Fig and Goat Cheese Pinwheels Recipe

Introduction

Fig and Goat Cheese Pinwheels are a delightful savory snack that combines sweet fig preserves with tangy goat cheese in flaky puff pastry. Perfect for parties or a tasty appetizer, these pinwheels are easy to make and impressive to serve.

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 if frozen, then place it on parchment paper on a flat surface.
2. Step 2: Spread the fig preserves evenly over the pastry, leaving a ½ inch border around the edges.
3. Step 3: Crumble the goat cheese over the fig layer, then sprinkle the brown sugar and fresh thyme evenly on top.
4. Step 4: Roll the pastry tightly into a log, wrap it in parchment paper, and freeze for 20 minutes to firm up for easier slicing.
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 the slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush each pinwheel with the beaten egg wash.
7. Step 7: Bake for 15–20 minutes until golden brown. Optionally, garnish with crushed nuts or fresh thyme after baking.

Tips & Variations

• Use cold puff pastry and work quickly to prevent it from becoming sticky.
• Freeze the rolled log before slicing to get clean, even pinwheels.
• Swap fig preserves with apricot, date, or raspberry jam for different flavors.
• Try cheese alternatives like brie, mascarpone, or vegan cheese.
• Add herbs like rosemary, sage, or basil for a new twist.
• Incorporate caramelized onions or prosciutto for a savory variation.
• Sprinkle crushed walnuts or pistachios on top for extra crunch.

Storage

Store any leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes to restore flakiness. They can also be frozen unbaked after slicing; bake from frozen adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these pinwheels ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble and freeze the rolled log before slicing or slice the pinwheels and freeze them on a baking sheet. Bake from frozen when ready to serve.

Can I use other types of jam or cheese?

Absolutely! Apricot, date, or raspberry jams work well with goat cheese, and you can swap the goat cheese for brie, mascarpone, or a vegan cheese alternative depending on your preference.

Fig and Goat Cheese Pinwheels Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 116 reviews

These Fig and Goat Cheese Pinwheels combine flaky puff pastry with sweet fig preserves, tangy goat cheese, and fragrant thyme for a sophisticated appetizer or snack. Perfectly golden and crisp, they balance fruity sweetness with creamy cheese and a touch of herbaceous freshness, complemented optionally by crunchy nuts. Easy to make with a simple rolling and baking method, they’re a crowd-pleasing treat for any occasion.

• Author: Victoria
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 12–14 pinwheels 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pinwheels 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 (to garnish)

Instructions

1. Prep Your Puff Pastry: Ensure the puff pastry sheet is fully thawed but still cold for easy handling. Lay it flat on a piece of parchment paper placed on a clean, flat surface.
2. Spread the Fig Preserves: Evenly spread the fig preserves over the surface of the pastry, leaving about a ½ inch border around all edges free of filling to ensure proper sealing when rolled.
3. Add the Cheese and Seasonings: Sprinkle the crumbled goat cheese evenly over the fig spread, then sprinkle the brown sugar and scatter fresh thyme leaves evenly on top for a balanced flavor.
4. Roll and Chill: Carefully roll the puff pastry tightly into a log shape starting from one edge. Wrap the rolled log in parchment paper and freeze for 20 minutes; this chilling firms it up and makes slicing easier without crushing.
5. Slice and Bake: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Using a sharp knife, slice the log into ½-inch thick pinwheel rounds. Place the pinwheels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush each pinwheel generously with beaten egg to create a golden brown glaze during baking. Bake in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes or until the pinwheels are puffed and golden brown.
6. Optional Garnish: After baking, sprinkle with additional fresh thyme, crushed nuts, or a light drizzle of honey if desired for extra crunch and flavor.

Notes

• Use cold puff pastry to prevent it from becoming sticky and difficult to handle.
• Freeze the rolled pastry log before slicing to maintain clean, even pinwheel shapes.
• Always slice with a very sharp knife to avoid squashing the layers.
• Avoid overfilling to prevent sogginess and spilling during baking.
• Brush egg wash generously to achieve a beautiful golden color and sealed edges.
• Line baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking and promote even browning.
• Garnish pinwheels after baking for a polished presentation.

Keywords: fig pinwheels, goat cheese appetizers, puff pastry snacks, savory pinwheel recipe, easy party appetizers