Fig, Goat Cheese and Thyme Puff Pasties are the greatest sweet and savory treat for any occasion! These are perfect for breakfast, brunch or to add to your party appetizer list! It’s such an elegant way to enjoy the short fig season!
What’s Puff Pastry Dough
Puff Pastry originates in France and its often referred to as “Pate Feuilletée” and it means “pastry made leaf-like”. It’s light, buttery and flaky. When made and cooked right you should be able to see its layers and normally it rises 8 times the size after it has been baked. It’s often used for Danish- like pastries, wrapping like in the case of “Beef Wellington”, famous croissants and more!
How to make Fig, Goat Cheese and Thyme Puff Pastries?
Prepare the fruit– wash and slice figs and macerate them with sugar and set them aside; if you choose the use different fruit that’s is juicier than figs you may need to add some cornstarch as well to thicken the juice:
The cheese filling– super easy to make- simply mix goat cheese with vanilla and sugar; set aside
How to handle the Puff Pastry dough– make sure it’s thawed according package instructions for a few hours in the fridge or defrost on your counter for about an hour or so depending on the temperature in your home. Roll your puff pastry on a floured surface and cut into 6 squares, then fold each square diagonally and make two side incisions and transfer each side into the opposite direction;
Assembly– add about a spoonful of the goat cheese mixture and them add fig slices on top and a thyme sprig; brush egg wash and sprinkle course sugar on the edges; freeze for 10 minutes to amplify the puffing process;
Bake time and temperature– bake in a preheated oven at 400 F for about 20 mins, this time may vary based on using different ovens, different type of baking pans, the temperature of your dough etc.
Variations and Substitutions
At that point you may consider I’m obsessed with puff pastries as they are so easy and quick to put together and everyone loves them. When it comes to the toppings they are highly customizable and I love to play with seasonal produce. Here are some substitution ideas for you:
- cheese- I love goat cheese but you may want to opt for cream cheese or ricotta cheese;
- fruit- apples, pears, strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries are all excellent choices;
- puff pastry sheets- my favorite store-bought puff pastry is from Dufour Pastry Kitchens and easily available at most grocery stores, I buy mine from Whole Foods Market; they also have a dairy- free option for those with dairy sensitivity;
Recipe Notes
The key to making fluffy pastries is in the thawing and baking process. Unless you are making your own, you would buy the Puff Pastry frozen from the store. To thaw the pastry, you can leave in the refrigerator for 2- 3 hours or 40-50 mins at room temperature. Always chill in the fridge for 30 mins or in the freezer for 10-15 mins before baking at 400 F.
Best served with
- a cup of coffee of choice, my favorite is a creamy latte;
- a glass of Champagne or Prosecco;
- any wine of choice;
Common Questions
No, if puff pastry sits defrosted for a while, the flaky layers all get ruined and you’d end up with a flat pastry.
Yes, you can! However, fresh out of the oven is always best!
Dufour Pastry Kitchens
No, it wont puff after and the buttery layers will be ruined.
Yes, cream cheese will be great! Goat cheese has a distinctive flavor and it is not for everyone.
Fig, Goat Cheese and Thyme Puff
Ingredients
- 14 oz puff pastry sheet thawed according to package instructions
- 1 tbs flour for dusting
- 10 oz figs
- 2 tbs sugar
- 6 sprigs thyme
- 2 tbs coarse sugar to sprinkle
- Powder sugar to sprinkle
- 6 tsp honey
Cheese filling:
- 5 oz goat cheese at room temperature
- 2 tbs honey
- 1 tsp vanilla bean paste/extract
Egg wash:
- 1 egg beaten
- 1 tsp water
Instructions
- Wash and slice figs and macerate them with sugar, set aside;
- Mix goat cheese with vanilla and sugar; set aside
- Roll your puff pastry on a floured surface and cut into 6 squares (about 14 inch); fold each square diagonally and make two side incisions; transfer each side into the opposite direction;
- Add about a spoonful of the goat cheese mixture and them add fig slices on top and a thyme sprig;
- Brush egg wash and sprinkle some coarse sugar on the edges;
- Put in the freezer for about 15 mins then bake in a preheated oven at 400 F for about 20 mins;
- Sprinkle some powder sugar and drizzle honey and enjoy!
