Fig and Goat Cheese Pinwheels Recipe

If you’re hunting for the ultimate appetizer to charm any crowd, look no further than Fig and Goat Cheese Pinwheels! Sweet fig preserves, creamy goat cheese, fragrant thyme, and a hint of brown sugar—all wrapped in flaky puff pastry—make this bite-sized treat positively irresistible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Part of the charm of Fig and Goat Cheese Pinwheels is their simplicity! Each ingredient is carefully chosen to contribute a burst of flavor or texture, and together they create an appetizer that’s equal parts approachable and impressive.

• Puff Pastry (1 sheet, thawed): Store-bought puff pastry saves time and bakes up irresistibly light and crispy. Thaw it in the fridge before starting.
• Fig Preserves (½ cup): The star ingredient! Fig jam brings beautiful sweetness and a deep, fruity flavor you’ll crave.
• Goat Cheese (4 oz, crumbled): Tangy and creamy, this cheese balances the sticky-sweet fig for an elevated result.
• Fresh Thyme (4-5 sprigs): The herbal hint wakes up every bite—snip off the leaves for best flavor.
• Light Brown Sugar (2 tbsp): Adds a touch of caramelized depth, enhancing the jammy richness.
• Egg (1, for egg wash): A quick brush gives your pinwheels their beautiful sheen and golden hue.

Variations

One of the best things about Fig and Goat Cheese Pinwheels is how easily you can make them your own. Here are my favorite twists—don’t hesitate to let your pantry inspire you!

• Add Chopped Nuts: Sprinkle in toasted walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and a nutty touch that pairs wonderfully with both fig and goat cheese.
• Swap the Jam: Not a fig fan? Try apricot, raspberry, or even plum preserves for a fresh flavor profile.
• Herb Upgrade: Fresh rosemary or basil can be swapped for thyme, each bringing its unique character to the pinwheels.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use your favorite plant-based soft cheese—there are some fantastic tangy vegan varieties out there!

How to Make Fig and Goat Cheese Pinwheels

Step 1: Prepare Your Puff Pastry

Start by unrolling your thawed sheet of puff pastry onto a piece of parchment paper. If it feels a little sticky, lightly flour your hands or rolling pin, but there’s no need to overwork it—keep things light so your pastry stays tender and flaky.

Step 2: Layer on Fig Preserves

Spread the fig preserves evenly over the pastry, leaving about an inch border on each side. This ensures every bite has just enough sweet jammy goodness without the filling oozing out as you roll.

Step 3: Add Goat Cheese, Sugar, and Thyme

Crumble the goat cheese across the surface, sprinkle with light brown sugar, and scatter the thyme leaves on top. Try to distribute them as evenly as possible for flavor in every swirl.

Step 4: Roll and Chill

Gently roll the pastry into a tight log, starting at one long edge and rolling towards the other. Use the parchment paper to help you guide and keep the roll snug. Once it’s a log, wrap it with the parchment and place in the freezer for about 20 minutes—this makes slicing a breeze!

Step 5: Slice and Arrange

Preheat your oven to 400°F while the roll chills. Using a very sharp knife (wiping it between cuts helps!), slice the roll into ½-inch pinwheels and lay them cut-side up on your parchment-lined sheet pan. Space them so they have room to puff up.

Step 6: Egg Wash and Bake

Whisk up your egg, then lightly brush the tops of the pastries with the egg wash. Pop them in the oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until gloriously golden and crispy. Sprinkle with extra thyme and a touch more brown sugar right after baking for a perfect finish!

How to Serve Fig and Goat Cheese Pinwheels

Garnishes

For a final flourish, scatter extra fresh thyme leaves and a gentle dusting of brown sugar over the warm Fig and Goat Cheese Pinwheels. If you want to get extra fancy, a drizzle of honey right before serving adds an irresistible sheen and touch of sweetness.

Side Dishes

Serve these pinwheels with a fresh arugula salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette, a tray of briny olives, or a vibrant fruit platter. They also shine alongside a cheese board or as a chic addition to brunch spreads.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your Fig and Goat Cheese Pinwheels in a circular “wreath” on a marble platter for a festive display, or thread them onto elegant skewers for easy passing at parties. Portion in mini cupcake liners for personal servings at buffets, and sprinkle with edible flowers for a showstopping finish!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let the pinwheels cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh, tender, and just as flavorful for 2–3 days.

Freezing

For easy entertaining, freeze the unbaked, sliced pinwheels in a single layer on a sheet pan. Once solid, transfer to a bag or container—bake straight from frozen, adding a couple extra minutes to the baking time!

Reheating

To revive that just-baked crispness, pop refrigerated or thawed pinwheels on a baking sheet in a 350°F oven for 6–8 minutes, until warmed through and the edges are once again golden and flaky.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to wow friends and family with epic flavor, Fig and Goat Cheese Pinwheels are the way to go. They’re elegant but effortless—and once you taste that flaky, tangy, jammy swirl, you’ll be hooked. Happy baking and enjoy every delicious bite!

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