Get ready to impress your friends and family with these delectable Moroccan Sausage Pinwheels, a simple and savory appetizer that’s packed with flavor. This recipe is a delightful twist on a classic, combining the beloved sausage roll with the warm, aromatic spices of Moroccan cuisine.
The Ultimate Crowd-Pleasing Appetizer
Are you looking for a show-stopping appetizer that’s both simple to make and bursting with unique flavors? Look no further than these Moroccan Sausage Pinwheels. Forget the bland, store-bought versions; this recipe elevates the classic party snack with a sophisticated, aromatic twist. By using a blend of traditional Moroccan spices like cumin, coriander, and cinnamon, we transform ordinary sausage meat into a rich, complex filling that will transport your taste buds to the vibrant markets of Marrakesh. The beautiful pinwheel shape not only makes them visually appealing but also ensures every bite is a perfect balance of flaky pastry and savory filling.
This recipe is designed to be accessible for cooks of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned home chefs. We’ll walk you through each step with clear, detailed instructions to ensure your pinwheels turn out perfectly every time. The process is straightforward: create a flavorful sausage filling, spread it on puff pastry, roll it up, and slice it into elegant pinwheels before baking. The result is a golden, crispy, and incredibly delicious treat that’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual get-together, a holiday party, or a cozy family dinner.
These Images shows a pinwheel stored in a freezer and a pinwheel cooked in an Air fryer.
Why You’ll Love These Sausage Pinwheels
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. While we’ll provide a core set of spices for an authentic Moroccan flavor, you can easily adjust them to your personal preference. Want more heat? Add a touch more cayenne or a spoonful of harissa paste. Prefer a milder flavor profile? Scale back on the spices. These pinwheels are a canvas for your culinary creativity. They can be made ahead of time and frozen, making them an excellent option for meal prepping or for those busy days when you need a quick, no-fuss appetizer.
Beyond their incredible taste, these sausage pinwheels are a great way to introduce new and exciting flavors to your repertoire. Moroccan cuisine is known for its warm spices and use of fresh herbs, which create a comforting yet exotic profile. This recipe is an ideal introduction to these flavors without being intimidating. You’ll be amazed at how a few simple ingredients can create such a memorable and impressive dish. It’s a testament to the power of spices in transforming everyday ingredients into something truly special.
So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to embark on a delicious culinary journey. These Moroccan Sausage Pinwheels are more than just a snack; they’re an experience that will delight your senses and leave your guests asking for the recipe. Let’s get started on creating a batch of these savory, flaky, and utterly irresistible treats that will become a new favorite in your home.
Time to Prepare: 20 minutes
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Time to Cook:
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 12 pinwheels
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 250mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 10g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Vitamin A: 2% DV
- Iron: 6% DV
The images show the equipment used for this recipe. Mixing bowl and frying pan, baking tray and rolling pin, pastry brush and knife.
Ingredients for Sausage Pinwheels
- 1 lb ground lamb or beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry (thawed)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Equipment:
- Large mixing bowl
- Large non-stick skillet
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Rolling pin
- Pastry brush
- Sharp knife
- Air fryer
Step-by-Step Instructions for Sausage Pinwheels
Prepare the Filling
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Add the finely minced onion and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until it becomes soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Add the ground lamb or beef, breaking it up with a spoon as you cook. Brown the meat thoroughly, ensuring no pink remains. Drain any excess fat from the pan.
Season and Combine
Return the cooked meat to the skillet. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the ground cumin, coriander, ginger, paprika, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to toast the spices and release their aromas. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the chopped parsley and cilantro until well combined. Allow the mixture to cool completely before proceeding to the next step. A cool filling is essential to prevent the puff pastry from becoming greasy and difficult to work with.
Roll Out the Pastry
On a lightly floured surface, carefully unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet. Gently roll it out into a large rectangle, about 10×15 inches, using a rolling pin. The goal is to make a smooth, even surface for the filling.
Assemble the Pinwheels
Once the filling is completely cooled, spread it evenly over the entire surface of the puff pastry, leaving a small 1-inch border on one of the long edges. This border will help seal the roll. Make sure the filling is spread in a thin, even layer so the pinwheels will roll up nicely.
Air Fryer Instructions
For a quicker cook time and an even crispier pastry, you can use an air fryer.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 360°F (180°C) for 3-5 minutes. This is a crucial step to ensure the pastry puffs up properly.
- Arrange the Pinwheels: Place the sliced pinwheels in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the basket, as this will prevent the air from circulating and result in uneven cooking. Work in batches if necessary.
- Apply Egg Wash: Brush the tops of the pinwheels with the beaten egg wash and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
- Air Fry: Cook for 12-15 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the filling is cooked through. Check on them halfway through to ensure they are browning evenly.
- Cool and Serve: Carefully remove the pinwheels from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
The images show pastry being prepared and the next image shows the mince getting spread over the prepared pastry.
Roll and Slice
Tightly roll the puff pastry from the long edge with the filling towards the clean border. This is the most crucial step to get the classic pinwheel shape. Once rolled, press the seam to seal it. Place the log in the freezer for 10-15 minutes to firm up. This will make it much easier to slice without squishing the shape. Use a very sharp knife to slice the log into ¾-inch thick rounds.
Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the sliced pinwheels on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about an inch of space between each one to allow them to puff up while baking. Whisk the egg in a small bowl and brush the tops and sides of each pinwheel with the egg wash. This will give them a beautiful, golden sheen. Sprinkle with sesame seeds for a final touch of flavor and texture.
The image shows mince in a frying pan and a plate with cooked Sausage pinwheels.
Serve and Enjoy
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the filling is cooked through. The exact time may vary depending on your oven. Once baked, remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack. Serve warm.
The Benefits of This Sausage Pinwheels
These Moroccan Sausage Pinwheels are more than just a delicious snack. The inclusion of spices like cumin, coriander, and ginger not only adds incredible flavor but also provides a host of health benefits.
These spices are known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can contribute to overall well-being. Using lean ground meat, such as lamb or beef, provides a good source of protein, essential for muscle repair and a feeling of fullness.
The addition of fresh herbs like parsley and cilantro introduces vitamins and minerals into the dish, making it a more wholesome option than many other party foods. This recipe allows you to serve a tasty and satisfying appetizer that you can feel good about.
The gallery shows the benefits of protein from meat, cumin and ginger
Variations on the Sausage Pinwheel Theme
| Variation | Description |
| Spicy Sausage Pinwheels | For a fiery kick, add a tablespoon of harissa paste to the meat filling. You can also use a spicy sausage instead of ground meat and spices. |
| Vegetarian Delight | Substitute the ground meat with a plant-based alternative or a mixture of finely chopped mushrooms and lentils. Increase the spices and add a bit of smoked paprika for a deeper flavor. |
| Cheese-Lovers’ Pinwheels | Sprinkle a layer of crumbled feta or goat cheese over the meat filling before rolling for a tangy, creamy addition. |
| Gluten-Free Version | Use a gluten-free puff pastry sheet, which is now widely available in many grocery stores. Follow the same steps as the original recipe. |
| Herbacious Twist | For an even fresher flavor, increase the amount of fresh herbs and consider adding a little bit of fresh mint or dill to the filling. |
Final Thoughts for Sausage Pinwheels
These Moroccan Sausage Pinwheels are more than just a recipe; they are an invitation to explore new and exciting flavors in your own kitchen. With a little effort, you can create a truly impressive appetizer that’s both comforting and exotic. The combination of warm spices, savory meat, and flaky pastry is simply irresistible. This is the kind of dish that will have your guests asking for seconds and requesting the recipe before they’ve even finished the first one. So go ahead, give it a try, and let these delectable sausage pinwheels transport you and your loved ones to a new world of taste.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make these Moroccan Sausage Pinwheels ahead of time?
A: Yes, absolutely! This is one of the best things about this recipe. You can assemble the entire log, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, simply slice and proceed with the baking instructions. Alternatively, you can slice the raw pinwheels, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze them until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to cook, just bake them directly from frozen, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
Q: What is the best way to serve these?
A: These pinwheels are delicious on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a dipping sauce. A simple yogurt-based dip with a little lemon and garlic, or a spicy harissa-yogurt sauce, would complement the flavors beautifully. They are best served warm, straight from the oven, for that perfect flaky, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
References:
- Harvard T.H. Chan – The Nutrition Source: 21 spices.
- American Heart Association – Common Herbs and Spices
- Puff Pastry – Tips and Techniques – Puff Pastry
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