Description
Flaky puff pastry topped with creamy goat cheese, sweet figs, and a drizzle of honey. A simple yet elegant appetizer or dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 sheet (14.1 ounces) frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 4 ounces goat cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup honey, plus more for drizzling
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 6 fresh figs, quartered
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Optional: Balsamic glaze, chopped walnuts or pistachios for garnish
Instructions
- Thaw the puff pastry: Take the puff pastry out of the freezer and let it thaw according to the package directions (about 30-40 minutes at room temperature). It should be pliable but still cold.
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the goat cheese mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the softened goat cheese, 1/4 cup honey, dried thyme, and black pepper. Mix well. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Unfold the puff pastry: Gently unfold the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface.
- Cut the puff pastry: Cut the puff pastry into 9 equal squares.
- Transfer the pastry squares: Carefully transfer the puff pastry squares to the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each square.
- Add the goat cheese mixture: Spoon a generous dollop of the goat cheese mixture onto the center of each puff pastry square.
- Arrange the figs: Arrange the quartered figs on top of the goat cheese mixture (3-4 fig quarters per pastry).
- Brush with egg wash: In a small bowl, whisk the egg with a tablespoon of water to create an egg wash. Brush the edges of each puff pastry square with the egg wash.
- Drizzle with olive oil: Lightly drizzle the figs with olive oil.
- Bake the pastries: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and puffed up.
- Cool slightly: Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Drizzle with honey: While the pastries are still warm, drizzle them with a little more honey.
- Add optional garnishes: If desired, drizzle with balsamic glaze and sprinkle with chopped walnuts or pistachios.
- Serve and enjoy: Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Don’t skip the egg wash: Essential for a golden-brown color and crispy texture.
- Use good quality ingredients: Fresh figs and good quality goat cheese yield the best results.
- Adjust the sweetness: Add more honey to the goat cheese mixture or drizzle more on top after baking if you prefer a sweeter pastry.
- Get creative with toppings: Experiment with prosciutto, rosemary, or different types of nuts.
- Make ahead: Assemble the pastries ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Add a few minutes to the baking time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes