Fig and Goat Cheese Pinwheels

These Fig and Goat Cheese Pinwheels transform ordinary puff pastry into an elegant appetizer that strikes the perfect balance between savory and sweet. The combination of creamy goat cheese with jammy fig preserves creates little spirals of flavor that disappear quickly at any gathering.

I first made these pinwheels for a last-minute holiday gathering when I needed something impressive without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination was so popular that they've become my signature appetizer for everything from casual wine nights to formal dinner parties.

Ingredients

• Puff pastry sheet 13.2 oz: one sheet makes serving for 6 people and creates the flaky, buttery base
• Fig preserves ½ cup: provides natural sweetness and distinctive flavor
• Goat cheese 4 oz: adds tanginess that balances the sweet preserves
• Fresh thyme 4-5 sprigs: brings earthy aromatic notes that elevate the flavor profile
• Light brown sugar 2 tbsp: creates caramelization and enhances the sweetness
• Large egg 1: for egg wash gives the pastries their beautiful golden shine

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Base:

Unroll thawed puff pastry onto parchment paper ensuring it's completely flat. Spread fig preserves evenly across the surface leaving approximately one inch border around the edges to prevent filling from escaping during rolling.

Add the Toppings:

Crumble goat cheese evenly over the fig preserves layer ensuring even distribution for consistent flavor in each bite. Sprinkle brown sugar across the surface then distribute fresh thyme leaves. The combination creates a sweet savory balance that makes these pinwheels irresistible.

Roll and Chill:

Gently roll the pastry into a tight log starting from one edge and keeping tension consistent throughout to avoid air pockets. Once rolled wrap the log in parchment paper and place in freezer for 20 minutes. This chilling time is crucial for clean slicing and helps maintain the spiral shape during baking.

Slice and Prepare:

Preheat oven to 400°F while pastry chills. Remove chilled log and slice into ½ inch thick pinwheels using a very sharp knife. Wipe the knife clean between cuts for cleaner edges. Arrange pinwheels on parchment lined baking sheet with space between each piece.

Bake to Perfection:

Beat egg in small bowl and brush lightly over tops of pinwheels creating a glossy finish when baked. Bake for 15-20 minutes until pastry is puffed and golden brown with caramelized edges. The fig preserves will become slightly jammy and the cheese will develop a lovely creaminess.

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The first time I served these pinwheels at a holiday party, they disappeared within minutes. My friend's mother, who claimed to dislike goat cheese, ate four of them before asking for the recipe. The magic is in the fig preserves which mellows the tanginess of the cheese while the flaky pastry brings everything together.

Making Ahead and Storage

These pinwheels offer excellent flexibility for entertaining. You can prepare the roll up to 24 hours ahead of time and keep it tightly wrapped in the refrigerator. For longer storage, the unsliced roll freezes beautifully for up to a month. Simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight before slicing and baking.

Once baked, the pinwheels are best enjoyed warm from the oven when the pastry is at its flakiest. However, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to two days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes to restore their crispy texture rather than using a microwave which can make them soggy.

Perfect Pairings

These fig and goat cheese pinwheels pair wonderfully with both wine and cocktails. For wine lovers, try serving them with a glass of prosecco or champagne where the bubbles cut through the richness of the cheese. A light-bodied pinot noir also complements the fig flavor beautifully.

On a cheese board, they work well alongside honeycomb, marcona almonds, and a few slices of prosciutto for a more substantial appetizer spread. For a complete cocktail hour, pair them with something refreshing like a gin and tonic with a sprig of thyme to echo the herbs in the pinwheels.

Variations to Try

While this classic combination is perfect as written, the recipe welcomes creative adaptations. Try adding finely chopped walnuts or pistachios between the fig and goat cheese layers for added texture and nutty flavor. A drizzle of honey instead of brown sugar works beautifully for a more floral sweetness.

For a more savory version, add thinly sliced prosciutto before rolling. The saltiness complements the sweet fig preserves wonderfully. You can also experiment with different preserves such as apricot or cherry if fig is unavailable, though the classic fig provides that special Mediterranean flair that makes these pinwheels truly special.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I substitute goat cheese in this dish?

Yes, you can substitute with cream cheese or feta for a different but equally delicious flavor.

→ What can I use instead of fig preserves?

You can try apricot preserves, raspberry jam, or honey for a comparable sweetness and flavor.

→ Can I make the pinwheels ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare and freeze the rolled pastry log in advance, then slice and bake when needed.

→ How do I prevent the filling from spilling out?

Make sure to roll the pastry tightly and chill the log before slicing to help the filling stay in place.

→ Can these be reheated?

Yes, reheat in a 350°F oven for about 5-7 minutes to restore their crispness.