If you’re looking for an appetizer that’s truly a showstopper, Fig and Goat Cheese Pinwheels are your golden ticket to party stardom. This bite-sized delight combines buttery puff pastry, sweet and jammy figs, tangy goat cheese, earthy walnuts, and fresh thyme—delivering an irresistible combination of flavors and textures in each swirl. These pinwheels are elegant enough for holiday gatherings but simple and foolproof, making them a fantastic choice whether you’re throwing a party, joining a potluck, or just craving something special with your glass of wine.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Fig and Goat Cheese Pinwheels is how a handful of simple ingredients can come together to create something unforgettable. Each plays a role in building flavor, texture, and color: from crispy, golden layers to creamy richness and a pop of fresh herbs.
- Puff pastry: This is your flaky, buttery base—buy it pre-made for ease and best results.
- Fig jam: Delivers concentrated sweetness and a subtle earthy undertone that pairs perfectly with the cheese.
- Goat cheese: Brings creamy tang to balance the sweetness and keeps the filling luscious.
- Chopped walnuts: Add crunch and a slightly toasty, nutty note—don’t skip them if you love texture!
- Fresh thyme leaves: These brighten everything up and give the pinwheels a hint of herbal freshness.
- Egg (for egg wash): A simple egg wash gives your pinwheels that gorgeous, glossy golden shine.
- All-purpose flour: Just for dusting your work surface, ensuring the pastry rolls out smoothly without sticking.
How to Make Fig and Goat Cheese Pinwheels
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This gets everything ready for a quick assembly and ensures the Fig and Goat Cheese Pinwheels won’t stick, so you get beautiful, intact swirls every time.
Step 2: Roll Out Your Pastry
Lightly dust a clean countertop with a sprinkle of all-purpose flour, then roll your thawed puff pastry sheet into a 10×10 inch square. The flour is your friend here—it helps keep things neat and prevents the pastry from sticking as you work.
Step 3: Layer on the Fig Jam
Using a spatula or the back of a spoon, spread the fig jam in a thin, even layer over the pastry square. Be sure to leave a slim border around the edges—this helps prevent leaks as you roll and bake the pinwheels.
Step 4: Add Goat Cheese, Walnuts, and Thyme
Crumble the goat cheese evenly over the fig jam, sprinkle the chopped walnuts, then finish with a scattering of fresh thyme leaves. This combo creates a balance of creamy, sweet, nutty, and herbal flavors that make every bite of Fig and Goat Cheese Pinwheels pop.
Step 5: Roll and Slice
Starting from one edge (choose whichever feels most natural), roll the pastry tightly into a log. Take it slow to keep the layers tidy, then use a sharp knife to slice the log into 1/2-inch thick pinwheels. Each slice should show off swirled layers of all that goodness.
Step 6: Arrange and Brush
Place each pinwheel cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet, giving them a bit of space. Brush the tops with beaten egg to help them achieve a spectacular golden brown color as they bake.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake the pinwheels for 15 to 18 minutes, or until they’re puffed and deeply golden. The aroma will have you counting down the minutes! Let them cool slightly before serving—they’ll be just the right temperature for snacking.
How to Serve Fig and Goat Cheese Pinwheels
Garnishes
To really make these pinwheels shine, try sprinkling a little extra fresh thyme or finely chopped parsley over the top right before serving. A pinch of flaky sea salt can also elevate the flavors and add a delightful bit of crunch on the finish.
Side Dishes
If you’re building a party platter, consider adding crisp apple slices, grapes, or a handful of mixed olives to accompany the Fig and Goat Cheese Pinwheels. For a more robust spread, a green salad with a citrusy vinaigrette balances their richness beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the pinwheels in a circular pattern on a large board or platter, perhaps with little sprigs of thyme nestled between. For a festive touch, serve them in mini cupcake liners—or, for an elegant dinner party, stack them pyramid-style and drizzle with a whisper of honey just before guests arrive.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Should you find yourself with extra Fig and Goat Cheese Pinwheels (though it’s rare!), let them cool to room temperature and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to three days, staying fresh and flavorful for your next snack or gathering.
Freezing
These pinwheels freeze beautifully. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to a month—just be sure to reheat directly from frozen for the best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, simply pop the pinwheels on a baking sheet and warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8–10 minutes, until they’re crisped up and heated through. This method preserves their puff and flakiness perfectly.
FAQs
Can I substitute goat cheese with another cheese?
Absolutely! If you or your guests aren’t big fans of goat cheese, cream cheese works as a mild substitute—keeping the filling creamy and pairing nicely with the figs and walnuts.
What’s the best way to slice the pinwheels without squishing them?
Use a very sharp, serrated knife and make gentle sawing motions. Chilling the filled pastry log for 10–15 minutes before slicing can help hold everything together for cleaner cuts.
Are Fig and Goat Cheese Pinwheels safe to make ahead for a party?
Definitely! You can assemble and slice the pinwheels in advance, store them in the fridge, and bake them right before serving. They’re perfect for party prep and will taste freshly baked.
Can I use dried figs instead of fig jam?
If you don’t have fig jam, rehydrate some chopped dried figs in warm water, drain, and pulse them in a food processor with a tablespoon or two of honey until spreadable. The result isn’t identical, but it will still taste delicious!
How do I keep the pinwheels from unrolling in the oven?
Rolling the pastry tightly and placing the filled pinwheels seam-side down on the baking sheet do the trick. Position them with enough room apart so they won’t touch as they puff and bake.
Final Thoughts
If you love recipes that combine flavorful simplicity with a gorgeous presentation, you’ll adore Fig and Goat Cheese Pinwheels. They’re surprisingly effortless, always impressive, and guaranteed to disappear quickly—don’t be surprised if this becomes your new signature appetizer. Happy baking!
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Fig and Goat Cheese Pinwheels Recipe
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 12 pinwheels 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Fig and Goat Cheese Pinwheels are a delightful appetizer featuring a perfect balance of sweet fig jam, creamy goat cheese, crunchy walnuts, and aromatic thyme, all wrapped in flaky puff pastry. They are easy to make and perfect for any gathering or as a tasty snack.
Ingredients
Puff Pastry:
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
Fig and Goat Cheese Filling:
- 1/3 cup fig jam
- 4 oz goat cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
Egg Wash:
- 1 egg, beaten
Additional:
- All-purpose flour for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Puff Pastry: Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the puff pastry into a 10×10 inch square.
- Add the Filling: Spread the fig jam evenly over the surface, crumble the goat cheese, sprinkle with walnuts and thyme.
- Roll and Slice: Roll the pastry into a log, slice into pinwheels, and place on the baking sheet.
- Bake: Brush with beaten egg and bake for 15-18 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve: Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute goat cheese with cream cheese for a milder flavor.
- Add honey to the filling if fig jam isn’t sweet.
- Best served warm but can be made ahead and reheated.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pinwheel
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
