Fig Goat Cheese Pinwheels

Creamy goat cheese and luscious fig jam together in crisp, buttery puff pastry make these pinwheels an absolute showstopper for entertaining. The combination feels both comfortingly familiar and just a little bit fancy, so you can take them to any gathering and watch them disappear. I love to set these out for brunch or bring them along for friendsgiving and they never last long.

The first time I made these for friendsgiving the entire tray was gone before dinner and people were asking for the recipe before we sat down

Ingredients

• Puff pastry sheet: You want it thawed but still very cold This is the flaky base that keeps everything wrapped and golden Choose an all butter brand if you can for the richest flavor
• Soft goat cheese: at room temperature for easy spreading The tangy creamy texture pairs beautifully with jam A local fresh log is usually best here
• Fig jam or fig preserves or sliced fresh or dried figs: for natural sweetness and a grown up fruity note Check jars for high fig content or good quality dried Turkish figs if using those
• Honey: totally optional for an extra hint of sweetness Choose a floral honey for the best results
• Fresh thyme leaves or dried thyme: which add an earthy herbal finish Fresh makes a visual difference but either works
• Chopped walnuts or pecans: for a satisfying crunch Use fresh nuts and check for freshness by sniffing Make sure none are bitter
• Egg: for brushing on top so you get a shiny golden crust Use a fresh large egg
• Optional garnishes: Extra fresh thyme more honey or cracked black pepper to brighten up right before serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Puff Pastry:

Thaw your puff pastry sheet until just pliable yet still cool to the touch Either let it rest in the fridge or on the counter as needed On a lightly floured surface gently roll to smooth out fold lines and create a rectangle about ten by twelve inches wide This step helps with even baking and nice slicing

Add the Filling:

Spread the softened goat cheese in an even gentle layer over the pastry using a spatula or back of a spoon Leave a half inch naked border at the edges for sealing Next spoon or dollop fig jam over the cheese and use a spoon to spread in a thin even swipe If you are using sliced figs arrange them in a single layer on top Drizzle with honey for sweetness then scatter thyme and chopped nuts if using Pat everything gently so it sticks but do not press too hard

Roll and Slice:

Starting with the long edge closest to you use both hands to roll the sheet into a tight cylinder or log Try to keep the initial roll compact to prevent air gaps Once rolled use a sharp chef knife to slice the log into about twenty rounds Keep your wrist steady and wipe the knife between cuts to keep the filling tidy

Bake the Pinwheels:

Preheat your oven to three hundred seventy five degrees Fahrenheit Place parchment on a baking sheet Space the pinwheels out so they do not touch Brush lightly with beaten egg over the tops and sides for maximum golden shine Bake for eighteen to twenty minutes until the pinwheels are deeply golden and flaky When finished cool for at least five minutes

Finish and Serve:

Arrange the pinwheels on a platter Let them cool slightly for best texture Finish with extra thyme more honey or a little cracked black pepper for a bright finish

Save

The real magic here comes from fig jam with its sticky sweet floral notes I always keep a little jar in my fridge just for moments like this and it makes the whole pastry feel so special These pinwheels have become a little tradition for us for special breakfasts or holiday afternoons

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days The pinwheels reheat beautifully in a toaster oven or low oven for five minutes If you want to freeze them freeze before baking then bake straight from frozen adding a few extra minutes to the cook time

Ingredient Substitutions

If you cannot find fig jam try apricot raspberry or even onion jam for a different take You can swap goat cheese for whipped feta if you like Goat cheese logs with herbs or pepper crust also work beautifully Walnuts and pecans are interchangeable based on preference or leave them out for a nut-free version

Serving Suggestions

These pinwheels pair beautifully with sparkling wines or a crisp sauvignon blanc For brunch serve alongside fresh fruit or a simple citrus salad Set out with marinated olives for a petite cheese board effect I love putting them on a rustic wooden board for extra presentation points

Cultural and Historical Context

While not a classic French recipe this style of pinwheel uses beloved European flavors like goat cheese puff pastry and fig which have roots in French and Mediterranean cuisine Combining sweet and savory in a pastry is a tradition that goes way back figs were prized by the Romans for their unique flavor and health benefits

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use fresh figs instead of fig jam?

Yes, thinly sliced fresh or dried figs can substitute for fig jam. Spread them evenly over the goat cheese layer for a natural sweetness.

→ How do I keep the pinwheels from unrolling while baking?

Roll the pastry tightly and chill briefly before slicing. Using an egg wash on the edge also helps seal the spirals during baking.

→ Can I prepare these pinwheels ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble and refrigerate before baking, or bake and store them airtight. Reheat briefly in the oven for best results.

→ What other nuts or herbs work well?

Chopped pecans or almonds add crunch, while rosemary or basil can offer different herbal notes. Adjust as preferred for variety.

→ Should these pinwheels be served warm or cold?

They taste delightful both warm and at room temperature, making them versatile for entertaining and easy to serve at gatherings.