Fig and Goat Cheese Pinwheels Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a snack that feels as fancy as it tastes delightful, Fig and Goat Cheese Pinwheels are absolute show-stoppers. Picture flaky, buttery puff pastry swirled with sweet fig preserves, tangy goat cheese, and fragrant thyme, each bite combining to create a heavenly little bundle of flavor. These pinwheels are surprisingly simple to make but bring a touch of elegance to any gathering or cozy afternoon treat. Trust me, once you try these Fig and Goat Cheese Pinwheels, they’ll become a fast favorite for entertaining or just sneaking a special bite for yourself.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Fig and Goat Cheese Pinwheels is in their straightforward and thoughtfully balanced ingredients. Each element plays a crucial role—the puff pastry gives crisp texture, the fig preserves provide sweetness, the goat cheese adds creamy tang, thyme brightens with herbaceous notes, and a touch of brown sugar lifts everything with caramel warmth.

• 1 thawed sheet puff pastry (13.2 oz): Choose a high-quality brand like Jus-Rol for the best flaky, golden results.
• ½ cup fig preserves: This adds natural fruity sweetness and moisture to balance the tangy cheese.
• 4 oz log goat cheese, crumbled: Its creamy texture and sharp flavor perfectly contrast the sweet figs.
• 4-5 sprigs fresh thyme: Fresh thyme adds a subtle earthy brightness and aroma.
• 2 tbsp light brown sugar: Sprinkled for a hint of caramelized sweetness that enhances the figs and pastry.
• 1 large egg: Beaten for an egg wash to give the finished pinwheels a gorgeous golden sheen.

How to Make Fig and Goat Cheese Pinwheels

Step 1: Prepare the Puff Pastry Base

Start by unrolling your thawed sheet of puff pastry onto a piece of parchment paper. This serves as both your workspace and baking surface, making clean-up easy later on. Spread the fig preserves evenly across the pastry, leaving about an inch border around the edges. This ensures each bite bursts with jammy sweetness without sogginess seeping to the edges.

Step 2: Layer the Goat Cheese and Thyme

Sprinkle the crumbled goat cheese generously over the fig preserves. The creamy, tangy goodness of goat cheese perfectly complements the sweet figs. Next, scatter light brown sugar and fresh thyme leaves evenly across the top. The sugar will caramelize slightly during baking, while thyme leaves release their aromatic oils that make this snack stand out.

Step 3: Roll It Up Tight

Carefully roll the pastry into a tight log, keeping the filling inside as much as possible. Rolling tightly is key to clean pinwheels that hold their shape when sliced and baked. To help maintain its shape and chill it quickly, wrap the roll snugly in the parchment paper.

Step 4: Chill the Roll

Pop the rolled pastry into the freezer for about 20 minutes. Chilling firms the dough which makes slicing easier and prevents the filling from squishing out. While it chills, preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to make sure it’s ready for baking.

Step 5: Slice Into Pinwheels

Remove the roll from the freezer and unwrap it carefully. Using a very sharp knife, slice into ½ inch thick pinwheels. To keep the edges clean and intact, wipe the knife blade after every cut. This keeps everything neat and ensures each pinwheel looks perfect before baking.

Step 6: Arrange and Brush for Baking

Lay the pinwheels evenly spaced on a parchment-lined baking sheet. In a small bowl, beat the egg to create an egg wash, then lightly brush each pastry top. This step is what gives the Fig and Goat Cheese Pinwheels that irresistible golden color and slight shine once baked.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake the pinwheels for 15 to 20 minutes or until they have puffed up and turned a beautiful golden brown. The pastry should be flaky and crisp while the filling is melty and flavorful. Let them cool slightly on the pan before serving to enjoy the maximum gooey, cheesy, sweet experience.

How to Serve Fig and Goat Cheese Pinwheels

Garnishes

For an extra touch of charm and flavor, sprinkle a few additional brown sugar crystals and fresh thyme leaves over the warm pinwheels just before serving. This adds a subtle sparkle and herbaceous brightness that enhances the overall experience.

Side Dishes

Fig and Goat Cheese Pinwheels pair beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette. Alternatively, serve them alongside a refreshing fruit platter or a small bowl of marinated olives for a well-rounded appetizer spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For entertaining, display your fig and goat cheese pinwheels upright in a decorative jar or arrange them on a rustic wooden board surrounded by fresh thyme sprigs and small bowls of fig preserves for dipping. This not only looks stunning but invites guests to dig in with excitement.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover Fig and Goat Cheese Pinwheels, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a warm oven to refresh the crispiness and keep them tasting fresh.

Freezing

These pinwheels freeze beautifully before baking. After slicing, place them on a parchment-lined tray in the freezer until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. When ready, bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Reheating

To reheat, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and warm the pinwheels on a baking sheet for about 8-10 minutes until heated through and crispy. Avoid microwaving as it can make the pastry soggy instead of flaky.

FAQs

Can I use dried figs instead of fig preserves?

Dried figs could work if chopped finely and mixed with a little honey or water to create a spreadable consistency, but fig preserves deliver the perfect balance of sweetness and moisture for these pinwheels.

Is goat cheese the only cheese that works in this recipe?

Goat cheese is ideal because of its tangy creaminess, but you could experiment with cream cheese or ricotta blends to find different textures and flavors that you love.

Can I make these pinwheels vegan?

Yes! Substitute the puff pastry with a vegan version, use a plant-based cheese substitute, and swap the egg wash with almond milk or a bit of maple syrup for brushing.

What’s the best way to slice the rolled pastry evenly?

A sharp knife is essential. Chill the dough well before slicing and wipe the blade clean between cuts to maintain smooth edges and avoid squashing the roll.

How far in advance can I prepare these pinwheels for a party?

You can assemble and slice the Fig and Goat Cheese Pinwheels a day ahead, keep them chilled or frozen, and then bake just before serving to ensure they are warm, flaky, and fresh.

Final Thoughts

Fig and Goat Cheese Pinwheels are a delightful mix of simple ingredients elevated into an impressive appetizer or snack. Whether you’re treating yourself on a quiet afternoon or looking to impress friends with minimal fuss, this recipe brings warmth and joy in every bite. Don’t hesitate—grab your puff pastry and let these luscious little pinwheels brighten your kitchen and your taste buds.

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