Roasted Beet & Goat Cheese Log

 

Roasted Beet & Goat Cheese Rounds

(With Honey, Herbs, and Crunchy Nuts)

These vibrant beet "donuts" are an elegant, crowd-pleasing appetizer. Sweet roasted beets meet creamy, tangy goat cheese, finished with fresh herbs, toasted nuts, and a sweet-tart balsamic drizzle.

Ingredients

For the beets:

• 2–3 large red or golden beets

• 1–2 tbsp olive oil (for roasting)

For the filling:

• 8 oz (226 g) goat cheese, softened to room temperature

• 1 tbsp olive oil (for the cheese)

• 1 tbsp honey (plus extra for drizzling)

• ¼ tsp black pepper

• ¼ tsp garlic powder (optional)

For garnish:

• Fresh parsley or thyme, finely chopped

• Chopped pistachios or walnuts (toasted for extra flavor)

• Balsamic glaze (store-bought or reduced balsamic vinegar)

Instructions

1. Roast the beets

• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

• Scrub beets clean, trim the tops, and wrap each one tightly in aluminum foil.

• Roast for 45–60 minutes, until a knife slides through the center with no resistance.

• Let them cool just enough to handle, then slip off the skins with your fingers (they should come off easily).

2. Slice and create the "rings"

• Cut the peeled beets into thick rounds, about ½–¾ inch (1.5–2 cm) thick.

• Using a small round cookie cutter (or the tip of a paring knife), carefully remove the center of each slice to form a neat ring. Save the centers for snacking or salads!

3. Make the creamy filling

• In a small bowl, combine the softened goat cheese, 1 tbsp olive oil, honey, black pepper, and garlic powder (if using).

• Beat with a fork or small whisk until the mixture is light, smooth, and fluffy.

4. Fill the beet rings

• Transfer the cheese mixture to a piping bag (or a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off) for the neatest presentation.

• Pipe the filling generously into the center hole of each beet ring, mounding it slightly on top.

• (No piping bag? Just spoon it in and smooth with the back of a small spoon.)

5. Garnish and serve

• Sprinkle the filled rings with fresh herbs and chopped nuts.

• Drizzle lightly with balsamic glaze and/or a final touch of honey.

• Serve immediately, or chill for up to 2 hours before serving—bring back to room temperature for the best flavor.

Chef’s Tip: For even more color contrast, use a mix of red and golden beets. If you're short on time, you can roast the beets a day ahead and store them in the fridge—just bring them to room temp before assembling.