Fig and Goat Cheese Pinwheels Recipe

Introduction

Fig and Goat Cheese Pinwheels are a delightful blend of sweet, savory, and creamy flavors wrapped in flaky puff pastry. Perfect as an appetizer or an elegant snack, these bite-sized treats impress with minimal effort and maximum taste.

Ingredients

• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
• ½ cup fig preserves (or fig jam)
• 4 oz goat cheese, crumbled
• 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
• 4-5 sprigs fresh thyme
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• Optional: crushed walnuts or pecans

Instructions

1. Step 1: Let the puff pastry thaw completely on parchment paper placed on a flat surface.
2. Step 2: Spread fig preserves evenly over the pastry, leaving a ½ inch border around the edges.
3. Step 3: Crumble goat cheese over the fig layer, then sprinkle with brown sugar and fresh thyme.
4. Step 4: Roll the pastry tightly into a log, wrap in parchment, and freeze for 20 minutes to firm up.
5. Step 5: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the chilled log into ½-inch rounds using a sharp knife.
6. Step 6: Place pinwheels on a parchment-lined baking sheet, brush with beaten egg, and bake for 15–20 minutes until golden brown.

Tips & Variations

• Use cold puff pastry and chill the rolled log before slicing for clean, even pinwheels.
• Substitute fig preserves with apricot, date, or raspberry jam for different flavor profiles.
• Try brie, mascarpone, or vegan cheese in place of goat cheese for variety.
• Add caramelized onions, prosciutto, or sprinkle crushed nuts like walnuts or pistachios for extra texture.
• Brush pinwheels generously with egg wash to achieve a golden, glossy finish.

Storage

Store pinwheels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day to keep the pastry crisp. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 3 days, though the pastry may soften. You can freeze the pinwheels either before or after baking for up to 2 months; bake or reheat directly from frozen, adding a few minutes to the cooking time. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–8 minutes to restore crispness. Avoid microwave reheating to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use another cheese instead of goat cheese?

Yes, brie or mascarpone are excellent substitutes if you prefer a milder flavor. Vegan cheese also works well for a dairy-free option.

What kind of jam goes well with goat cheese?

Besides fig preserves, apricot, raspberry, and cranberry jams pair beautifully with goat cheese, offering a delightful balance of sweet and tangy.

Fig and Goat Cheese Pinwheels Recipe

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Fig and Goat Cheese Pinwheels are a delightful appetizer featuring flaky puff pastry rolled with sweet fig preserves, tangy goat cheese, fresh thyme, and a touch of brown sugar. These elegant, bite-sized treats bake to golden perfection and offer a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, ideal for entertaining or special occasions.

• Author: liam
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 12–14 pinwheels 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
• ½ cup fig preserves (or fig jam)
• 4 oz goat cheese, crumbled
• 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
• 4–5 sprigs fresh thyme
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• Optional: crushed walnuts or pecans for garnish

Instructions

1. Prep Your Puff Pastry: Thoroughly thaw the puff pastry sheet in the refrigerator until pliable but still cold. Unroll it on a flat surface lined with parchment paper, making sure it is evenly spread out and ready for filling.
2. Spread the Fig Preserves: Using a spatula, spread the fig preserves evenly over the pastry sheet, leaving a ½ inch border around the edges to prevent filling from oozing out during baking.
3. Add the Cheese and Seasonings: Evenly distribute the crumbled goat cheese over the fig preserves. Then sprinkle the brown sugar and fresh thyme leaves evenly across the surface to add flavor and aroma.
4. Roll and Chill: Carefully roll the puff pastry tightly into a log shape starting from one edge. Wrap the roll tightly in parchment paper and place it in the freezer for about 20 minutes to firm up for easier slicing.
5. Slice and Bake: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Remove the chilled roll from the freezer and slice it into ½-inch thick rounds using a sharp knife. Place the pinwheels spaced evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush each pinwheel generously with beaten egg wash for a golden finish.
6. Bake: Bake the pinwheels in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until they puff up and turn a beautiful golden-brown color. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.
7. Optional Garnish: After baking, sprinkle crushed walnuts or pecans and additional fresh thyme if desired for added texture and presentation.

Notes

• Use cold but pliable puff pastry to prevent tearing and ensure crisp layers.
• Freeze the rolled pastry before slicing to achieve clean cuts and maintain shape.
• Use a very sharp knife to avoid squashing the pinwheels when slicing.
• Moderate the filling amounts to prevent soggy pastry.
• Egg wash helps achieve a golden, glossy finish and seals edges.
• For best browning, bake on a parchment-lined or silicone mat-lined sheet.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container; refrigerate up to 3 days or freeze up to 2 months.
• Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-8 minutes on a wire rack for crispness; avoid microwaving.

Keywords: fig pinwheels, goat cheese appetizer, puff pastry snacks, sweet and savory bites, party appetizers