Description
Delightful Fig and Goat Cheese Pinwheels combine creamy goat cheese, sweet fig jam, and the aromatic touch of thyme, all wrapped in flaky puff pastry. Ideal for appetizers or party snacks, these easy-to-make pinwheels offer a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors with a crunchy nutty accent.
Ingredients
Scale
Puff 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 to handle.
- Roll Out Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry to remove creases and thin it slightly, aiming for a rectangle approximately 10×12 inches in size.
- Spread Goat Cheese: Using a spatula, evenly spread the soft goat cheese over the surface of the puff pastry, leaving a ½-inch border around the edges to prevent leakage.
- Add Fig Layer: Spread the fig jam evenly over the goat cheese layer. If using fresh or dried figs, arrange thin slices in a single layer on top of the goat cheese.
- Enhance Flavor and Texture: Drizzle honey over the fig layer for added sweetness, sprinkle fresh thyme leaves, and scatter chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch, if desired.
- Roll the Pastry: Starting from one of the long edges, roll the puff pastry tightly into a log shape to encase the filling securely.
- Slice into Pinwheels: Use a sharp knife to slice the rolled log into about 20 evenly sized pinwheels for uniform baking.
- Prepare for Baking: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and promote even baking.
- Arrange and Egg Wash: Place the pinwheels spaced apart on the prepared baking sheet. Brush each pinwheel with the beaten egg to achieve a golden, glossy finish once baked.
- Bake: Bake the pinwheels in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the puff pastry turns golden brown and flaky, indicating they are fully cooked.
- Cool Slightly: Remove the pinwheels from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes to firm up and become easier to handle.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with extra fresh thyme leaves, a light drizzle of honey, and a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper to enhance both flavor and presentation before serving.
Notes
- Thaw puff pastry properly to avoid tearing during rolling.
- Use chilled puff pastry for best results and easy handling.
- Optional nuts add great texture but can be omitted for nut-free versions.
- Fresh thyme offers a brighter flavor; dried thyme works as a convenient alternative.
- For vegan options, substitute goat cheese with a plant-based cheese and use a plant-based egg wash or milk.
