Hey y’all! If you’re on the hunt for the ultimate party appetizer, you’ve just struck gold with these dreamy Cranberry Goat Cheese Puff Pastry Swirls. With irresistible flakiness from golden puff pastry, tangy goat cheese, and sweet-tart cranberries, these swirls are perfect for holiday celebrations, brunches, or anytime you want to wow your guests. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Goat Cheese Puff Pastry Swirls Recipe
- Super simple: Just a handful of ingredients and a few easy steps.
- Perfectly balanced: Sweet, tangy, creamy, and buttery flavors in every bite.
- Impressive presentation: Gorgeous golden swirls look fancy but are beginner-friendly.
- Make-ahead friendly: Can be assembled in advance and baked when you’re ready.
- Versatile: Great for holidays, brunches, or savory snacks year-round.
Ingredients for Cranberry Goat Cheese Puff Pastry Swirls
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed (about 9 x 9 inches)
- 4 oz (113g) plain goat cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, roughly chopped
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1/2 tsp fresh thyme leaves (optional, for garnish)
Directions: How to Make Cranberry Goat Cheese Puff Pastry Swirls
Step 1: Prep the Puff Pastry
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Gently roll the thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface into a 10 x 12 inch rectangle.
Step 2: Add the Filling
Spread the softened goat cheese evenly across the pastry, leaving a 1/2-inch border. Drizzle the honey over the goat cheese, then sprinkle the chopped cranberries and nuts (if using) evenly on top.
Step 3: Roll and Slice
Starting from one long side, tightly roll the pastry into a log. Place seam-side down and gently pinch the edges to seal. Using a sharp serrated knife, slice into 1/2-inch swirls—you should get about 16 pieces.
Step 4: Bake the Swirls
Arrange the swirls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing apart. Brush each with the beaten egg. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until beautifully golden brown and puffed up.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh thyme if desired and serve warm.
Notes & Helpful Tips for Cranberry Goat Cheese Puff Pastry Swirls
- Don’t overfill the puff pastry—too much filling can cause the swirls to burst open.
- For ultra-crispy results, thoroughly chill the swirls for 10 minutes before baking.
- Learn more about working with puff pastry via this King Arthur Baking guide.
Variations on Cranberry Goat Cheese Puff Pastry Swirls
- Fig & Goat Cheese: Swap cranberries for chopped dried figs and add a sprinkle of black pepper.
- Caramelized Onion: Replace cranberries with caramelized onions and add fresh rosemary.
- Berry Burst: Try a mix of dried cherries and blueberries in place of cranberries.
Required Equipment for This Recipe
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Rolling pin
- Mixing bowl (for goat cheese/honey mixture)
- Sharp serrated knife
- Pastry brush
Storage Instructions for Cranberry Goat Cheese Puff Pastry Swirls
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8–10 minutes until crisp.
Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations
- Serve as part of a holiday cheese board with fresh fruit and assorted nuts.
- Enjoy alongside sparkling wine or a citrusy cocktail for brunch.
- Pair with a simple arugula salad for a light lunch.
Pro Tips for the Best Cranberry Goat Cheese Puff Pastry Swirls
- Ensure your puff pastry stays cold before baking for maximum flakiness.
- For cleaner swirls, use unflavored dental floss to slice the roll (here’s a great technique from Bon Appetit).
- Experiment with local, fresh goat cheese for the creamiest texture (tips on picking the best goat cheese from Serious Eats).
FAQ: Cranberry Goat Cheese Puff Pastry Swirls
- Can I make these swirls ahead of time?
- Yes! Assemble the rolls, wrap them well, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking fresh.
- Can I use homemade puff pastry?
- Totally—just roll to the right thickness for best results.
- Can I freeze the baked swirls?
- Absolutely. Store in an airtight container and freeze up to 1 month. Reheat from frozen in a 350°F oven until warmed through.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 16 swirls
Ingredients
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 113g (4 oz) goat cheese, softened
- 80g (1/3 cup) cranberry sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions
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1Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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2Roll out the thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface to smooth creases.
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3Mix the goat cheese, honey, fresh thyme, and black pepper in a small bowl until smooth.
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4Spread the goat cheese mixture evenly over the puff pastry, leaving a 1/2-inch border along the edges. Dot the cranberry sauce evenly on top and sprinkle with chopped walnuts if using.
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5Starting from one long edge, tightly roll the pastry into a log. Slice into 12 equal swirls and place them, cut side up, on the prepared baking sheet.
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6Brush the tops lightly with beaten egg. Bake for 16-18 minutes or until golden brown and puffed. Cool slightly before serving.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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