Fig and Goat Cheese Pinwheels are the kind of appetizer that looks fancy but takes only minutes to make. Flaky golden puff pastry is spread with creamy goat cheese and sweet fig jam, then rolled, sliced, and baked into buttery perfection. Every bite is savory, sweet, and slightly tangy the perfect balance of flavors for entertaining.
I first served these at a wine and cheese night with friends, and they instantly became the star of the evening. They pair beautifully with wine, cocktails, or even sparkling cider and are ideal for any holiday party, brunch, or casual gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple ingredients and ready in under 30 minutes
- Elegant, crowd-pleasing flavor combination
- Works for any occasion, from brunch to holidays
- Can be made ahead and baked fresh before serving
- Perfect balance of sweet, savory, and creamy
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 4 oz (115 g) goat cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup (80 g) fig jam or fig preserves
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Pinch of salt and black pepper
Optional Add-Ins
- Chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch
- A sprinkle of crumbled bacon
- Fresh rosemary instead of thyme for an aromatic twist
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pastry
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Unfold the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface and gently roll it out to smooth any creases.
Step 2: Add the Filling
Spread the softened goat cheese evenly over the pastry, leaving about 1/2 inch of border on all sides. Spoon the fig jam on top and spread it gently over the cheese. Sprinkle thyme leaves, salt, and pepper. Drizzle lightly with honey if using.
Step 3: Roll and Slice
Starting from one long side, roll the pastry tightly into a log. Slice into 1/2-inch rounds and place them cut side up on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Brush each pinwheel with beaten egg.
Step 4: Bake
Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the pinwheels are puffed and golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Step 5: Serve
Serve warm or at room temperature. The cheese will be soft and creamy, the figs sweet and jammy, and the pastry perfectly crisp.
Chef’s Tips for Perfect Pinwheels
- Keep the puff pastry cold until ready to roll for best flakiness.
- Use a sharp knife to cut clean slices without squishing the log.
- Add a pinch of cayenne or crushed pepper flakes for gentle heat.
- If your goat cheese is firm, mix it with a tablespoon of cream for easier spreading.
- Serve on a wooden board for a rustic, elegant look.
Variations and Substitutions
- Substitute brie, cream cheese, or blue cheese for goat cheese.
- Swap fig jam for apricot, cranberry, or onion jam.
- Add chopped fresh arugula or prosciutto before rolling.
- Make mini versions using half the pastry sheet for bite-sized appetizers.
- Use phyllo dough for an extra crisp version.
Serving Suggestions
These fig and goat cheese pinwheels are versatile and go with almost any menu.
- Serve with wine, champagne, or cocktails as an appetizer.
- Pair with salads or soups for brunch or lunch.
- Add to a charcuterie board for an elegant touch.
- Serve at holiday parties, baby showers, or picnics.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overfilling the pastry, which can cause leakage during baking.
- Using warm puff pastry, which won’t puff properly.
- Slicing unevenly, which leads to uneven baking.
- Skipping the egg wash, which gives the pastry its golden shine.
- Overbaking, as goat cheese can dry out.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5 to 7 minutes to crisp them up again.
- Freeze unbaked pinwheels in a single layer, then store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- Prepare the log ahead of time and chill it for easy slicing before baking.
Nutrition Facts (per pinwheel, approx.)
- Calories: 120
- Protein: 3 g
- Fat: 8 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Sugar: 4 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Calcium: 6% DV
Flaky, Sweet, and Perfectly Savory
Fig and Goat Cheese Pinwheels are an elegant yet effortless appetizer that always impresses. The combination of creamy goat cheese, sweet fig jam, and flaky puff pastry makes them irresistible.
Whether you serve them warm out of the oven or at room temperature, they’ll add a touch of sophistication to any gathering. They’re easy, beautiful, and sure to become one of your favorite go-to appetizers for the holidays or any special occasion.
Fig and Goat Cheese Pinwheels
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Rolling Pin
- Knife
- Pastry brush for egg wash
- Oven
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 4 oz goat cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup fig jam or preserves
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1/4 tsp dried thyme)
- 1 tbsp honey (optional)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 pinch salt and black pepper
- chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- crumbled bacon (optional)
- fresh rosemary (optional substitute for thyme)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment. Unfold puff pastry on a floured surface and gently roll to smooth.
- Spread goat cheese evenly, leaving a 1/2-inch border. Add fig jam, sprinkle thyme, salt, and pepper. Drizzle with honey if using.
- Roll tightly into a log. Slice into 1/2-inch rounds. Place on baking sheet 1 inch apart. Brush tops with egg wash.
- Bake 15–18 minutes until puffed and golden. Let cool slightly before serving.
- Serve warm or at room temp. The pastry will be flaky, the filling creamy and sweet.
