These puff pastry swirls look impressive but require minimal effort thanks to store-bought ingredients. The combination of creamy goat cheese and bright cranberry sauce offers a delightful balance of flavors. They’re portable, make-ahead friendly, and bake up beautifully crisp and golden—perfect for gatherings, brunches, or cozy evenings in.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Puff pastry sheet (thawed if frozen)
Goat cheese (soft, spreadable)
Cranberry sauce (whole berry or homemade)
Honey (optional, for sweetness)
Fresh thyme or rosemary (optional, for garnish or mixing in)
Egg (for egg wash)
Flour (for dusting the work surface)
Directions
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the puff pastry into a rectangle.
Spread an even layer of goat cheese over the surface of the pastry.
Spoon cranberry sauce over the goat cheese, then drizzle with honey if using.
Sprinkle with chopped fresh herbs if desired.
Starting from one long edge, roll the pastry into a tight log.
Slice into ½-inch rounds and place them flat on the prepared baking sheet.
Brush the tops lightly with beaten egg for a golden finish.
Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown.
Cool for 5 minutes before serving warm or at room temperature.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 12–16 swirls, depending on the size of your pastry and slices. Prep time is 10–15 minutes, with a bake time of 15–18 minutes, for a total of about 30 minutes.
Variations
Add nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch.
Use different cheese: Swap in cream cheese or brie for a milder flavor.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of black pepper or crushed red pepper flakes.
Sweet version: Add a bit of orange zest or cinnamon for a dessert-style swirl.
Mini tart option: Cut pastry into squares and bake in mini muffin tins for individual bites.
Storage/Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–7 minutes until crisp and warm. Avoid microwaving, as it will soften the pastry.
FAQs
Can I use homemade cranberry sauce?
Absolutely! Homemade cranberry sauce with whole berries works beautifully here.
Do I need to thaw puff pastry before using it?
Yes, let it thaw in the fridge or at room temperature until pliable but still cool.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, assemble and slice the swirls, then refrigerate on a tray. Bake just before serving.
What can I serve these with?
They pair well with sparkling wine, charcuterie, or as part of a brunch spread.
Can I freeze them?
Yes, freeze unbaked swirls on a baking sheet, then transfer to a container. Bake from frozen, adding a few minutes to the time.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, try ricotta, feta, or even a flavored goat cheese for variation.
How do I keep the pastry from becoming soggy?
Don’t overload the filling, and bake on parchment for even crisping.
Can I make these into pinwheels with a sweet filling?
Yes, use jam, cream cheese, and fruit preserves for a dessert version.
Can I double the recipe?
Definitely. Use multiple sheets of puff pastry for larger batches.
Are these best served hot or cold?
They’re best warm, but also delicious at room temperature—great for parties.
Conclusion
Cranberry Goat Cheese Puff Pastry Swirls are a beautiful and flavorful addition to any occasion. With minimal prep and a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a batch of these elegant bites that combine creamy, tangy, and flaky perfection. Whether for the holidays or everyday entertaining, these swirls are sure to impress.
Cranberry Goat Cheese Puff Pastry Swirls are a festive and elegant appetizer combining tangy goat cheese, tart cranberry sauce, and golden, flaky puff pastry. These sweet-savory bites are perfect for holiday parties, wine nights, or any occasion that calls for an easy yet impressive snack.
Author:Catherine
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:18 minutes
Total Time:33 minutes
Yield:12 to 16 swirls
Category:Appetizer
Method:Baking
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
1 sheet puff pastry, thawed if frozen
4 oz goat cheese, softened
1/3 cup cranberry sauce (whole berry or homemade)
1–2 tsp honey (optional, for sweetness)
1 tsp fresh thyme or rosemary, chopped (optional)
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Flour, for dusting the work surface
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Lightly flour a work surface and roll out the puff pastry into a rectangle (about 10×12 inches).
Spread goat cheese evenly over the surface of the pastry.
Spoon cranberry sauce on top of the goat cheese and gently spread. Drizzle with honey if using, and sprinkle with chopped herbs if desired.
Starting from the long edge, roll the pastry into a tight log.
Slice the log into ½-inch rounds and place the swirls flat on the prepared baking sheet.
Brush tops with beaten egg for a golden finish.
Bake for 15–18 minutes, until puffed and golden brown.
Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
Don’t overload with filling to avoid soggy pastry.Use flavored goat cheese or swap in brie or cream cheese for variation.Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for crunch.Can be made ahead and baked just before serving.Freeze unbaked swirls for future use—bake directly from frozen.
