Fig and Goat Cheese Pinwheels

Sweet, savory, and elegantly simple, these Fig and Goat Cheese Pinwheels are the ultimate appetizer for any occasion. Made with buttery puff pastry, creamy goat cheese, and rich fig jam, each bite is a perfect balance of flavors. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, prepping for a holiday party, or just want something sophisticated and satisfying, these pinwheels deliver gourmet taste with minimal effort.

Want recipes like this delivered straight to your inbox? Subscribe now to get crowd-pleasing appetizers and easy entertaining recipes you’ll love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Elegant & Impressive – Great for gatherings, yet simple to prepare
Sweet & Savory Combo – Tangy goat cheese meets rich, fruity fig jam
Golden & Flaky – Puff pastry bakes to crisp perfection
Versatile – Serve warm, room temperature, or even chilled
Customizable – Add nuts, herbs, or a drizzle of honey

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
4 oz goat cheese, softened
¼ cup fig jam or fig preserves
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves or ½ tsp dried thyme
1 egg (for egg wash)
1 tablespoon water
Optional: 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts or pecans

Tools You’ll Need
Rolling pin (optional)
Sharp knife or pizza cutter
Pastry brush
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Mixing bowl

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pastry
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C)
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper
Unroll and gently flatten the puff pastry into a 10×12-inch rectangle

Step 2: Add the Filling
Spread fig jam evenly over the pastry, leaving a ½-inch border
Crumble the goat cheese on top of the fig layer
Sprinkle with thyme and optional nuts for crunch and extra flavor

Step 3: Roll and Slice
Starting from a long side, roll the puff pastry tightly into a log
Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice into ½-inch rounds

Step 4: Apply Egg Wash
Whisk the egg with water to create an egg wash
Brush the tops of each pinwheel with the wash for a shiny, golden finish

Step 5: Bake
Place pinwheels on the lined baking sheet, spacing them 1 inch apart
Bake for 15–18 minutes or until golden and puffed
Let cool for 5 minutes before serving

Tips for the Best Pinwheels
Keep pastry cold – Chill the log before slicing if it gets too soft
Use a good-quality fig jam – It’s the key to rich, sweet flavor
Don’t overfill – Spread ingredients evenly to avoid leaking during baking
Bake until deep golden – For maximum crispiness
Garnish before serving – Try a light drizzle of honey or a few thyme sprigs

Serving Suggestions
Serve with a glass of sparkling water, wine, or cider
Add to a charcuterie or cheese board for an upscale touch
Pair with prosciutto-wrapped melon or stuffed mushrooms for a party platter
Perfect for brunch, wine nights, holiday gatherings, or afternoon snacks

How to Store and Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate leftover pinwheels in an airtight container for up to 3 days

Reheating:
Oven – Reheat at 325°F for 5–7 minutes until crisp
Air fryer – Heat at 320°F for 3–4 minutes
Microwave – Not ideal, as it softens the pastry

Freezing:
Freeze unbaked pinwheels on a tray, then store in a freezer bag
Bake directly from frozen at 400°F for 18–20 minutes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these ahead?
Yes! Assemble and refrigerate the unbaked log up to 24 hours ahead. Slice and bake just before serving.

What if I don’t have fig jam?
Try apricot, date, or even raspberry preserves as delicious alternatives.

Can I make it dairy-free?
Use a plant-based puff pastry and dairy-free cream cheese substitute.

Can I serve these cold?
Yes! They’re just as tasty at room temperature or chilled.

What herbs work best?
Fresh thyme, rosemary, or even sage add great flavor.

Final Thoughts
These Fig and Goat Cheese Pinwheels are everything a great appetizer should be—delicious, simple, and just a little fancy. With their buttery crunch, creamy filling, and fruity sweetness, they’re bound to become your go-to snack for entertaining or treating yourself.
Try them once, and they’ll be a staple at every celebration.

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 18 minutes
Cuisine: American/European Fusion

Nutritional Information (Per Pinwheel, yields 16):
Calories: 95 | Protein: 2g | Carbohydrates: 9g | Fat: 6g | Fiber: 0.5g | Sodium: 85mg

Print