Goat Cheese Fig Pastry

These Fig and Goat Cheese Pinwheels turn basic puff pastry into a fancy starter that's got just the right mix of tangy and sweet flavors. When you combine smooth goat cheese with sticky fig preserves, you end up with tasty little spirals that guests can't stop grabbing at parties.

I first whipped these pinwheels up when I needed something to bring to a surprise holiday get-together but didn't have tons of kitchen time. They were such a hit that now I make them for everything from casual wine tastings to fancy dinner events.

Ingredients

• Puff pastry sheet 13.2 oz: single sheet serves 6 folks and creates those buttery, flaky layers
• Fig preserves ½ cup: brings that natural sweetness and standout fig taste
• Goat cheese 4 oz: gives a zingy contrast to the sweet preserves
• Fresh thyme 4-5 sprigs: adds those woodsy, aromatic notes that make everything taste better
• Light brown sugar 2 tbsp: helps things caramelize and pumps up the sweetness
• Large egg 1: brushed on top to give that gorgeous golden color

Step-by-Step Instructions

Ready Your Canvas:

Lay your thawed puff pastry flat on parchment paper. Spread the fig preserves all over, but leave about an inch around the edges so filling doesn't squeeze out when you roll it up.

Layer The Flavors:

Sprinkle goat cheese evenly on top of the preserves so every bite has some tangy goodness. Scatter brown sugar all over, then add the thyme leaves. This combo creates that amazing sweet-savory mix that folks can't resist.

Form And Chill:

Starting from one side, roll everything into a tight log, keeping even pressure so there aren't any air gaps. Wrap your log in parchment and pop it in the freezer for 20 minutes. This cooling step is super important - it lets you cut clean slices and helps them keep their shape while baking.

Cut And Set Up:

While your log chills, get your oven heating to 400°F. Take out your chilled roll and cut it into ½ inch rounds with a sharp knife. Clean the knife between cuts for neater edges. Place your pinwheels on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving some room between them.

Bake Until Golden:

Beat an egg in a small bowl and brush it lightly over your pinwheels to give them that shiny finish. Bake them for 15-20 minutes until they've puffed up and turned golden brown with slightly darker edges. The preserves will get a bit jammier and the cheese turns wonderfully creamy.

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The first time these pinwheels showed up at my holiday bash, they vanished in minutes. A friend's mom who swore she hated goat cheese ended up eating four before asking how I made them. The magic happens because the fig preserves softens the goat cheese tang while the flaky pastry wraps it all up perfectly.

Making Ahead and Storage

These pinwheels are super handy for party planning. You can get the roll ready up to 24 hours before and keep it wrapped tight in your fridge. If you need even more time, the uncut roll freezes really well for up to a month. Just let it thaw in the fridge overnight before slicing and baking.

Fresh from the oven is when these treats shine brightest with their flaky layers. But if you have some left over, store them in a sealed container for up to two days. When you want to eat them again, warm them in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes. Don't use the microwave - it'll just make them all soggy.

Perfect Pairings

These fig and goat cheese bites go great with all sorts of drinks. Wine fans should try them with some bubbly prosecco or champagne since the fizz cuts through the rich cheese. A light pinot noir also works really well with the fig flavors.

On cheese boards, they're awesome next to some honeycomb, marcona almonds, and a few slices of prosciutto for a more filling starter spread. For a complete snack hour, serve them with something cool and refreshing like a gin and tonic with a sprig of thyme that matches what's in the pinwheels.

Variations to Try

Though this classic mix works great as is, you can definitely play around with it. Try adding some chopped walnuts or pistachios between the fig and cheese for a nice crunch and nutty taste. A drizzle of honey works great instead of brown sugar if you want a more flowery sweetness.

For something a bit more savory, add thin slices of prosciutto before rolling everything up. The saltiness goes amazingly well with the sweet figs. You can also swap in different preserves like apricot or cherry if you can't find fig, though fig really gives that special Mediterranean vibe that makes these pinwheels stand out.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ Is it okay to switch out goat cheese?

Sure, you can swap in feta or cream cheese for a different but still tasty twist.

→ What’s a good fig preserve alternative?

Apricot jam, raspberry spread, or even honey work nicely to bring sweetness.

→ Should I prep these ahead of serving?

Definitely! Roll and freeze the pastry log beforehand, then slice and bake later.

→ Why does the filling spill out sometimes?

Ensure the roll is tight and chill it before cutting so the filling stays put!

→ Can they be warmed up again?

Yep, pop them into a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to get them crispy again.