Fig and Goat Cheese Pinwheels Recipe

Introduction

Fig and Goat Cheese Pinwheels are a perfect combination of sweet, savory, and creamy all wrapped up in flaky puff pastry. These elegant appetizers are easy to make and impressive for any gathering. Enjoy them warm and golden, perfect alongside wine or as a charming addition to your snack table.

Ingredients

• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
• ½ cup fig preserves (or fig jam)
• 4 oz goat cheese, crumbled
• 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
• 4-5 sprigs fresh thyme
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• Optional: crushed walnuts or pecans

Instructions

1. Step 1: Let the puff pastry thaw completely and lay it flat on parchment paper on a clean surface.
2. Step 2: Spread the fig preserves evenly over the pastry, leaving a ½ inch border around the edges.
3. Step 3: Crumble the goat cheese over the fig layer, then sprinkle the brown sugar and fresh thyme evenly on top.
4. Step 4: Roll the pastry tightly into a log shape, wrap it in parchment paper, and freeze for 20 minutes to firm up.
5. Step 5: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the chilled log into ½-inch rounds with a sharp knife.
6. Step 6: Place the pinwheel slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush each with the beaten egg for a golden finish.
7. Step 7: Bake for 15–20 minutes or until the pinwheels are puffed and golden brown. Let cool slightly before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use apricot, date, or raspberry jam if you don’t have fig preserves on hand.
• Try Brie, mascarpone, or vegan cheese as a mild alternative to goat cheese.
• Swap thyme for rosemary, sage, or basil to change the herb flavor.
• Add caramelized onions or prosciutto for a savory twist.
• Sprinkle crushed walnuts, pecans, or pistachios on top for added crunch.

Storage

Store leftover pinwheels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day to keep the pastry crisp. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 3 days but expect softer pastry. You can freeze uncooked sliced pinwheels for up to 2 months and bake them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time. Reheat baked pinwheels in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-8 minutes to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving to prevent soggy pastry.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use another cheese instead of goat cheese?

Yes, Brie or mascarpone work well as milder alternatives and pair beautifully with fig preserves.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely. Prepare and roll the pinwheel log, then freeze it. When ready to serve, slice and bake directly from the freezer.

Fig and Goat Cheese Pinwheels Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 74 reviews

Fig and Goat Cheese Pinwheels combine flaky puff pastry with sweet fig preserves, creamy goat cheese, and fresh thyme for a savory-sweet appetizer that’s perfect for parties and special occasions. These elegant pinwheels are easy to make, versatile, and baked to golden perfection with a crisp, buttery crust and a flavorful filling that balances tangy, sweet, and herbal notes.

• Author: Nethan
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 12–14 pinwheels 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pinwheel Ingredients

• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
• ½ cup fig preserves (or fig jam)
• 4 oz goat cheese, crumbled
• 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
• 4–5 sprigs fresh thyme
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• Optional: crushed walnuts or pecans for garnish

Instructions

1. Prep Your Puff Pastry: Let the sheet of puff pastry thaw completely if frozen. Place it on parchment paper on a clean, flat surface to prepare for layering.
2. Spread the Fig Preserves: Evenly spread the fig preserves over the entire pastry sheet, leaving a ½ inch border around the edges free of filling to prevent leakage during baking.
3. Add Cheese and Seasonings: Sprinkle the crumbled goat cheese evenly over the fig layer, followed by a light dusting of brown sugar and fresh thyme leaves scattered on top.
4. Roll and Chill: Carefully roll the pastry tightly into a log shape using the parchment paper to help guide it. Wrap the log in parchment again and freeze it for 20 minutes; chilling makes slicing easier and helps maintain shape.
5. Slice and Bake: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Using a sharp knife, slice the chilled log into ½-inch thick rounds. Place each round on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spaced to allow air circulation. Brush the tops generously with beaten egg wash to promote browning.
6. Bake: Bake the pinwheels in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crisp.
7. Garnish and Serve (optional): After baking, optionally sprinkle with crushed walnuts or pecans and additional fresh thyme for extra texture and flavor. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

• Keep puff pastry cold but pliable; thaw in the refrigerator and handle quickly to avoid stickiness.
• Freeze the rolled log before slicing for clean, uniform pinwheels.
• Use a very sharp knife and wipe between cuts to prevent sticking and distortion.
• Avoid overfilling to prevent soggy, leaking pastries.
• Brush egg wash thoroughly for a golden, shiny finish and proper sealing.
• Line baking sheets with parchment or silicone mats to prevent sticking and improve browning.
• Store pinwheels properly in airtight containers and reheat in the oven at 350°F for best texture.

Keywords: Fig pinwheels, goat cheese appetizers, puff pastry snacks, savory pinwheels, easy party recipes, baked appetizers