Fig And Goat Cheese Pinwheels Recipe

I love creating recipes that spark interest. My newest recipe pairs flaky puff pastry with tangy goat cheese, sweet fig jam, and fresh thyme. A touch of salt and optional walnuts with a drizzle of honey create a balanced flavor. These wrapped appetizers bring a clever twist on an understated classic.

I recently discovered these Fig and Goat Cheese Pinwheels and they’ve quickly become one of my favorite recipes. I love how they mix the creamy texture of 4 oz goat cheese with the sweetness of 1/3 cup fig jam, all wrapped in a sheet of puff pastry that turns golden and flaky when baked.

I add 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves, a pinch of salt and pepper, and sometimes even mix in chopped walnuts to give it that crunchy twist. Drizzling a little honey on top just before serving takes it to a whole new level.

Its design perfects the art of sophisticated yet simple finger foods, making it a great choice for anything from a fancy holiday gathering to a unique wedding appetizer. Honestly, this is one of the tastiest ways I’ve found to impress at any event while keeping it totally fuss-free.

Enjoy experimenting with it as much as I did!

Why I Like this Recipe

I really love this recipe for a few reasons. First, I love how the mix of creamy goat cheese and sweet fig jam creates a crazy cool flavor combo that feels both fancy and comforting at the same time. Second, I dig that the recipe is super simple to make. I can roll out the puff pastry, spread the cheese and jam, add some thyme and a pinch of salt and pepper, and then roll it all up to make these awesome pinwheels that always impress my friends.

Another thing is that I appreciate how customizable it is. Sometimes I throw in some walnuts for crunch and drizzle honey after baking for some extra sweetness. It gives me the freedom to tweak the flavors and textures just the way I like them. And lastly, these pinwheels are perfect for almost any occasion, whether I’m hosting a chill brunch or a holiday get together.

Overall, this recipe is delicious, easy, and fun to make – that’s why it’s one of my all time favorites!

Ingredients

• This puff pastry adds airy carbs and flaky texture to bind sweet and savory flavors.
• Tangy goat cheese gives protein and creaminess while balancing fig jam natural sweetness.
• Sweet fig jam brings in antioxidants and a burst of fruity flavor to the mix.
• Fresh thyme leaves add a herby note and work as a natural anti-inflammatory boost.
• Salt and pepper balance the flavors, enhancing every bite with punchy seasoning.
• Chopped walnuts, if added, offer crunchy textures and heart-healthy omega fats.
• A drizzle of honey adds natural sweetness and a glossy finish to the pinwheels.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)
• 4 oz goat cheese
• 1/3 cup fig jam
• 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
• Honey for drizzling (optional)

How to Make this

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Roll out the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface until it’s smooth and even.

3. Spread the goat cheese evenly over the puff pastry leaving about a 1/2 inch border around the edges.

4. Next, spread the fig jam over the goat cheese, making sure every bite gets a bit of sweetness.

5. Sprinkle the fresh thyme leaves evenly over the top then season with salt and pepper to taste.

6. If you’re using walnuts, scatter the chopped walnuts over the mixture to add a nice crunch.

7. Now carefully roll up the pastry from one edge to the opposite edge, trying not to let the filling spill out entirely.

8. Slice the roll into 1/2 inch thick pinwheels and arrange them on your prepared baking sheet.

9. Bake in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes or until the pastry turns golden and flaky.

10. Finally, remove from the oven and drizzle with a little honey if you like; let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!

Equipment Needed

1. Oven – You need it set to 400°F to bake the puff pastry just right so that its layers turn golden and flaky, which also means less added fats compared to deep fried foods.
2. Baking sheet – It holds the pastry roll and lets it cook evenly; using parchment paper on it helps prevent extra oil absorption during baking.
3. Parchment paper – This keeps the pastry from sticking, ensuring the dish stays low in any extra fats that could be added by using too much butter or oil.
4. Rolling pin – It helps roll out the puff pastry on a floured surface to give it a smooth and even thickness for proper nutrient distribution from the ingredients.
5. Knife – A sharp knife is needed to cut the roll into consistent 1/2 inch thick pinwheels; uniform pieces helps keep portions even for balanced nutritional intake.
6. Spatula or butter knife – These utensils are used to spread the goat cheese and fig jam evenly. Doing so helps ensure you get an even mix of proteins and natural sugars throughout the roll.
7. Measuring cups and spoons – They are important for accurately measuring the fig jam and thyme, which is key for balancing the flavors and keeping the nutritional facts in check.

FAQ

Fig And Goat Cheese Pinwheels Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Instead of puff pastry, you could use phyllo dough or even a pre-made pie crust. It might change the texture a little, but it still tastes great
• If goat cheese isn’t available, try cream cheese or mix in some ricotta for a creamier alternative
• Swap fig jam with apricot or raspberry jam, but keep in mind it’ll bring a slightly different sweetness
• If you run out of fresh thyme, dried thyme works just fine—use only a third of the amount since its flavors are more concentrated
• Don’t have walnuts? Pecans or sliced almonds make good, crunchy substitutes

Pro Tips

1. Make sure your puff pastry is nicely thawed and even before you roll it out so the filling doesn’t leak out when you roll because an uneven roll can mess up the whole look and taste.

2. Don’t overdo spreading the goat cheese and fig jam – a generous but balanced layer ensures every bite gets a little of both without making the pastry soggy.

3. When rolling the pastry, roll it tightly and gently. A firm but careful roll helps keep all that tasty filling in place, so don’t rush it, even if you’re in a hurry.

4. Keep a close watch on them in the oven, since baking times might vary depending on your oven. A few extra minutes can make the pastry too crunchy, so check early to get that perfect golden flakiness.