Elegant Fig and Goat Cheese Pinwheels with Thyme

Discover the perfect appetizer that masterfully balances sweet, savory, and herbaceous notes: Fig and Goat Cheese Pinwheels. These delightful bites feature creamy, tangy goat cheese and sweet fig jam rolled into a delicate, all-butter puff pastry. Accented with a touch of aromatic thyme and an optional crunch from toasted walnuts, each pinwheel is a sophisticated and flavourful treat.

Despite their gourmet appearance, these pinwheels are remarkably simple to assemble, making them an ideal choice for holiday parties, elegant brunches, or as a standout addition to any cheese or charcuterie board. They can be served warm from the oven or at room temperature, offering delicious versatility for any occasion.

Why This Recipe is a Winner

• Perfect Flavour Harmony: The tangy goat cheese, sweet fig, and earthy thyme create a classic and irresistible combination.
• Textural Delight: Enjoy the contrast of flaky, buttery pastry, a creamy filling, and the satisfying crunch of nuts.
• Effortlessly Elegant: This recipe looks and tastes impressive, yet it comes together quickly with minimal effort.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can assemble the pinwheels in advance and bake them just before your guests arrive, making entertaining a breeze.

Ingredients

(Note: Full measurements are typically found on a recipe card.)

• 1 Sheet of Puff Pastry: Thawed according to package directions.
• ½ cup (120g) Soft Goat Cheese: Should be at room temperature for easy spreading.
• ½ cup Fig Jam: Or use thinly sliced fresh or dried figs for a different texture.
• 1 tbsp Honey: Optional, for an extra layer of sweetness.
• 1 tsp Fresh Thyme Leaves: Or ½ teaspoon of dried thyme.
• ¼ cup Chopped Walnuts or Pecans: Optional, for added texture.
• 1 Egg: Beaten, to create a golden egg wash.
• Optional Garnishes: A final drizzle of honey, extra fresh thyme, or a pinch of black pepper.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Pastry and Filling Preheat your oven to 375∘F (190∘C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. On a lightly floured surface, gently unroll your thawed puff pastry sheet, smoothing out any creases.

2. Assemble the Layers Spread the softened goat cheese in an even layer across the pastry, leaving a ½-inch border on all sides. Next, spread the fig jam over the goat cheese. If using fresh or sliced figs, arrange them in a single layer. Drizzle with honey (if using) and sprinkle evenly with the thyme leaves and chopped nuts.

3. Roll and Slice Starting from one of the long edges, roll the puff pastry up into a tight, compact log. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice the log into about 20 pinwheels, each about ½-inch thick.

4. Bake to Perfection Arrange the pinwheels on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly brush the tops and sides of each pinwheel with the beaten egg. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed, golden brown, and flaky.

5. Garnish and Serve Allow the pinwheels to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a serving platter. Garnish with a final drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of fresh thyme, if desired.

Nutrition and Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 20 pinwheels

Nutrition Per Serving (Approximate):

• Calories: 75
• Fat: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Protein: 2g
• Sodium: 60mg

Tips for Success and Serving Suggestions

• Serving Ideas: These pinwheels are a perfect standalone appetizer, a wonderful addition to a charcuterie or cheese board, or can be served alongside a simple arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette for a light lunch.
• Make-Ahead Instructions: Assemble the roll, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, simply slice, apply the egg wash, and bake as directed.
• Ingredient Quality: Use a good quality, creamy goat cheese (chèvre) and all-butter puff pastry for the best flavour and texture.
• Herb Variations: While thyme is a classic pairing, finely chopped fresh rosemary would also be a delicious alternative.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different type of cheese? While goat cheese provides the signature tang, other soft cheeses like Boursin, cream cheese, or even a mild blue cheese would also work well.

2. Are fresh, dried, or fig jam best? All three work beautifully. Fig jam provides the smoothest texture and is easiest to spread. Fresh figs offer a milder sweetness, while dried figs provide a chewier texture.

3. How do I get clean slices? For the cleanest cuts, use a very sharp knife. You can also chill the rolled log in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before slicing to help firm it up.

4. Can these pinwheels be frozen? Yes. To freeze, arrange the unbaked, sliced pinwheels on a parchment-lined tray and freeze until solid. Transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Bake from frozen, adding 5-7 minutes to the baking time.

5. How should I store leftovers? Store any leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in an oven at 350∘F (175∘C) for 5-8 minutes to restore their crispness.

6. Can this recipe be made vegan? Yes. Use a vegan puff pastry (most store-bought versions are), a plant-based goat cheese alternative, and brush with olive oil or plant-based milk instead of the egg wash.

7. How can I add a spicy element? A pinch of red pepper flakes sprinkled over the goat cheese before rolling will add a pleasant touch of heat.

Conclusion

Fig and Goat Cheese Pinwheels are a truly versatile and impressive appetizer that effortlessly delivers on flavour and presentation. The delightful interplay of sweet fig, tangy goat cheese, and buttery, flaky pastry creates a memorable bite that is perfect for any gathering. Because they are so simple to prepare and can be made in advance, they are an ideal, stress-free option for any host looking to add a touch of elegance to their menu. These pinwheels are sure to be a recurring request from friends and family alike.

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