These 3-ingredient Easy Sausage Swirls are made by spreading your favorite spicy mustard and bulk pork sausage over purchased crescent roll dough to make a fantastic appetizer! Or serve with scrambled eggs and fruit for a delicious breakfast treat.
These Easy Sausage Swirls are one of those recipes you need in your back pocket to pull out when an occasion calls for something quick and impressive. If you can pop open a can of crescent roll dough, you can whip up these swirly rounds of flaky dough filled with sausage and mustard in just over 30 minutes.
Just imagine there’s a big football party in the neighborhood, and you’re supposed to bring a dish, but you didn’t plan ahead. You know, not all of us plan weeks in advance. I’m just sayin’.
If you’re down to the last minute and need a little something-something, this is a great idea. It’s simple. Guys, girls, and kids all love it, and you just may have everything you need to make it in your fridge right now.
Besides being the perfect party food, these yummy bites also work well on a brunch buffet or as an appetizer with drinks.
— This post was originally published on February 3, 2012. It has been updated with new photos and additional information.
Recipe Snapshot
Cuisine: American
Cooking Method: Oven
Total Time: 35 Minutes
Servings: 20
Primary Ingredient(s): Crescent rolls, grainy mustard, sausage
Skill Level: Easy
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING …
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“I’m so glad I found this recipe. My grandfather would make these when we would take family vacations and I have been searching for the recipe for a few years now.”
— Ben
What Makes This Recipe Special
This recipe is proof that simple doesn’t have to be boring. With just three ingredients, these sausage swirls come together quickly and result in a savory, flaky bite. Sausage is paired here with tangy mustard inside crescent dough to create a flavor combination that’s bold and balanced.
What really sets this recipe apart is its versatility. These swirls work for a holiday get-together as well as they do for a casual weekend brunch. They can be prepped ahead, sliced neatly, and served warm with very little last-minute work, which makes them especially good for feeding a crowd.
Ingredient Notes
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- Crescent Rolls – I typically use Pillsbury refrigerated crescent rolls, but any brand you like is fine. You can also substitute with reduced-fat rolls.
- Mustard – I’ve made these with both spicy brown mustard and a very grainy mustard. I prefer the grainy type, but they’re equally delicious with either.
- Sausage – You’ll want bulk sausage and can use your favorite brand – I recommend Jimmy Dean – and your desired heat level. If you’re serving children, I’d stick with a mild or sage flavored sausage. If serving adults who appreciate a little spiciness, go for it!
The complete ingredient list with detailed measurements is included in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
How to Make Sausage Swirls
- Start by preheating the oven to 400 degrees.
- Separate the crescent dough into four long rectangles. (I was working with just two at a time in the photos.) Pinch the seams of the dough together so that they’re sealed.
- Spread each of the rectangles with your choice of mustard.
- Gently spread the sausage on top of the mustard.
- Now, roll each of the rectangles up lengthwise into a long cylinder.
- At this point, you can cover and chill them until you’re ready to bake.
Pro Tip
The sausage is much easier to spread if you let it sit out at room temperature for 30-45 minutes beforehand. If you’re using a sausage that you haven’t tasted before, be sure to cook up a little quarter-sized piece in a skillet and taste it before using it in the recipe so you’ll be aware of how spicy it is.
- Cut each cylinder into about 1 to 1 1/2″ pieces.
- Place each piece on its end on a parchment-lined baking sheet and flatten it gently into a small disk.
- Cook for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm.
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Recipe Tips
- Keep the crescent roll dough cold until you’re ready to use it. Cold dough is easier to handle, less sticky, and far less likely to stretch or tear while you’re working with it. Work as quickly as you can to assemble the swirls while the dough is still cool.
- Use room-temperature, but not warm sausage. You want it soft enough to spread easily without dragging and tearing the dough.
- Spread the mustard in a thin, even layer. Depending on the strength of the mustard, too much may overpower the sausage.
- Roll the dough gently and evenly, applying light pressure. A tight roll can squeeze out the filling, while a loose roll won’t hold its shape.
- For the cleanest slices, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts.
Variations to Try
There are so many ways to vary this recipe and make it into your own creation! Try one of more of these:
- Before rolling, add 1/2 cup grated Parmesan evenly sprinkled over the sausage layer.
- Add a layer of 1/2 cup grated Cheddar cheese.
- Use puff pastry instead of crescent rolls.
- Substitute turkey sausage for a lower fat option.
- Use bulk Italian sausage with a layer of cream cheese.
Serving Suggestion
Serve with additional mustard to spread on each swirl. I sometimes make a dipping sauce with 4 parts mayonnaise, 1 part grainy or spicy brown mustard, and a squirt of lemon juice.
Don’t forget that these sausage swirls are more than just an appetizer! They’re also perfect for breakfast. Serve them with my Alpine eggs and a bowl of cheese grits, with fresh fruit as an accompaniment.
Questions About Sausage Swirls
Yes, you can make these ahead of time, which is especially convenient if you’re cooking for a party. Prep them up to the point of baking, cover well, and keep them in the refrigerator overnight. When ready to bake, allow the prepared swirls to come to room temperature, and then bake according to the recipe.
Any leftovers will keep well covered in the refrigerator for about three days. You can also freeze them for up to three months.
Have a question or thought to share?
If you have a question about the recipe or if you’ve made it and want to share how it turned out, I would truly enjoy hearing from you. Just scroll down to leave a comment or add your star rating.
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Recipe
Easy Sausage Swirls
Ingredients
- 16 ounces refrigerated crescent rolls (2 cans)
- ¼ cup grainy or brown spicy mustard
- 1 pound bulk pork sausage
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
- Separate crescent rolls into four long rectangles. Press perforations well to seal.16 ounces refrigerated crescent rolls
- Spread each rectangle lightly with mustard.¼ cup grainy or brown spicy mustard
- Divide sausage into four equal parts and spread a thin layer on each rectangle.1 pound bulk pork sausage
- Roll each rectangle into a long cylinder.
- Chill, covered, until ready to serve.
- Slice the rolls into 1” pieces.
- Gently flatten each slice into a small disk.
- Place on a parchment lined baking sheet and bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Notes
- The sausage is much easier to spread if you let it sit out at room temperature for 30-45 minutes beforehand.
- After rolling the dough, you can cover and chill until you’re ready to bake.
- To make in advance — prep up to baking, cover well and keep in the refrigerator several hours or overnight. When ready to bake, bring to room temperature and then bake according to the recipe.
- Any leftovers will keep well covered in the refrigerator for about three days. You can also freeze them for up to three months.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information is calculated by software based on the ingredients in each recipe. It is an estimate only and is provided for informational purposes. You should consult your healthcare provider or a registered dietitian if precise nutrition calculations are needed for health reasons.
Delicious!
I’m so glad I found this recipe. My grandfather would make these when we would take family vacations and I have been searching for the recipe for a few years now.
These look delicious Lana! I’m always looking for new appetizers so I’m pinning this :)
Love these, my mom makes something similar with prosciutto and they’re always gobbled right up!
this looks gorgeous! thanks for sharing. i will subscribe to your blog. feel free to pop over and say hi sometime x
Oh yes – now this is Super Bowl appetizer bliss. I love how easy they are, too.
Yes, definitely football food! And so easy.
These pinwheels look so cute and the recipe itself sounds so easy to make. Thanks for sharing the brillant idea and beautiful photos :)
That sounds really delicious!
Those look delicious. I adore finger foods for game day.
Me, too, Carolyn. I love having a whole plateful of different little bites.
I was wondering what to add to my Super Bowl menu (I have guests from Virginia, and want to make something different)……. Bingo!
Thanks.
Miss P
Hope you like it! Also try the turnip green dip from last week – it’s delicious!
Oh I like this idea, my hubby loves anything sausage:-) They look easy and fun to make! Hugs, Terra
If your hubby likes sausage, he’ll really love these! Mine does :-)