Fig & Goat Cheese Puff Pastry Spirals

Is there anything more delightful than a warm, flaky pastry? These Fig & Goat Cheese Puff Pastry Spirals are the perfect combination of sweet and savory, creating an irresistible appetizer or snack. Plus, I’ll share my secret to avoiding soggy bottoms – a common puff pastry pitfall!

Why You’ll Love This Fig & Goat Cheese Pastry

These spirals are a real crowd-pleaser for so many reasons:

• Effortless Elegance: Impress your guests with minimal effort. These pastries look beautiful but are surprisingly easy to make.
• Sweet and Savory Harmony: The creamy goat cheese perfectly complements the rich fig jam, creating a balanced and delicious flavor profile.
• Perfectly Crispy: Say goodbye to soggy pastries! My foolproof freezing trick guarantees a golden, flaky crust every time.
• Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe to your taste by adding different nuts or herbs.

Gathering Your Ingredients for Fig & Goat Cheese Puff Pastry Spirals

Let’s talk ingredients. The key to these delightful Fig & Goat Cheese Puff Pastry Spirals is the harmonious blend of sweet, tangy, and buttery flavors. We’re aiming for a balance that will tantalize your taste buds with every bite. The quality of the ingredients, particularly the fig jam and goat cheese, significantly impacts the final result.

• Puff Pastry: We start with one sheet of frozen puff pastry. This is the foundation of our spirals, providing that light, airy, and incredibly flaky texture we all crave. Make sure to thaw it properly according to the package directions to prevent cracking or tearing.
• Fig Jam or Spread: Next, you’ll need about 1/2 cup of fig jam or spread. The fig jam provides the necessary sweetness to balance out the tanginess of the goat cheese.
• Soft Goat Cheese: Four ounces of soft goat cheese, crumbled, adds a creamy, tangy counterpoint to the sweetness of the figs. Look for a fresh, high-quality goat cheese for the best flavor.
• Nuts (Optional): Two tablespoons of chopped walnuts or pecans are optional, but highly recommended for adding a delightful crunch and nutty flavor. If you’re looking for another treat with walnuts, maybe you’ll love our walnut fudge recipe.
• Egg: Finally, you’ll require one large egg, beaten, for the egg wash. The egg wash gives the pastries a beautiful golden-brown color and adds a touch of richness.

Crafting Your Fig & Goat Cheese Spirals: Step-by-Step

Now for the fun part! Making these Fig & Goat Cheese Puff Pastry Spirals is easier than you might think. The most crucial step is freezing the rolled log before slicing – this prevents soggy bottoms and ensures a perfectly puffed pastry. Let’s get started!

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1. Preheat and Prep: Begin by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
2. Prepare the Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, gently unfold the thawed puff pastry sheet. If needed, use a rolling pin to gently roll it out slightly into a roughly 10×12 inch rectangle. Be careful not to overwork the dough, as this can affect its ability to puff up.
3. Spread the Fig Jam: Evenly spread the 1/2 cup of fig jam over the puff pastry, leaving about a 1/2 inch border on one of the longer sides. This border will help seal the pastry when you roll it up.
4. Add the Cheese and Nuts: Sprinkle the crumbled goat cheese and chopped nuts (if using) evenly over the fig jam. Distribute them evenly to ensure every spiral has a delicious balance of flavors.
5. Roll it Up: Starting from the long side opposite the border you left, tightly roll up the puff pastry like a jelly roll. Make sure the seam is on the bottom. A tight roll is key to creating neat, even spirals.
6. The Secret Weapon: Freeze! This is the crucial step for preventing soggy spirals: Wrap the rolled log tightly in plastic wrap and place it in the freezer for at least 20-30 minutes. This firms up the pastry and the filling, preventing the filling from soaking into the pastry too much before baking and helping the pastry puff properly. Don’t skip this step!
7. Slice and Arrange: Once the log is firm, unwrap it and slice it into 1/2 inch thick rounds using a sharp knife. A sharp knife will ensure clean cuts and prevent the pastry from squishing. Arrange the sliced spirals cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each spiral.
8. Egg Wash: Brush the tops and sides of each spiral with the beaten egg wash. The egg wash adds color and shine to the pastries, giving them a beautiful golden-brown finish.
9. Bake to Golden Perfection: Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the pastries are puffed, golden brown, and the filling is bubbly. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
10. Cool and Serve: Let cool slightly on the baking sheet before serving warm. The spirals are best enjoyed warm when the pastry is still flaky and the filling is melted and gooey.

Tips for Perfect Fig & Goat Cheese Spirals Every Time

Want to ensure your Fig & Goat Cheese Puff Pastry Spirals are a smashing success? Here are a few extra tips and tricks:

• Don’t Overwork the Dough: Puff pastry can be delicate. Handle it gently and avoid over-rolling or stretching it.
• Use a Sharp Knife: A sharp knife is essential for slicing the frozen log cleanly. A dull knife will squish the pastry and distort the spirals.
• Experiment with Fillings: Feel free to experiment with different fillings! Try adding a drizzle of honey, a sprinkle of fresh thyme, or a layer of caramelized onions.
• Storage: Store leftover spirals in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in a warm oven for a few minutes to restore their crispness.

What to Serve With Fig & Goat Cheese Pastry

These Fig & Goat Cheese Puff Pastry Spirals are incredibly versatile and can be served as an appetizer, snack, or even a light meal. They pair well with a simple green salad, a bowl of creamy tomato soup, or a selection of cheeses and crackers. If you enjoy baked goods for snacks, you should give our golden cloud cookies a try!

Your Fig & Goat Cheese Spirals Questions Answered (FAQ)

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! While goat cheese provides a unique tangy flavor, you can substitute it with other soft cheeses like cream cheese or brie. Just be sure the cheese is easily spreadable or crumbled. For a bolder flavor, try a tangy feta cheese.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can! The rolled log can be stored in the freezer for up to a month. When ready to bake, simply thaw it in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight, then slice and bake as directed.

What if my puff pastry is cracking?

Cracking usually indicates that the puff pastry is too cold or too dry. Allow it to thaw slightly more at room temperature before unfolding. If it’s still cracking, lightly brush it with water before rolling it out.

Can I add herbs to the filling?

Definitely! Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano can add a wonderful aromatic dimension to the spirals. Sprinkle them over the fig jam and goat cheese before rolling up the pastry.

Enjoy Your Homemade Fig & Goat Cheese Spirals!

These Fig & Goat Cheese Puff Pastry Spirals are a delightful treat that’s sure to impress. With their perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors and their irresistibly flaky crust, they’re the perfect appetizer, snack, or light meal. Now that you know the secret to avoiding soggy bottoms, you can confidently bake these spirals anytime you crave a little bit of pastry perfection. We want to hear from you! Leave a comment below and let us know how your spirals turned out, and don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends!