Description
This Roasted Beet & Goat Cheese Log is a vibrant and elegant appetizer that combines the earthy sweetness of roasted beets with the creamy tang of goat cheese. Coated with fresh parsley and crunchy pistachios, this log is perfect for entertaining or a sophisticated snack, offering a beautiful balance of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Scale
Beets for Roasting
- Approximately 2 medium beets (to yield ½ cup grated)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Goat Cheese Mixture
- 8 oz goat cheese, softened
- ½ cup roasted beets, finely grated
- 1 tablespoon honey
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
Coating
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- ¼ cup pistachios, chopped
Instructions
- Roast the Beets: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash the beets thoroughly, trim the tops and roots as needed. Drizzle the beets with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, wrap each tightly in foil, and place them on a baking sheet. Roast for 45-60 minutes until tender when pierced with a fork. Once cooked, let the beets cool, peel their skins off, and finely grate to measure ½ cup.
- Prepare the Goat Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened goat cheese with the grated roasted beets. Add 1 tablespoon honey, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, and ¼ teaspoon garlic powder. Mix everything thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and has a uniform pink color.
- Shape the Log: Lay out a large sheet of plastic wrap on your workspace. Spoon the goat cheese mixture into the center of the plastic wrap and shape it into a 6-inch log using your hands or a spatula. Wrap the log tightly in the plastic wrap, twisting the ends to seal, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow it to firm up.
- Coat the Cheese Log: On a shallow plate, combine the chopped parsley and chopped pistachios. Remove the chilled cheese log from the plastic wrap and gently roll it in the parsley-pistachio mixture, pressing lightly so the coating sticks evenly to all sides.
- Serve and Enjoy: Transfer the coated cheese log to a serving platter. Slice into rounds or serve whole with a cheese knife. This log pairs wonderfully with crackers, crostini, or fresh vegetables such as cucumber slices, carrot sticks, and celery. It also complements white wine or sparkling rosé perfectly.
Notes
- Ensure beets are fully cooled before peeling and grating to avoid burning your hands.
- You can prepare the roasted beets a day in advance to save time.
- For a nut-free option, omit pistachios and substitute with extra parsley or toasted seeds.
- The cheese log can be refrigerated for up to 2 days before serving.
- Adjust honey quantity to taste if you prefer a sweeter or less sweet flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour (for roasting beets)
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: roasted beet, goat cheese, cheese log, appetizer, vegetarian, party snack, roasted vegetables
