If you adore the delightful contrast of sweet and tangy flavors wrapped in a flaky, buttery crust, you are going to fall head over heels for this Fig and Goat Cheese Appetizer Pinwheels Recipe. These bite-sized pinwheels are the perfect crowd-pleaser for any gathering, blending the rich creaminess of goat cheese with the luscious sweetness of fig preserves, all encased in light, golden puff pastry. They come together faster than you might expect, making them a brilliantly simple yet impressive appetizer to have in your repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is half the fun and ensures your Fig and Goat Cheese Appetizer Pinwheels Recipe turns out perfectly every time. Each component plays a crucial role in balancing flavor, texture, and visual appeal.
- 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed: The flaky, buttery base that magically puffs up and holds all the delicious filling together.
- 1/2 cup fig preserves: Adds a natural sweetness and sticky texture that pairs beautifully with the tangy goat cheese.
- 4 ounces goat cheese: Provides creamy richness with a subtle tang, perfectly complementing the sweet fig preserves.
How to Make Fig and Goat Cheese Appetizer Pinwheels Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Puff Pastry with Fillings
Start by opening your thawed puff pastry sheets on a clean, flat surface. Spread 1/4 cup of fig preserves over one sheet, covering most of the surface but leaving a little edge free for sealing. Then, generously crumble half of the goat cheese on top. Repeat this layering on the second sheet with the remaining fig preserves and cheese. This layering sets the stage for a perfect balance of flavors in every bite.
Step 2: Roll and Chill the Pastry Logs
Next, carefully roll each puff pastry sheet into a tight log shape, being mindful not to squeeze out the filling. Place the logs seam side down to secure the roll and pop them into the fridge for 20 minutes. Chilling helps the dough firm up, making it easier to slice cleanly without squashing the layers.
Step 3: Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets
While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 400º F. Line two sheet pans with parchment paper to ensure your pinwheels don’t stick and bake into beautifully crisp golden rounds.
Step 4: Slice the Logs into Pinwheels
Remove the chilled logs from the fridge and place each on a cutting board seam side down. Using a serrated knife, carefully slice each log into 12 even pieces, giving you 24 delightful pinwheels. The serrated knife helps to maintain the delicate layers without squishing the dough or fillings.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Lay your pinwheels about an inch apart on the prepared sheets to allow even baking and puffing. Bake them for around 15 minutes, or until they turn a gorgeous golden brown. The puff pastry will be light and flaky, making every bite irresistible. Serve immediately or follow the make-ahead tips below.
How to Serve Fig and Goat Cheese Appetizer Pinwheels Recipe
Garnishes
For a little extra flair and flavor, sprinkle freshly chopped thyme or rosemary over the pinwheels right after baking. A light drizzle of honey can also enhance the sweet and savory contrast beautifully. These garnishes add a fresh, aromatic touch that elevates the dish into a real showstopper.
Side Dishes
Pair these pinwheels with a crisp green salad dressed in a simple vinaigrette for a balanced appetizer experience. They also complement charcuterie boards, adding a sweet and creamy counterpoint to salty cured meats and nuts.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, arrange the pinwheels on a large wooden board surrounded by fresh figs or grapes to echo the filling flavors. You can also serve them skewered with small cocktail picks alongside olives and cherry tomatoes for a fun, bite-sized platter that invites guests to graze happily.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven to retain their crispy texture rather than microwaving, which can make the pastry soggy.
Freezing
This Fig and Goat Cheese Appetizer Pinwheels Recipe freezes wonderfully. After slicing but before baking, freeze the pinwheels laid out on a parchment-lined tray until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake them directly from frozen for a few extra minutes whenever you want a quick appetizer fix.
Reheating
To revive leftover or frozen pinwheels, place them on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated 350º F oven for about 10 minutes or until heated through and crisp. This method keeps the puff pastry flaky and the filling delectably warm without any sogginess.
FAQs
Can I use fresh figs instead of fig preserves?
Fresh figs can be a lovely alternative, but since they lack the concentrated sweetness and sticky texture of preserves, you might need to drizzle a little honey or maple syrup to achieve that perfect balance.
Is goat cheese necessary or can I substitute it?
Goat cheese adds a wonderful tang, but you can substitute cream cheese or ricotta for a milder flavor. Keep in mind the texture and tanginess will differ, but the pinwheels will still be delicious.
How far ahead can I assemble these pinwheels before baking?
Your pinwheels can be assembled and chilled for up to 24 hours before baking. Just keep them tightly wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator to prevent drying out.
What if I don’t have puff pastry sheets?
Puff pastry is key for the light, flaky texture, but if unavailable, phyllo dough could work as a substitute, though the process and texture will be different. Just brush each layer with melted butter for the best results.
Can this recipe be made vegan?
For a vegan version, look for dairy-free “goat cheese” alternatives and vegan puff pastry, and swap fig preserves with a no-added-sugar variety. The result might be slightly different, but it can still be a tasty option.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly comforting and exciting about this Fig and Goat Cheese Appetizer Pinwheels Recipe that makes it a total winner for any occasion. Whether you’re throwing a casual get-together or a fancy dinner party, these pinwheels bring that perfect blend of sweet and savory wrapped in irresistible, flaky puff pastry. Give it a go—you might just find your new favorite appetizer that everyone will request again and again!
Print
Fig and Goat Cheese Appetizer Pinwheels Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes plus chilling time
- Yield: 24 pinwheels
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delightful and easy-to-make Fig and Goat Cheese Appetizer Pinwheels featuring flaky puff pastry filled with sweet fig preserves and tangy goat cheese. These golden-baked pinwheels are perfect for parties, gatherings, or as a sophisticated snack.
Ingredients
Puff Pastry and Filling
- 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed
- 1/2 cup fig preserves
- 4 ounces goat cheese
Instructions
- Prepare Puff Pastry Sheets: Open up the thawed puff pastry sheets carefully. Spread 1/4 cup of fig preserves evenly over one sheet, leaving a small border around the edge. Crumble half of the goat cheese over the preserves. Repeat with the second puff pastry sheet using the remaining fig preserves and goat cheese.
- Roll and Chill: Roll each puff pastry sheet tightly into a log shape, being careful to keep the roll compact. Place the rolls seam side down on a plate or board and refrigerate for 20 minutes to firm up.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 400º F (204º C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Slice Pinwheels: Place each chilled puff pastry log seam side down on a cutting board. Using a serrated knife, cut each log into 12 even slices, making 24 pinwheels in total. Arrange 12 pinwheels on each baking sheet, leaving at least one inch of space between each to allow for expansion.
- Bake: Transfer the baking sheets to the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes or until the pinwheels are puffed and golden brown. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor. Optionally, see notes for freezing instructions.
Notes
- For freezing, place the assembled pinwheel logs (before slicing) on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then wrap tightly and store in a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to baking time.
- Use a serrated knife to slice the pinwheels to maintain their shape and prevent squishing.
- Serve warm for the best flavor and flaky texture.
