If you’re looking for an appetizer that’s effortlessly elegant, delightfully unique, and on the table in under 30 minutes, you’re going to fall in love with this Fig and Goat Cheese Pinwheels Recipe. Buttery, golden puff pastry embraces a sweet layer of fig jam and creamy tangy goat cheese, with hints of rosemary and a touch of crunch from nuts. Everything melds together into swirl-shaped bites that look as celebratory as they taste. These irresistible pinwheels constantly steal the show at gatherings—don’t be surprised when your friends ask for the recipe!
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about this Fig and Goat Cheese Pinwheels Recipe is that you don’t need a grocery cart full of specialty items—just a handful of key ingredients, each bringing their own magic to the party. Here’s why each one matters:
- Puff Pastry: The secret to those flaky, golden layers—keep it cold and thawed for best rolling.
- Fig Jam or Fig Preserves: Brings a rich, fruity sweetness that pairs beautifully with tangy cheese.
- Goat Cheese (softened): Lends creamy, savory tanginess and melts perfectly during baking.
- Fresh Rosemary (optional): Adds a fragrant, earthy note and gorgeous aroma—just a touch is all you need.
- Egg (for egg wash): Gives your pinwheels a shiny, golden finish—skip this for a fully vegetarian egg-free option.
- Chopped Walnuts or Pecans (optional): Introduces a delicate crunch and toasty flavor, especially nice for texture lovers.
- Honey for Drizzling (optional): A sweet finishing note that highlights the fig’s natural sugars—try local honey if you can!
How to Make Fig and Goat Cheese Pinwheels Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Sheet
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C), so it’s ready when you are. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper; this keeps the pinwheels from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze—trust me, you’ll appreciate this step later!
Step 2: Roll Out the Puff Pastry
On a lightly floured surface, lay out your thawed sheet of puff pastry. Gently use your rolling pin to smooth the seams and create an even surface. Don’t overdo it—just enough to blend everything and ensure each pinwheel will puff up evenly when baked.
Step 3: Spread the Fig Jam
With an offset spatula or the back of a spoon, generously spread the fig jam or preserves over the pastry, leaving a 1/2-inch border along one long edge. This border helps seal the pinwheels later and keeps filling from oozing out while baking.
Step 4: Add Goat Cheese and Extras
Either dot the softened goat cheese evenly or gently spread it over the fig layer. Sprinkle on chopped rosemary if you’re including it—just a teaspoon lifts the whole bite. If you fancy a bit of crunch, scatter chopped nuts now, too.
Step 5: Roll It Up
Starting from the opposite long edge, slowly and tightly roll the pastry into a log. When you reach the border, use a little water to seal the edge. The tighter your roll, the more beautiful your spirals will look when sliced.
Step 6: Slice and Arrange
Using a sharp knife, slice the log into 1/2-inch thick rounds. Place them cut side up on your prepared baking sheet, giving each a little space to puff up while baking—no crowding, please!
Step 7: Brush and Bake
Beat an egg and brush the tops of each pinwheel—this egg wash transforms them into golden, glossy beauties in the oven. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, until puffed and deeply golden. You’ll know they’re ready when your kitchen smells absolutely divine!
Step 8: Cool and Drizzle
Let the pinwheels cool for a couple of minutes on the baking sheet. If you want, drizzle a bit of honey over the top for that irresistible sweet finish. Serve them warm or at room temperature—either way, they disappear fast!
How to Serve Fig and Goat Cheese Pinwheels Recipe
Garnishes
For a picture-perfect finish, sprinkle the baked pinwheels with a tiny bit of fresh rosemary or cracked black pepper. A light honey drizzle right before serving really makes the flavors pop and adds a beautiful sheen. If you used nuts inside, add a few more on top for extra crunch and presentation.
Side Dishes
These pinwheels play wonderfully with a bright, citrusy salad—think arugula or mixed greens with orange segments and a balsamic vinaigrette. They’re also lovely alongside fresh fruit, a classic cheese board, or a glass of crisp white wine. It all elevates your Fig and Goat Cheese Pinwheels Recipe from simple snack to stellar appetizer spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging the pinwheels in a swirling pattern on a wood board or platter for maximum impact. Stack them in a pyramid for a dramatic centerpiece, or tuck them into mini muffin wrappers for easy, elegant finger food at your next gathering. For holiday parties, serve them with festive cocktail picks!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow end up with a few extras, store your Fig and Goat Cheese Pinwheels Recipe in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay nicely fresh for two to three days, and can be enjoyed cold, though a quick reheat brings back their just-baked magic.
Freezing
Want to get ahead for your next party? Freeze the unbaked, sliced pinwheels in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a zip-top bag. When ready to bake, go straight from freezer to oven—just add a couple of extra minutes to the bake time.
Reheating
To revive that flaky, fresh-baked texture, pop the pinwheels in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5–7 minutes. Microwaving works in a pinch but tends to soften the pastry. For best results, stick to the oven or an air fryer if you have one.
FAQs
Can I use another type Appetizer
Puff pastry delivers the best flaky, buttery layers, but you could also use crescent roll dough for a slightly different (yet still delicious!) result. Just watch the bake time—it may finish a little sooner.
Is there a way to make this Fig and Goat Cheese Pinwheels Recipe vegan?
Absolutely—swap the puff pastry for a vegan-friendly brand, use your favorite plant-based goat cheese alternative, skip the egg wash, and drizzle with maple syrup instead of honey for a fully plant-based version.
Can I make these pinwheels gluten-free?
Look for gluten-free puff pastry in the freezer section of specialty grocers. The prep and bake instructions are virtually the same, so you won’t miss out on any of the crispy goodness.
How far in advance can I prepare them?
You can assemble the pinwheel log and slice it up to 24 hours ahead—cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to bake. For longer storage, freeze them (see freezing tips above).
What other fillings work with this recipe?
This Fig and Goat Cheese Pinwheels Recipe is fantastically versatile! Try adding thinly-sliced prosciutto for a savory note, or experiment with different jams and cheeses based on what you have on hand. Brie and apricot preserve is a dreamy combo, too.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a share-worthy appetizer that hits the perfect note between sweet, savory, and show-stopping, I can’t recommend this Fig and Goat Cheese Pinwheels Recipe enough. Give it a try for your next gathering or cozy night in—I have a feeling it’s about to become your new signature bite!
Print
Fig and Goat Cheese Pinwheels Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 16 pinwheels
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Fig and Goat Cheese Pinwheels are a delightful combination of sweet fig jam, tangy goat cheese, and flaky puff pastry, creating a perfect balance of flavors in every bite. They are easy to make and versatile, ideal for any gathering or as a tasty snack.
Ingredients
Puff Pastry:
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)
Fig and Cheese Filling:
- 1/3 cup fig jam or fig preserves
- 4 oz goat cheese (softened)
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary (optional)
- 1 tablespoon chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Additional:
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- honey for drizzling (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare baking sheet: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out puff pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry to smooth the seams.
- Spread fig jam: Spread the fig jam evenly over the pastry, leaving a 1/2-inch border along one long edge.
- Add goat cheese and toppings: Dot or spread the goat cheese evenly on top of the jam, then sprinkle with chopped rosemary and nuts if using.
- Roll and slice: Roll the pastry tightly into a log, slice into rounds, and place them on the baking sheet.
- Brush with egg wash: Brush the tops of the pinwheels with beaten egg.
- Bake: Bake for 15–18 minutes until golden brown.
- Drizzle with honey and serve: Let cool slightly, then drizzle with honey if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- These pinwheels make a perfect holiday or party appetizer.
- For a savory twist, add prosciutto before rolling.
- Store leftovers in the fridge and reheat briefly in the oven to restore crispness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pinwheel
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 105mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
