Fig and Goat Cheese Pinwheels Recipe

If you love the delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors wrapped in a flaky, buttery pastry, then you are going to fall head over heels for these Fig and Goat Cheese Pinwheels. This irresistible appetizer features luscious fig preserves paired with creamy goat cheese and a hint of fresh thyme, all rolled inside crisp puff pastry that bakes to golden perfection. Whether you’re hosting a party or just craving a fancy snack, these pinwheels bring together simple ingredients for an elegant bite that tastes as amazing as it looks.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward yet essential in building the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Each element plays a unique role: the puff pastry creates buttery layers, the fig preserves add a fruity sweetness, the goat cheese brings creamy tang, the thyme introduces herbal freshness, and the brown sugar gives a touch of caramelized charm.

• 1 thawed sheet puff pastry (13.2 oz): This is the flaky foundation that crisps up beautifully in the oven. I love opting for the Jus-Rol brand for consistent quality.
• ½ cup fig preserves: Adds luscious sweetness and a sticky texture that complements the cheese perfectly.
• 4 oz log goat cheese, crumbled: Creamy with a slight tang that balances the sweetness in the fig preserves.
• 4-5 sprigs fresh thyme: A few aromatic herbs scattered throughout lift the entire flavor profile with a subtle earthiness.
• 2 tbsp light brown sugar: Sprinkled over to enhance caramelization and add a gentle molasses note.
• 1 large egg (for egg wash): Creates a glossy, golden crust that looks as stunning as it tastes.

How to Make Fig and Goat Cheese Pinwheels

Step 1: Prepare the Puff Pastry and Spread the Fig Preserves

Start by unrolling your thawed puff pastry sheet on a piece of parchment paper. Make sure your pastry is fully thawed but still cold to handle easily. Evenly spread the fig preserves over the surface, leaving about a one-inch border clear to help with rolling later on. The preserves act as both flavor and moisture, keeping every bite juicy and sweet.

Step 2: Add Goat Cheese, Brown Sugar, and Thyme

Next, crumble the goat cheese evenly over the layer of fig preserves. The creamy cheese will contrast the sweetness and soften as it bakes. Sprinkle the light brown sugar on top to add a touch of caramelized crunch. Tuck in the fresh thyme leaves to impart that gentle herbal lift to every bite.

Step 3: Roll It Up Tightly

Carefully roll the pastry into a tight log, starting from one long edge and working your way to the other. Make sure none of the filling spills out—this tight roll will ensure beautiful pinwheels with defined layers. Wrapping the log gently in parchment helps keep its shape.

Step 4: Chill the Roll

Pop the wrapped log into the freezer for about 20 minutes. This chilling step firms up the roll, making it much easier to slice cleanly without squashing the layers inside. While chilling, preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for that perfect golden bake.

Step 5: Slice into Pinwheels

Take the chilled roll out of the freezer and unwrap it from the parchment. Use a sharp knife to slice the roll into ½ inch thick rounds. Wiping your knife between cuts can help achieve nice, clean edges and prevent sticking.

Step 6: Arrange and Egg Wash

Place the pinwheels evenly spaced on the parchment-lined baking sheet. Beat the large egg and lightly brush the tops of each pinwheel with the egg wash. This step is key to achieving that inviting golden sheen and delightful crisp.

Step 7: Bake Until Golden and Flaky

Pop your sheet pan into the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until the pinwheels puff and turn a gorgeous golden brown. The smell alone is enough to make your mouth water!

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, sprinkle additional brown sugar and fresh thyme leaves on top for that final touch of sweetness and a pop of color. Best enjoyed warm, these Fig and Goat Cheese Pinwheels are a showstopper on any table.

How to Serve Fig and Goat Cheese Pinwheels

Garnishes

Fresh thyme leaves scattered on top instantly brighten the dish visually and aromatically. A light dusting of extra brown sugar adds an enticing sparkle and sweet crunch that harmonizes beautifully with the creamy center.

Side Dishes

These pinwheels pair wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette to balance the rich cheese and pastry. They also make a fantastic accompaniment to a charcuterie board, alongside cured meats and olives for a sophisticated snack spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or special occasions, serve Fig and Goat Cheese Pinwheels on a large wooden board garnished with extra thyme sprigs and small bowls of fig preserves for dipping. You can also stick toothpicks in each pinwheel for easy finger food or even layer them in a pretty tiered dessert stand for a delightful presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover pinwheels in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. To keep them from losing their crispiness, avoid stacking them too tightly and allow room for air circulation inside the container.

Freezing

You can freeze the assembled but unbaked pinwheel roll wrapped tightly in parchment and foil for up to a month. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake according to the recipe. This makes it easy to have a fresh batch anytime.

Reheating

Reheat leftover pinwheels in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5-7 minutes or until warm and crisp again. Avoid the microwave, as it tends to make puff pastry soggy rather than flaky.

FAQs

Can I use dried figs instead of fig preserves?

Dried figs could work but will need to be finely chopped and possibly softened with a little water or syrup to spread easily. Fig preserves add that perfect jam-like consistency and sweetness that complements the savory cheese.

What can I substitute for goat cheese?

Soft cheeses like cream cheese or ricotta can be used, but goat cheese offers a unique tang that pairs flawlessly with figs. If you prefer a milder cheese, cream cheese with a bit of lemon zest works well.

Is it possible to make these vegan?

Definitely! Use vegan puff pastry, replace goat cheese with a plant-based cheese spread, and substitute the egg wash with a plant milk glaze mixed with maple syrup or agave for browning.

How long can I keep the pinwheel roll in the freezer?

For best flavor and texture, freeze the unbaked pinwheel roll for up to one month. Beyond that, quality may decline, but it should still be safe to eat if properly stored.

Can I add nuts for extra texture?

Yes! Chopped toasted walnuts or pecans can be sprinkled on top of the fig preserves before adding the goat cheese. This adds a lovely crunch and earthy flavor that works exceptionally well with the other ingredients.

Final Thoughts

Fig and Goat Cheese Pinwheels are one of those magic recipes that look impressive but come together with ease using just a handful of everyday ingredients. Every bite delivers an irresistible combination of sweet, savory, creamy, and flaky textures that I promise you’ll want to make again and again. Give this recipe a try and watch how it instantly becomes a treasured favorite for your gatherings or your cozy nights in.

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