Goat Cheese Fig Rolls

These Fig and Goat Cheese Pinwheels turn basic puff pastry into a fancy finger food that perfectly balances tangy and sweet flavors. When you mix creamy goat cheese with sticky fig preserves, you get these tasty little swirls that guests can't stop grabbing at parties.

I whipped these pinwheels up when friends dropped by unexpectedly during the holidays and I needed something that looked fancy without keeping me stuck in the kitchen. They were such a hit that now I bring them to everything from casual get-togethers to fancy dinner parties.

Ingredients

• Puff pastry sheet 13.2 oz: a single sheet feeds about 6 people and creates those wonderful buttery layers
• Fig preserves ½ cup: gives that natural jamminess and unique taste
• Goat cheese 4 oz: brings a nice zip that cuts through the sweetness
• Fresh thyme 4-5 sprigs: adds those woody, fragrant notes that make everything taste better
• Light brown sugar 2 tbsp: helps everything turn golden and boosts sweetness
• Large egg 1: brushed on top for that pretty golden finish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Set Up Your Canvas:

Lay your thawed puff pastry flat on parchment paper making sure there are no folds. Smear fig preserves all over but leave about an inch around the edges so the filling doesn't squeeze out when you roll it.

Layer The Flavors:

Scatter goat cheese evenly on top of the fig layer so each bite has some tanginess. Sprinkle brown sugar over everything and then add fresh thyme leaves. This combo creates that mouthwatering sweet-savory magic everyone loves.

Form And Freeze:

Carefully roll everything into a tight log starting from one side and keeping it snug as you go to avoid gaps. Wrap your log in parchment and stick it in the freezer for 20 minutes. This quick freeze makes cutting way easier and helps keep that pretty swirl pattern.

Cut And Arrange:

Heat your oven to 400°F while the roll gets firm. Take out your chilled log and cut it into half-inch rounds with a sharp knife. Clean the blade between slices for neater cuts. Place the pinwheels on a baking sheet lined with parchment, leaving room between them.

Get Them Golden:

Whisk the egg in a small bowl and lightly brush the tops of each pinwheel for that shiny finish. Bake for 15-20 minutes until they've puffed up and turned golden with slightly crispy edges. The figs will get nice and sticky while the cheese turns wonderfully creamy.

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The first time I brought these pinwheels to a Christmas gathering, they vanished in minutes. My buddy's mom who always said she hated goat cheese ended up eating four before asking me how I made them. The secret's in the fig preserves that softens the goat cheese tang while the flaky pastry wraps it all up perfectly.

Making Ahead and Storage

These pinwheels are super handy for party planning. You can roll everything up and keep it wrapped in the fridge for up to a day before you need to bake. If you want to plan further ahead, the uncut roll freezes really well for up to a month. Just move it to the fridge the night before you plan to slice and bake.

They taste best right out of the oven when they're crispy and warm. But if you have some left over, you can keep them in a sealed container for a couple days. Don't use the microwave to warm them up though—it'll make them soggy. Instead, pop them in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes to get that crispiness back.

Perfect Pairings

These fig and goat cheese bites go really well with all kinds of drinks. Try them with some bubbly prosecco or champagne—the fizz cuts through the rich cheese nicely. A light pinot noir works great too since it complements the fig flavor.

They look awesome on a cheese board next to some honeycomb, marcona almonds, and a few pieces of prosciutto for a more filling snack spread. For a full happy hour setup, serve them with something refreshing like a gin and tonic garnished with thyme to match the herbs in the pinwheels.

Variations to Try

The original recipe's fantastic, but don't be afraid to play around with it. Try throwing in some chopped walnuts or pistachios between the fig and cheese for some crunch and nuttiness. Swapping the brown sugar for a honey drizzle works great too and gives a more flowery sweetness.

Want something less sweet? Add thin slices of prosciutto before rolling everything up. The saltiness goes wonderfully with the sweet figs. You can also swap out fig preserves for apricot or cherry if that's what you've got on hand, though figs really do give that special Mediterranean touch that makes these pinwheels stand out.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I swap out goat cheese here?

Sure! Cream cheese or feta will work fine and taste just as satisfying.

→ What can I use instead of fig jam?

Try using honey, raspberry jam, or apricot preserves for a similar sweet kick.

→ Can this be prepped ahead?

Absolutely! You can make and freeze the rolled pastry, then just slice and bake when needed.

→ How do I stop the filling from leaking out?

Roll the pastry tightly and chill it before cutting. It’ll help keep the filling in place.

→ Can leftovers be reheated?

Sure thing! Pop them in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to crisp them right back up.