Tangy Fig & Goat Cheese Pinwheels Recipe: Sweet-Savory Swirls

These delicate appetizers with fig and goat cheese pinwheels bring sophisticated flavors to any gathering.

Soft, creamy goat cheese blends perfectly with sweet, jammy figs in a delightful combination.

The delicate pastry wraps around rich, smooth ingredients, creating an elegant bite-sized treat.

Each pinwheel offers a balanced harmony of textures and tastes that dance across your palate.

Simple ingredients come together with minimal effort to produce an impressive starter.

Fresh herbs and crisp pastry elevate these pinwheels from ordinary to extraordinary.

You’ll want to serve these at your next dinner party or special occasion.

Pairing Ideas For Fig and Goat Cheese Pinwheels

• Appetizer Party Platter: Arrange pinwheels beautifully on a wooden board with fresh thyme sprigs, creating an elegant and inviting presentation that guests will love.
• Wine Pairing Paradise: Serve these pinwheels alongside a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio to complement the sweet and tangy flavors.
• Brunch Centerpiece: Create a stunning morning spread by placing pinwheels next to a fresh fruit salad and light yogurt, making a delightful weekend breakfast option that looks gourmet and tastes incredible.
• Cocktail Hour Delight: Prepare these pinwheels in advance and serve as sophisticated bite-sized appetizers during happy hour or small gatherings, perfect for impressing friends with minimal effort.

Keep Fig And Goat Cheese Pinwheels Fresh For Later

• Quick Chill and Rest: Let pinwheels cool completely on a wire rack for maximum crispness, preventing soggy bottoms and maintaining their delightful texture.
• Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover pinwheels in an airtight container for up to 3 days, layering between parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain quality.
• Freezing Magic: Prepare unbaked pinwheels, flash freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to freezer bags for convenient make-ahead appetizers lasting 2 months.
• Reheating Perfection: Warm refrigerated or frozen pinwheels in a preheated 350F oven for 5-7 minutes, ensuring they regain their crispy exterior and warm, gooey center.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 200 kcal

Servings: 9

What You Need For Fig and Goat Cheese Pinwheels

• Puff Pastry: Provides delicate, flaky foundation with buttery layers that creates elegant texture.
• All-Purpose Flour: Helps prevent sticking during rolling and ensures smooth pastry preparation.

• Goat Cheese: Delivers tangy, rich creaminess that balances sweet components.
• Fig Jam: Brings deep, luxurious sweetness with natural fruity complexity.
• Honey: Adds golden, smooth sweetness that enhances overall flavor profile.
• Walnuts: Contribute nutty crunch and earthy undertones for textural contrast.

• Fresh Thyme: Introduces delicate, aromatic herb notes that complement sweet and creamy elements.

• Egg: Creates beautiful golden-brown sheen and helps seal pastry edges for professional presentation.

• Extra Honey: Provides additional glossy drizzle for enhanced visual appeal and sweetness.
• Additional Fresh Thyme: Offers final aromatic herb sprinkle for elegant finishing touch.

Gadgets To Make Fig and Goat Cheese Pinwheels

• Baking Sheet: Essential for evenly baking pinwheels.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
• Rolling Pin: Helps roll out puff pastry smoothly and evenly.
• Sharp Knife: Crucial for slicing precise pinwheel pieces.
• Mixing Bowl: Used for preparing egg wash.
• Small Brush: Perfect for applying golden egg wash.
• Cutting Board: Provides stable surface for rolling and slicing pastry.

Making Fig and Goat Cheese Pinwheels At Home

• Awaken the Pastry

Grab your puff pastry and let it chill at room temperature. Dust your countertop with a whisper of flour and gently unfold the pastry into a gorgeous rectangle.

• Create Creamy Magic

Spread a silky layer of tangy goat cheese across the pastry landscape. Follow with dollops of luscious fig jam, creating a delightful canvas of flavors.

• Sprinkle Flavor Boosters

Scatter crunchy walnuts and fragrant thyme leaves over the creamy base. Drizzle golden honey for an extra touch of sweetness that’ll make taste buds dance.

• Roll and Transform

Carefully roll the pastry into a tight, beautiful log from one long edge. With a sharp knife, slice into elegant pinwheel rounds.

• Bake to Perfection

Arrange pinwheels on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush with a gleaming egg wash to achieve a stunning golden exterior. Slide into a preheated 375F oven and bake until they turn beautifully crisp and bronzed.

• Serve with Flair

Add a final flourish of honey and fresh thyme. Plate these irresistible bites and watch everyone’s eyes light up with excitement.

Helpful Tips For Fig and Goat Cheese Pinwheels

• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the pinwheel log ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 2 hours before slicing and baking, ensuring a perfectly crisp pastry every time.
• Gluten-Free Twist: Swap traditional puff pastry with gluten-free puff pastry to accommodate those with wheat sensitivities while maintaining the same delicious flavor profile.
• Cheese Lover's Option: Experiment with different soft cheeses like blue cheese or camembert for a unique flavor variation that adds exciting depth to the classic recipe.
• Vegan-Friendly Transformation: Replace goat cheese with almond-based soft cheese and use maple syrup instead of honey to create a completely plant-based version of these delightful pinwheels.
• Storage Savvy: Store leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and reheat in the oven at 350F for 5-7 minutes to restore their crispy texture.

Elegant Fig And Goat Cheese Pinwheels Recipe

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4.6 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Savory fig and goat cheese pinwheels offer a delightful Mediterranean-inspired appetizer that balances sweet and tangy flavors. Elegant party guests will appreciate these simple yet sophisticated rolled pastry bites with creamy cheese and jammy fig spread.

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Ingredients

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• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
• 4 oz (113 g) goat cheese, softened
• ½ cup (120 ml) fig jam or fig preserves
• ¼ cup (30 g) walnuts or pecans, chopped
• 1 tsp fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried)
• 1 tablespoon honey, plus more for drizzling
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Fresh thyme leaves

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Instructions

1. Pastry Preparation: Unfurl puff pastry onto a flour-dusted surface, creating a pristine rectangular foundation for the culinary masterpiece.
2. Cheese Layer: Spread goat cheese evenly across the entire pastry surface, establishing a creamy base that will anchor the intricate flavor profile.
3. Flavor Composition: Artfully distribute fig jam in graceful swirls, then generously cascade chopped walnuts and delicate thyme leaves across the canvas, creating a textural and aromatic landscape.
4. Rolling Technique: Meticulously roll the pastry from the long edge into a compact log, ensuring all ingredients are seamlessly integrated and distributed.
5. Portioning: Slice the log into precise one-inch pinwheel rounds using a razor-sharp knife, positioning them cut-side up on a parchment-lined baking sheet with minimal spacing.
6. Pre-Baking Finish: Lavish the pinwheels with a luxurious egg wash, which will transform the exterior into a gleaming, golden-brown shell during the baking process.
7. Baking Process: Slide the baking sheet into a preheated oven and bake until the pastry achieves a rich, caramelized complexion and crisp texture.
8. Final Flourish: Emerge from the oven and embellish with an additional honey drizzle and fresh thyme sprinkle, serving these elegant morsels while warmth intensifies their complex flavor harmony.

Notes

• Select Premium Pastry: Choose high-quality, all-butter puff pastry for maximum flakiness and rich flavor.
• Chill Before Rolling: Refrigerate the pastry for 10-15 minutes to prevent sticking and make rolling easier.
• Balanced Flavor Distribution: Spread goat cheese and fig jam evenly to ensure consistent taste in every bite.
• Control Moisture: Pat walnuts dry to prevent excess moisture from making the pastry soggy during baking.
• Precise Cutting Technique: Use a sharp, clean knife and slice with a smooth, quick motion to maintain pinwheel shape.
• Temperature Matters: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for golden, crisp exterior and perfectly cooked interior.
• Dietary Adaptations: Replace goat cheese with dairy-free alternatives for vegan version; use gluten-free puff pastry for gluten-sensitive guests.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg