Description
These Fig and Goat Cheese Pinwheels are delightful bite-sized appetizers featuring flaky puff pastry filled with creamy goat cheese, sweet fig jam, and aromatic thyme. Perfectly balanced with a drizzle of honey and a crunch of nuts, these pinwheels bake to golden perfection in under 20 minutes, making them an elegant and easy-to-make treat for gatherings and parties.
Ingredients
Scale
Pastry
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed if frozen
Filling
- 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)
Finishing
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Extra fresh thyme leaves (for garnish)
- Drizzle of honey (for garnish)
- Freshly cracked black pepper (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Puff Pastry: Thaw the puff pastry in the refrigerator for several hours or at room temperature for about 30 minutes until pliable but still cool.
- Roll Out Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry to remove creases and thin it slightly to a rectangle approximately 10 by 12 inches.
- Add the Goat Cheese Layer: Using a spatula, spread an even layer of soft goat cheese over the pastry, leaving about a ½-inch border around the edges to prevent overflow.
- Spread Fig Layer: Evenly spread fig jam over the goat cheese. If using fresh or dried figs, arrange them in a single layer on top of the goat cheese instead of jam.
- Add Honey, Thyme, and Nuts: Drizzle honey over the fig layer if desired and sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves. Optionally, add chopped walnuts or pecans for extra texture.
- Roll the Pastry: Starting from one long side, carefully roll the puff pastry tightly into a log shape.
- Slice into Pinwheels: Using a sharp knife, slice the log into roughly 20 evenly sized pinwheels.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.
- Arrange and Apply Egg Wash: Place pinwheels on the prepared baking sheet spaced slightly apart and brush the tops with the beaten egg to ensure a shiny golden finish.
- Bake: Bake the pinwheels for 18 to 20 minutes or until the puff pastry is puffed up, golden brown, and flaky.
- Cool Slightly: Allow the pinwheels to cool for a few minutes after baking to set and be easier to handle.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with extra fresh thyme leaves, a drizzle of honey, and freshly cracked black pepper to enhance flavor before serving.
Notes
- Make sure the puff pastry is cool when rolling and assembling to prevent sticking and tearing.
- Use softened goat cheese for easy spreading and best texture.
- Replace fig jam with thinly sliced fresh or dried figs for a more textured bite.
- Chopped nuts add a crunchy contrast but can be omitted for nut-free options.
- Egg wash gives a beautiful golden color but can be skipped for a vegan version by brushing with plant-based milk.
- Serve warm or at room temperature for best flavor and texture.
