The Only Appetizer You Need This Holiday Season: Brie, Fig & Nut Puff Pastry Pinwheels

Written by Dietitian Elis Halenko

Sponsored by the Canadian Sugar Institute

Key Takeaways

Demonstrates that holiday appetizers can be simple. This family-friendly example features brie, homemade fig jam, and nuts wrapped in puff pastry. Can be styled into a beautiful holiday wreath for a festive presentation.
Highlights the “nutrition by addition” approach – enjoying your favorite foods while incorporating others for variety and increased nutrition.

Getting Ready for The Holiday Season

Ella has been rotating through her Christmas books since October, so it’s safe to say- we’re more than ready for the holidays!

One of my favorite parts of this season is all the festive food and flavors – from figs, citrus, and cranberries to cozy spices like cinnamon and ginger. In our house, we embrace it all.

A Dietitian’s Guide to Balanced Holiday Eating

As a dietitian, I often remind everyone that healthy eating doesn’t mean restriction, especially during the holidays. Food connects us, brings joy, and is meant to be enjoyed with the people we love.

This year, I’m focusing on a balanced approach we call “nutrition by addition.” Instead of cutting out favorite foods, think about what you can add- more color, texture, and nutrients. For example, pairing a slice of gingerbread loaf with fresh citrus not only boosts flavor but also adds balance and nourishment.

What the Holiday Season is All About

Of course, the holidays come with their fair share of chaos too (I’ve fully embraced online shopping this year!). And while some of that hustle is part of the fun, I’m learning to lean into simple joys – easy table décor, low-stress get-togethers, and recipes that bring people together without overcomplicating things, after all, that’s what the holiday season is all about.

Leaning into less stress and simple pleasures is what inspired this crowd-pleasing holiday appetizer: Brie, Fig & Nut Puff Pastry Pinwheels. In my opinion, you don’t need ten appetizer recipes this holiday season, you only need one really good one!

A Sweet and Savory Appetizer That Checks All the Boxes

I’ve partnered with the Canadian Sugar Institute to bring you this one really good appetizer recipe, because I believe it’s the only one you’ll need.

These festive pinwheels combine brie, homemade fig jam, and crunchy mixed nuts (I used pistachios and walnuts), all rolled up in flaky puff pastry… I mean, come’on.

It’s the perfect blend of textures, buttery, gooey, and crisp, a sort of holiday inspired Baklava that both kids and adults will love.

Best of all, this recipe can be made ahead and baked fresh before serving.

To make your holiday spread even more fun, arrange the baked pinwheels on a large serving board or platter in the shape of a wreath, as pictured below. Add sprigs of fresh rosemary and figs, and pomegranate seeds to complete the festive grazing board aesthetic (see recipe below!)

Brie, Fig & Nut Puff Pastry Pinwheels Recipe

Serves: 8–10 (makes about 20 pinwheels)

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Bake Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

2 sheets puff pastry, thawed
250g (about 8 oz) brie cheese, thinly sliced
1 cup fig jam (homemade or store-bought)
1/2 cup finely chopped mixed nuts (I used walnuts and pistachios)
2 tsp fresh rosemary or thyme, finely chopped (optional)
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Optional: Fresh figs and pomegranate seeds for decorating the pinwheel wreath

Homemade Holiday Fig Jam

Makes: ~1 cup

Ingredients:

2 cups fresh figs (washed, stems removed, chopped)
½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup water
1 tbsp fresh orange juice
½ tsp orange zest
½ tsp vanilla extract

Homemade Holiday Fig Jam Method:

In a medium saucepan, combine figs, sugar, water, orange juice, and zest. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to low and simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.

Use a potato masher or an immersion blender to reach your desired texture, smooth or slightly chunky.
Stir in vanilla extract if using, and cook for another 1–2 minutes. Let cool before incorporating into the pinwheel recipe. If you don’t use all the fig jam you can store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks, or freeze for longer storage.

Brie, Fig & Nut Puff Pastry Pinwheels Method:

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Spread fig jam evenly over the puff pastry sheet, leaving a ½-inch border. Add sliced brie evenly across the pastry, then sprinkle with chopped nuts.
Roll the pastry tightly from one long edge into a log. Slice into ½-inch thick rounds. Repeat with a second puff pastry sheet. Combine egg and rosemary to make the egg wash. Arrange pinwheels on the baking sheet, brush with egg wash, and bake for 15-20 minutes, until golden and crisp (I checked up on my pinwheels at the 15 minute mark).

Cool slightly before serving. Arrange in a wreath shape on a large plate or board, garnishing with fresh rosemary, figs and pomegranate seeds for color.

Balanced Holiday Eating with “Nutrition by Addition”

Rather than avoiding certain foods during the holidays, focus on adding balance and variety.

In our household, we always serve fruit and nuts along with baked goods, which allows us to enjoy a variety of foods and add more balance to our dessert plates. When this style of serving dessert becomes a tradition, it’s really fun to see family and friends make a bee-line for the spread and try a little bit of everything.

Here are some ways you can focus on “nutrition by addition” this holiday season:

Include fruits, vegetables, and nuts in appetizers and desserts.
Combine protein, carbohydrates and vegetables for satisfying, nourishing meals.
Enjoy your favorite holiday foods mindfully, slowing down and savoring each bite.

Sugar, when enjoyed in moderation and as part of balanced meals, can absolutely fit into a healthy diet. The sweetness of fig jam in this recipe complements savory brie and nuts- proving that balance, not restriction, is key to healthy holiday eating.

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Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or attending a holiday potluck, these Brie, Fig & Nut Puff Pastry Pinwheels are a must try appetizer recipe this season! They’re both sweet and savory, easy to make, deliciously balanced, and bring a festive touch to your table.

Healthy eating during the holidays isn’t about avoiding foods; it’s about celebrating food in all its forms, nourishing both body and soul.

We hope the season brings you lots of quality time with loved ones, good memories, traditions, laughter and good food – afterall that’s what the season is all about.

Happy holidays!