Fig and Goat Cheese Pinwheels Recipe

The Best Fig and Goat Cheese Pinwheels Recipe Ever Made

Delectable fig and goat cheese pinwheels revolutionize ordinary appetizers into extraordinary culinary experiences.

Elegant yet surprisingly simple, these bite-sized delights combine sweet and tangy flavors that dance across your palate.

Soft, creamy cheese provides a luxurious base for the vibrant fruit’s natural sweetness.

Mediterranean-inspired ingredients create a sophisticated harmony of textures and tastes that instantly elevate any gathering.

Compact and visually stunning, these pinwheels offer a gourmet touch without complicated preparation techniques.

Guests will marvel at the intricate spiral design and rich flavor profile that seems far more complex than its straightforward assembly.

Crafted with minimal ingredients and maximum impact, these pinwheels promise to become your secret weapon for impressive entertaining.

Sweet Meets Savory in Fig and Goat Cheese Pinwheels

  • Burst with Sweet-Savory Harmony: Indulge in a delightful dance of fig preserves' natural sweetness and tangy goat cheese that creates an irresistible flavor explosion in every bite.
  • Master Elegant Appetizer Technique: Transform simple ingredients into impressive pinwheels using a straightforward rolling method that looks professionally crafted with minimal cooking skills required.
  • Quick Crowd-Pleasing Party Snack: Whip up these beautiful appetizers in under 30 minutes, perfect for spontaneous gatherings, holiday parties, or unexpected guests craving something special.
  • Versatile Texture Sensation: Experience a crispy, flaky puff pastry exterior giving way to a creamy, rich interior that delivers a satisfying crunch and smooth mouthfeel in each delectable morsel.

Ingredients That Make Fig and Goat Cheese Pinwheels Shine

Pastry Base:
  • Puff Pastry: Delicate, buttery base that creates a flaky and light texture for the pinwheels.
Fruit and Sweetener:
  • Fig Preserves, Brown Sugar: Sweet components that provide rich, caramelized flavor and moisture to the pastry.
Cheese and Herbs:
  • Goat Cheese, Fresh Thyme: Tangy cheese adds creamy richness, while thyme contributes a subtle earthy and aromatic note.
Binding and Finishing:
  • Egg: Beaten egg helps seal the pastry and creates a beautiful golden-brown glossy exterior when baked.

Instructions for Rolling Up These Flavorful Pinwheels

Step 1: Prepare Pastry Base

Grab a thawed puff pastry sheet and lay it gently on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Smooth out any wrinkles to create a perfect canvas for your tasty creation.

Step 2: Spread Delicious Layers

Carefully spread fig preserves across the pastry, leaving a small border around the edges. Top the sweet spread with:
  • Crumbled goat cheese
  • Fresh thyme leaves
  • Sprinkle of brown sugar

Step 3: Roll and Chill

Tightly roll the pastry into a neat log, making sure the filling stays tucked inside. Wrap in parchment paper and pop into the freezer for a quick 20-minute cool-down.

Step 4: Preheat and Slice

Warm up the oven to 400°F (200°C). Remove the chilled pastry log and slice into delicate half-inch rounds using a sharp knife. Arrange the pinwheels on the baking sheet with gentle care.

Step 5: Add Golden Shine

Brush each pinwheel with a beaten egg, creating a glossy, appetizing exterior that will turn a beautiful golden brown when baked.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the pinwheels puff up and turn a gorgeous golden color.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the warm pinwheels to a serving plate. Sprinkle with extra thyme and a light dusting of brown sugar if you’re feeling fancy. Dive in while they’re hot and crispy!

Helpful Tips for Fig and Goat Cheese Pinwheel Success

  • Chill the Pastry: Freezing the rolled log for 20 minutes helps maintain clean, precise cuts and prevents the filling from squishing out during slicing.
  • Master the Slice: Use a very sharp knife and slice in one smooth motion to create even, uniform pinwheel shapes without compressing the delicate pastry.
  • Control Moisture: Pat goat cheese dry before crumbling to prevent excess liquid from making the pastry soggy and ensuring a crisp, flaky texture.
  • Egg Wash Technique: Apply egg wash gently with a pastry brush, using light strokes to create an even, golden-brown sheen without weighing down the delicate puff pastry.
  • Serve Strategically: Remove pinwheels from the baking sheet immediately after cooling to prevent bottoms from becoming soggy and maintain their crisp, flaky texture.

Fig and Goat Cheese Pinwheels: How to Store and Serve Again

  • Refrigerate: Store leftover pinwheels in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • Freeze: Wrap individual pinwheels tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 1 month for best quality.
  • Reheat: Warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes until crispy. Avoid microwaving to maintain the pastry's flaky texture.

Pair These Pinwheels With These Drinks or Apps

  • Pair with Sparkling Wine: Pop open a chilled prosecco or champagne to complement the sweet and tangy flavors of the fig and goat cheese pinwheels. The bubbly wine cuts through the richness of the goat cheese and enhances the subtle sweetness of the fig preserves.
  • Match with Light Salad: Create a crisp arugula salad with a light lemon vinaigrette to balance the rich, sweet pinwheels. The peppery greens and bright citrus notes will provide a refreshing contrast to the pastry's buttery texture.
  • Serve with Herbal Tea: Brew a warm cup of chamomile or lavender tea to echo the fresh thyme in the recipe. The delicate herbal notes will harmonize with the pinwheels' subtle thyme undertones and cleanse the palate between bites.
  • Complement with Honey Drizzle: Drizzle a touch of local honey over the pinwheels just before serving to amplify the fig's natural sweetness and add a luxurious golden finish to the appetizer.

Variations of Fig and Goat Cheese Pinwheels to Explore

  • Mediterranean Medley: Replace fig preserves with olive tapenade, swap goat cheese for feta, and sprinkle dried oregano instead of thyme for a savory Mediterranean-inspired pinwheel.
  • Tropical Fusion: Use guava jam instead of fig preserves, substitute goat cheese with cream cheese, and add a light dusting of coconut flakes for a tropical flavor profile.
  • Autumn Harvest: Substitute fig preserves with pumpkin butter, use blue cheese instead of goat cheese, and replace thyme with chopped sage for a warm, seasonal approach.
  • Berry Bliss: Switch fig preserves to raspberry jam, keep goat cheese, and add crushed pistachios on top for a nutty, fruity combination that bursts with vibrant flavors.
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Fig and Goat Cheese Pinwheels Recipe

Fig and Goat Cheese Pinwheels Recipe


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4.5 from 36 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Mediterranean-inspired fig and goat cheese pinwheels offer a delightful fusion of sweet and tangy flavors. Elegant appetizers promise to impress guests with their sophisticated blend of creamy goat cheese, sweet figs, and aromatic herbs rolled into a perfect bite-sized treat.


Ingredients

Scale

Pastry and Filling:

  • 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
  • 4 ounces (113 grams) plain goat cheese, crumbled
  • ¼ cup fig preserves

Seasonings and Sweeteners:

  • 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped

Egg Wash:

  • 1 egg, beaten

Instructions

  1. Gently unfurl the thawed puff pastry onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring a smooth, flat surface for creating delicate pinwheels.
  2. Lavishly spread fig preserves across the pastry, maintaining a small border around the edges to prevent overflow during rolling.
  3. Delicately sprinkle crumbled goat cheese over the fig layer, creating a creamy landscape dotted with tangy cheese fragments.
  4. Dust the surface with brown sugar and scatter fresh thyme leaves, adding depth and aromatic complexity to the flavor profile.
  5. Carefully roll the pastry into a tight cylindrical log, pressing gently to seal the ingredients within and prevent unraveling.
  6. Wrap the pastry log in parchment paper and transfer to the freezer, allowing it to firm up for precise cutting and optimal texture.
  7. Preheat the oven to 400°F, creating an ideal environment for transforming the delicate pastry into golden, crisp pinwheels.
  8. Extract the chilled log and slice into uniform half-inch rounds using a sharp knife, arranging them gracefully on the prepared baking sheet.
  9. Gently brush each pinwheel with beaten egg, ensuring a lustrous, golden-brown finish that promises a crisp, flaky exterior.
  10. Bake until the pinwheels puff dramatically and turn a rich, caramelized golden brown, typically 15-20 minutes.
  11. Serve immediately, optionally garnishing with an extra sprinkle of brown sugar and fresh thyme for an elegant presentation.

Notes

  • Chill the pastry log for precise slicing and to help maintain the pinwheel shape during baking.
  • Use room temperature goat cheese for easier spreading and even distribution across the puff pastry.
  • Fresh thyme adds an elegant herbal note that complements the sweet fig and tangy goat cheese perfectly.
  • Ensure parchment paper is used to prevent sticking and make cleanup quick and effortless.
  • Beaten egg wash creates a beautiful golden-brown color and gives the pinwheels a professional, glossy finish.
  • Serve these appetizers immediately after baking to enjoy the maximum crispiness and warm, gooey filling.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 200
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Liam O'Brien

Liam O’Brien

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Traditional Irish Dishes
  • Farm-to-Table Cooking
  • Recipe Creation
  • Teaching Cooking Skills
  • Sustainable Food Practices

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (now Technological University Dublin)

  • Program: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in cooking techniques, kitchen management, and exploring both Irish and international cuisines.

Ballymaloe Cookery School, County Cork, Ireland

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Farm-to-table cooking, emphasizing the use of fresh, local ingredients and traditional cooking methods.

Liam O’Brien is the co-founder and kitchen soul behind Good Tasting Meals, a chef who believes that cooking shouldn’t feel stressful or complicated.

He earned his culinary stripes at Technological University Dublin and polished his farm-to-table skills at Ballymaloe Cookery School. With over 15 years flipping pans and stirring up stories, Liam has worked in family cafés, bustling bistros, and everything in between.

At Good Tasting Meals, Liam brings you recipes that feel like home: cozy, simple, and full of flavor.

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