Fig and Goat Cheese Pinwheels Recipe

Introduction

I recently made Fig and Goat Cheese Pinwheels for a small gathering, and they were an absolute hit! These little bites are the perfect combination of sweet and savory, with the richness of goat cheese, the natural sweetness of figs, and the subtle earthiness of thyme. The puff pastry adds the perfect flaky texture, and the walnuts give it a delightful crunch. Everyone at the gathering loved them, and they quickly became the star of the appetizer table. Whether you’re serving them for a holiday gathering, a brunch, or as part of a charcuterie board, these pinwheels are bound to impress. They’re easy to make, yet feel incredibly sophisticated, making them the ideal addition to any spread. I’ll definitely be making them again!

Why You’ll Love Fig and Goat Cheese Pinwheels

Fig and Goat Cheese Pinwheels are an elegant yet easy-to-make appetizer that balances sweet and savory flavors perfectly. The combination of creamy goat cheese, sweet fig jam or fresh figs, and the aromatic thyme creates a delightful taste profile. The addition of walnuts or pecans brings a satisfying crunch, and the puff pastry provides a golden, flaky texture that melts in your mouth.

What makes these pinwheels even more appealing is their versatility. You can adjust the sweetness with a drizzle of honey, or enhance the crunch with nuts. Whether you prefer a stronger herb flavor with fresh thyme or a milder note with dried thyme, you can tailor the recipe to your liking. These pinwheels are perfect for holiday gatherings, brunches, or any event where you want to impress your guests without spending too much time in the kitchen. Plus, they can be served warm or at room temperature, making them a convenient choice for busy hosts.

Ingredients

For the Pinwheels:

• 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed if frozen
• ½ cup (120g) soft goat cheese, at room temperature
• ½ cup fig jam or fig preserves (or 8-10 fresh or dried figs, thinly sliced)
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for added sweetness)
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
• ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional, for added crunch)
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Optional Garnishes:

• Extra fresh thyme leaves
• Drizzle of honey
• Freshly cracked black pepper

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Puff Pastry

• Thaw Puff Pastry: If you’re using frozen puff pastry, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator for several hours or at room temperature for about 30 minutes until pliable but still cool.
• Roll Out the Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry to remove any creases and slightly thin it. Aim for a rectangle that’s approximately 10×12 inches.

Step 2: Add the Filling

• Spread Goat Cheese: Using a spatula, spread an even layer of goat cheese over the puff pastry, leaving a ½-inch border around the edges.
• Add Fig Jam or Figs: Spread the fig jam evenly over the goat cheese layer. If you’re using fresh or dried figs, arrange them in a single layer over the goat cheese.
• Enhance the Flavor: Drizzle honey over the fig layer (optional for extra sweetness) and sprinkle fresh thyme leaves. If you like a bit of crunch, add the chopped walnuts or pecans.

Step 3: Roll and Cut

• Roll the Pastry: Starting from one long side, roll the puff pastry tightly to form a log. Be careful to keep the layers compact so the pinwheels hold their shape during baking.
• Slice the Roll: Using a sharp knife, slice the log into approximately 20 evenly sized pinwheels.

Step 4: Bake the Pinwheels

• Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
• Add Egg Wash: Arrange the pinwheels on the prepared baking sheet. Brush each with the beaten egg to give them a beautiful golden color as they bake.
• Bake: Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and flaky. Keep an eye on them to prevent overbaking.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

• Cool Slightly: Allow the pinwheels to cool slightly before serving to avoid burning your mouth!
• Garnish: For added flavor, garnish with extra fresh thyme leaves, a drizzle of honey, or a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 20 pinwheels (1 pinwheel per serving)

Calories per serving: 75 calories

(Note: Nutrition facts are estimates and can vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)

Per Serving:

• Calories: 75
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 60mg
• Fat: 5g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 20mg

Preparation Time

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 18-20 minutes
• Total time: 33-35 minutes

How to Serve

• As an appetizer: Serve the pinwheels as part of a larger appetizer spread. They go beautifully with a variety of cheeses, cured meats, and fresh fruit.
• On a charcuterie board: These pinwheels are perfect additions to a charcuterie board, complementing the other flavors and adding a bit of elegance.
• With a salad: For a light lunch or dinner, serve these pinwheels with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette.
• Warm or at room temperature: These pinwheels can be enjoyed warm straight from the oven, but they also hold up well at room temperature, making them a perfect make-ahead appetizer for gatherings.
• Garnished with herbs and honey: Enhance their presentation and flavor by adding a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves just before serving.

Additional Tips

1. Use high-quality goat cheese: For the best flavor, use soft, creamy goat cheese. A good-quality cheese will really make a difference in the final taste of your pinwheels.
2. Make ahead: You can prepare the pinwheels ahead of time. Assemble them, then cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. Simply add the egg wash and bake as directed when it’s time to serve.
3. Substitute nuts: If you don’t have walnuts or pecans on hand, feel free to substitute with other nuts like almonds or cashews, or omit them entirely for a more delicate texture.
4. Experiment with figs: You can use different types of fig preserves, jam, or fresh figs to alter the flavor slightly. Each type of fig has its own unique sweetness and texture.
5. Customize the herbs: While thyme is a great herb for this recipe, feel free to experiment with other herbs such as rosemary or oregano for a different flavor profile.

FAQ

1. Can I use puff pastry sheets instead of pre-made puff pastry?
Yes, you can use sheets of puff pastry if you have them. Just make sure they are thawed and rolled out to the appropriate size.

2. Can I use other types of cheese?
While goat cheese is a traditional choice, you can substitute with other soft cheeses such as ricotta or cream cheese if you prefer.

3. Can I use dried figs instead of fresh?
Yes, dried figs work wonderfully in this recipe. Just make sure to slice them thinly so they’re easy to roll up with the pastry.

4. Can I freeze these pinwheels before baking?
Yes, you can assemble the pinwheels and freeze them before baking. Simply place them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then transfer to an airtight container. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

5. How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven for a few minutes to restore the flaky texture.

6. Can I make these pinwheels sweet?
Yes! For a sweeter version, omit the thyme and salt, and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar after baking instead of the savory toppings.

7. Can I use store-bought fig jam?
Yes, store-bought fig jam works perfectly for this recipe and saves time. Choose a high-quality jam for the best flavor.

8. How can I make these pinwheels spicier?
If you want a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the filling for a spicy twist.

9. Can I use frozen puff pastry?
Yes, you can use frozen puff pastry. Just make sure it’s fully thawed before rolling it out.

10. Can I make these pinwheels vegan?
Yes, you can substitute the goat cheese with a dairy-free cheese alternative and skip the egg wash, brushing with olive oil instead.

Conclusion

Fig and Goat Cheese Pinwheels are a perfect appetizer that balances sweet and savory flavors in one bite-sized treat. The buttery, flaky puff pastry combined with creamy goat cheese, sweet figs, and earthy thyme makes for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s

both elegant and easy to make. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday gathering, as part of a brunch, or at a dinner party, these pinwheels are sure to impress your guests. Plus, with simple ingredients and minimal preparation, they’re an accessible treat anyone can enjoy. So go ahead and treat yourself and your guests to this delicious and versatile recipe!

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