving.
Storage
Store the pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can warm them briefly in a microwave or oven, but they are also delicious served cold or at room temperature.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare these pinwheels ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble and refrigerate the pinwheels up to 24 hours before serving. This allows the flavors to develop nicely.
Can I freeze the Cuban Sausage Pinwheels?
Freezing is not recommended as the cream cheese mixture and pickles may separate or become watery after thawing.
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Cuban Sausage Pinwheels Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
Description
These Cuban Sausage Pinwheels are a deliciously savory appetizer featuring seasoned ground sausage, creamy cheese, crispy bacon, and tangy pickles all rolled up in soft flour tortillas. Perfect for parties or a tasty snack, they combine bold Cuban-inspired flavors with a creamy, cheesy texture that’s sure to please any crowd.
Ingredients
Sausage Mixture
- 1 lb ground sausage
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
Cream Cheese Spread
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
Additional Mix-ins
- 8 pieces bacon, cooked and chopped
- 2 tablespoons green onion or chives, chopped
- 1/3 cup pickles, chopped
Assembly
- 4 large flour tortillas (or 6 smaller tortillas)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a small mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and mayonnaise. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and creamy, ensuring even consistency.
- Add Bacon and Vegetables: Stir in the cooked and chopped bacon, chopped green onions or chives, and chopped pickles into the cream cheese mixture, folding them evenly throughout.
- Cook the Sausage: Heat a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add the canola oil, and when hot, add the ground sausage. Break the sausage apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Season the meat with salt, pepper, and paprika. Continue cooking until the sausage is lightly browned and fully cooked through, then remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
- Assemble the Pinwheels: Lay the flour tortillas flat and spread a generous layer of the cream cheese mixture evenly over each one. Distribute about ½ cup of the cooked sausage mixture evenly on top of the cream cheese layer.
- Roll and Slice: Roll each tortilla tightly to form a log shape. Using a sharp knife, slice each rolled tortilla into 1-inch pinwheels. Serve immediately or refrigerate in an airtight container until ready to serve.
Notes
- For best results, use softened cream cheese to make mixing easier.
- You can substitute turkey sausage for a leaner option.
- These pinwheels can be prepared a few hours ahead and refrigerated until serving.
- Chilling the rolled tortillas before slicing helps maintain their shape.
- If tortillas are large, you can cut pinwheels smaller or larger depending on preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cuban
Keywords: Cuban sausage pinwheels, sausage appetizer, party snack, Cuban cuisine, cheesy pinwheels, bacon pinwheels
