Fig Goat Cheese Puff Pastry

Fig Goat Cheese Puff Pastry appetizer with caramelized pears. Just 5 ingredients – easy, elegant, festive – perfect this holiday season!

Golden, flaky puff pastry topped with fig jam, sweet caramelized sliced pears and tangy goat cheese.

Fresh thyme and a sprinkle of pomegranate seeds make this easy 5 ingredient appetizer a tasty addition to any holiday table!

Why this recipe works:

• Just 5 ingredients!
• It looks like fancy appetizer that takes hours but it whips up in a jiffy!
• It’s made from simple grocery store ingredients.
• Store bought puff pastry and fig jam make it simple and quick with serious wow factor.
• Studding this easy appetizer with pomegranate seeds gives it a festive holiday finish.
• Serve these pastries alone or add to a cheese plate or cheese board.

Ingredients in Fig Goat Cheese Puff Pastry:

For this easy appetizer, you’ll need just 5 ingredients and a few minutes to caramelize the pears. Don’t skip this step – it takes the pears from good to so good you’ll be obsessed.

1. frozen store-bought puff pastry sheets thawed
2. jar of fig jam
3. fresh pears
4. butter
5. goat cheese

OPTIONAL GARNISHES:

• fresh thyme, rosemary or other fresh herbs
• pomegranate seeds

How to make Fig Goat Cheese Puff Pastry:

Thaw the puff pastry sheet completely in the fridge.

Use a sharp knife to slice pears (leave skin on) into about 1/4 inch slices.

Melt butter in a skillet then add the pears and sauté 2-3 minutes until they’re softened (but not mushy). Remove from the heat and set aside.

Preheat the oven to 400° then line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

On a lightly floured surface (counter or cutting board), unfold one puff pastry sheet. Use a rolling pin to press any curled edges.

Using a knife or pizza wheel, cut along the seams to make 3 long rectangular strips. Next cut each strip into 3 approximately equal squares.

Repeat with the second pastry sheet then then transfer the squares to the baking sheet.

Using a paring knife, score the puff pastry along the edge as shown without cutting through then gently press in the center of each square with your finger forming an indentation.

Add a small teaspoon of fig jam to the center of each pastry square then top with 1-2 slices of pear, gently pressing the pear into the depression.

Bake 12-15 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and top with a few crumbles of goat cheese.

Optional garnish:  For a festive look, add a few fresh thyme leaves and a couple of pomegranate seeds (arils). Serve warm or room temp.

Subs and variations to this recipe:

• Try cream cheese, blue cheese or even honey goat cheese.
• Caramelized onion jam or bacon jam would be delicious in place of fig jam.
• Salty bacon, pancetta or crispy prosciutto on top are tasty additions.
• Sprinkle pecans over the top for texture and a light crunch.
• Substitute other fresh fruit like apples or fresh figs.
• Use pie crust if puffed pastry isn’t available.

How to store leftover fig pastry:

Leftover Fig Goat Cheese Puff Pastry can be stored in an airtight container or in plastic wrap in the refrigerator up to 3 days.

More easy holiday appetizers:

These easy impressive appetizers (and a cocktail too!) will be the hit of any gathering.

Christmas Margarita – just 4 ingredients – delicious, festive holiday cocktail with tequila and cranberry juice.

Cranberry Brie Pastry Braid – made with cranberry sauce, brie cheese and crescent dough. Great holiday appetizer – perfect for brunch too!

Crockpot Grape Jelly-BBQ Meatballs – a super easy appetizer with just 3 ingredients and 5 minute prep – juicy meatballs blanketed in a sweet and spicy sauce.

Christmas Tree Bread – easy Christmas appetizer or side dish from refrigerator pizza dough. Loaded with cheese, garlic butter and fresh herbs.

Enjoy!

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