While whipping up a dish in the kitchen, I stumbled upon a delightful surprise that transformed my cooking experience—savory beet macarons. Yes, you heard that right! These stunning Savory Beet Macarons with Goat Cheese are not just a treat for the palate but also a feast for the eyes, presenting jewel-toned shells that are irresistible. Ideal for entertaining, these elegant little bites combine the earthiness of beet with the creamy tang of goat cheese, delivering a flavor explosion that will impress your guests. Plus, they are vegetarian and incredibly versatile, making them a perfect crowd-pleaser at any gathering. How about taking a culinary leap and adding an unexpected twist to your next appetizer spread?
Why Try Savory Beet Macarons?
Unique Flavor Experience: These savory beet macarons redefine appetizers, merging sweetness with the earthy taste of beets and the delightful tang of goat cheese.
Culinary Showstopper: Their jewel-toned shells are not only visually stunning but also make for a fabulous conversation starter at any gathering.
Versatile Options: Feel free to experiment! Swap goat cheese for feta or ricotta, or even infuse the filling with fresh herbs like dill or thyme for a personalized touch.
Impressive Yet Simple: You don’t need to be a pastry chef to master this recipe; it’s straightforward and rewarding, perfect for home cooks looking to elevate their culinary skills.
Make Ahead Convenience: You can freeze unfilled macaron shells for up to a month, ensuring you have a thoughtful, sophisticated appetizer ready at a moment’s notice.
These little bites pack a punch and will definitely make your next gathering a gourmet affair!
Savory Beet Macarons Ingredients
For the Macaron Shells
• Almond Flour – Provides structure and a nutty flavor; substitute with hazelnut flour if desired.
• Powdered Sugar – Adds sweetness and achieves the crucial smooth texture in your macaron shells.
• Beetroot Powder – Imparts vibrant color and earthy flavor; avoid fresh beet puree due to excess moisture.
• Egg Whites – Essential for meringue; use aged egg whites for better volume in your savory beet macarons.
• Granulated Sugar – Stabilizes the meringue when whipped with egg whites for optimal texture.
• Cream of Tartar – Helps to stabilize the egg whites while whipping for the perfect meringue.
• Salt – Enhances the savory flavor profile of the macarons.
For the Filling
• Fresh Goat Cheese – The star of the filling, delivering creamy and tangy goodness.
• Cream Cheese – Adds richness; can be swapped for mascarpone if you prefer a different flavor.
• Heavy Cream – Adjusts consistency; use more for a smoother filling.
• Toasted Walnuts – Offers crunch and nutty flavor; pecans or almonds can be used as alternatives.
• Extra Walnut Crumbs – Optional garnish that adds texture when serving.
Optional Garnishes
• Micro Herbs – Adds a touch of freshness and elegance before serving.
• Beet Powder – Can be dusted on top for enhanced visual appeal and a hint of color.
Delight your guests with these Savory Beet Macarons with Goat Cheese—a perfect blend of style and flavor for any gathering!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Savory Beet Macarons with Goat Cheese
Step 1: Prepare Shells
Begin by sifting together 100g of almond flour, 100g of powdered sugar, and 1 tablespoon of beetroot powder into a bowl. This blend enhances the structure and color of your Savory Beet Macarons. Make sure these dry ingredients are well-combined to prevent lumps, then set aside while you whip the egg whites.
Step 2: Make Meringue
In a clean mixing bowl, whip 100g of aged egg whites with a pinch of cream of tartar and a pinch of salt until frothy. Gradually add 100g of granulated sugar while continuing to whip, until the mixture forms stiff peaks—this should take about 5–7 minutes. Your meringue should be glossy and hold its shape well, ready to be combined with the dry ingredients.
Step 3: Combine Mixtures
Gently fold the sifted dry ingredients into the meringue using a spatula, taking care not to deflate the mixture. Aim for a smooth, lava-like consistency in your batter, which will help create that perfect macaron shell texture. This step takes a few minutes to ensure the colors blend beautifully without overmixing.
Step 4: Pipe Shells
Prepare a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Using a piping bag fitted with a round tip, pipe 3 cm rounds of the batter onto the tray, leaving space between each. Once piped, gently tap the baking tray on the counter to release any air bubbles. This creates that classic macaron “foot” for your Savory Beet Macarons.
Step 5: Rest
Allow the piped shells to rest at room temperature for 30 to 45 minutes, or until a dry skin forms on the surface. During this time, preheat your oven to 150°C (300°F). You’ll know they are ready when you can lightly touch the tops without any batter sticking to your fingers, indicating they are ready for baking.
Step 6: Bake
Once rested, place the trays in the preheated oven and bake for 14–16 minutes. Keep an eye on them; the macaron shells should look firm and slightly puffed, and they should not brown. After baking, remove them from the oven and allow the shells to cool completely on the tray before attempting to remove them.
Step 7: Prepare Filling
While the shells cool, whip together 100g of goat cheese, 50g of cream cheese, and 30ml of heavy cream in a mixing bowl until smooth and creamy. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Lastly, fold in 50g of finely chopped toasted walnuts, adding a delightful crunch to your filling for the Savory Beet Macarons.
Step 8: Assemble Macarons
To assemble, pipe a generous amount of the creamy filling onto the flat side of one macaron shell. Carefully place another shell on top to create a sandwich. Repeat until all macaron shells are filled. This creates the perfect contrast between the rich filling and the vibrant beet shells.
Step 9: Chill
Once assembled, place the macarons in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the filling to set, resulting in a better tasting experience. Your Savory Beet Macarons with Goat Cheese will be ready to impress once chilled and a touch more inviting.
Expert Tips for Savory Beet Macarons
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Humidity Awareness: Make sure the kitchen is dry; humidity can ruin the texture of your Savory Beet Macarons. Use a dehumidifier if necessary.
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Maximize Meringue: Always age your egg whites for a few hours, or even overnight. This helps achieve maximum volume and stability in your meringue.
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Perfect Baking: Invest in an oven thermometer; baking is all about precision. An accurate temperature ensures your macarons bake correctly without browning.
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Let Them Rest: Don’t rush the resting period before baking. A proper crust forms helps the macarons maintain shape and allows for that desirable “foot.”
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Flavor Infusion: Feel free to experiment with fillings! Try switching out the goat cheese in your Savory Beet Macarons with ricotta or adding herbs for added depth.
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Storage Secrets: If hosting a gathering, consider freezing unfilled shells up to a month in advance. This way, you’ll always have a sophisticated appetizer on hand!
Savory Beet Macarons with Goat Cheese Variations
Feel free to let your creativity shine by customizing these delicious macarons! Each variation brings a unique twist that will tantalize your taste buds.
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Nut Flour Swap: Use hazelnut flour instead of almond flour for a richer, nuttier taste. This will add a delightful depth of flavor to your macaron shells.
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Cheese Twists: Substitute goat cheese with creamy ricotta or tangy feta for a different flavor profile, giving each macaron its distinct character. The creaminess remains while offering contrasting undertones.
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Herbal Infusion: Add finely chopped fresh herbs like dill or thyme to the filling for an aromatic twist. These simple additions can elevate the flavor and add freshness to the overall experience.
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Spice It Up: Incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika into the filling to introduce a subtle heat. Your guests will love the surprising kick that balances beautifully with the creamy filling.
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Crunchy Alternatives: Try pecans or slivered almonds instead of toasted walnuts for the filling. Each nut adds its unique crunch and flavor, making every bite a new experience.
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Balsamic Drizzle: Enhance the presentation and taste by drizzling a bit of balsamic reduction over the assembled macarons before serving. This will offer a sweet and tangy contrast to the earthy beet flavor.
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Dairy-Free Delight: For a dairy-free version, switch to a plant-based cream cheese alternative. Pair it with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor that doesn’t compromise on taste.
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Seasonal Veggie Fill: Explore filling variations by incorporating finely diced roasted vegetables, like bell peppers or zucchini, alongside the cheese mixture for a colorful, flavorful surprise.
If admiring cheese boards is your thing, why not create a platter featuring these macarons alongside Savory Rosemary Parmesan or Beef Philly Cheesesteaks? Your guests will be mesmerized by the irresistible creations!
What to Serve with Savory Beet Macarons with Goat Cheese
Elevate your appetizer game by pairing these delightful bites with complementary flavors and textures that will enhance the experience!
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Crisp Arugula Salad: A peppery arugula salad with a citrus vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast that balances the richness of the macaron filling.
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Roasted Vegetable Platter: Vividly roasted seasonal veggies bring earthy flavors and colorful presentation, creating a visually stunning accompaniment.
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Herbed Cream Cheese Dip: Pairing with a light herbed cheese dip provides a creamy texture that harmonizes beautifully with the bold flavors of the macarons.
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Sparkling Wine: A chilled glass of sparkling wine or a refreshing prosecco complements the tanginess of the goat cheese and lifts the palate.
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Pickled Vegetables: The bright acidity of pickled veggies cuts through the richness of the macarons, offering a delightful textural contrast that invites more bites.
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Mini Goat Cheese Tartlets: Small tartlets filled with goat cheese and herbs create a savory duet that celebrates the key ingredient in your beet macarons.
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Caramelized Onion Quiche: The sweet-savory flavor of quiche enhances the flavor journey, providing a lovely, fluffy texture that pairs well with the macarons.
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Fig Jam: A spoonful of fig jam adds a sweet touch, bringing out the earthy notes of the beet and the creaminess of the cheese.
Feel free to mix and match these delights to craft an impressive spread that celebrates the unique character of your Savory Beet Macarons with Goat Cheese!
Make Ahead Options
These delightful Savory Beet Macarons with Goat Cheese are perfect for those busy weeknights or gatherings where you want to impress with minimal effort. You can prepare the macaron shells up to 24 hours in advance; simply bake them, cool completely, and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. The filling can also be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days; just be sure to re-whip it slightly at room temperature before using to restore its creamy texture. When you’re ready to serve, assemble the macarons with the filling, chill for at least 30 minutes, and enjoy the flavor-packed, sophisticated treat that’s just as delicious as if freshly made!
How to Store and Freeze Savory Beet Macarons
Fridge: Keep filled savory beet macarons in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours to maintain their fresh flavor and texture.
Freezer: Unfilled macaron shells can be frozen for up to 1 month. Place them in a single layer in an airtight container. Avoid freezing filled macarons as the filling may separate.
Reheating: If you’re making ahead, allow the whipped filling to come to room temperature and re-whip it before using to ensure the right consistency.
Serving: Once chilled, your savory beet macarons are ready to impress! Remove from the fridge shortly before serving for optimal flavor.
Savory Beet Macarons with Goat Cheese Recipe FAQs
What type of beetroot powder should I use?
When making Savory Beet Macarons, it’s best to use freeze-dried beetroot powder instead of fresh beet puree. Fresh puree can introduce excess moisture, which can negatively affect the texture of your macaron shells.
How should I store leftover macarons?
To store filled savory beet macarons, place them in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. This allows you to enjoy their delightful flavor and texture at their peak freshness.
Can I freeze the macarons?
Absolutely! You can freeze unfilled macaron shells for up to 1 month. Simply arrange them in a single layer in an airtight container, ensuring they don’t stick together. Avoid freezing filled macarons, as the filling may separate and impact the texture when thawed.
What should I do if my macarons don’t develop a “foot”?
If your macarons fail to develop that desirable foot, it could be due to under-mixing or not allowing them to rest properly before baking. Ensure your meringue is whipped to stiff peaks and let the piped shells rest until they form a skin, about 30-45 minutes. Really look for a dry surface that isn’t sticky to the touch before baking.
Are these macarons suitable for people with nut allergies?
Unfortunately, Savory Beet Macarons contain almond flour, which isn’t safe for those with nut allergies. If you’re looking for alternatives, consider creating a different shell using seed flours, such as sunflower seed flour, to achieve a nut-free version that still compromises on taste and texture.
Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the goat cheese filling ahead of time. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to bring it to room temperature and re-whip it to achieve a smooth consistency before piping into your macarons.
Savory Beet Macarons with Goat Cheese: A Flavorful Twist
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Sift together 100g of almond flour, 100g of powdered sugar, and 1 tablespoon of beetroot powder in a bowl.
- Set aside while whipping the egg whites.
- In a mixing bowl, whip 100g of aged egg whites with a pinch of cream of tartar and salt until frothy.
- Gradually add 100g of granulated sugar and whip until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the dry ingredients into the meringue until smooth and well combined.
- Pipe 3 cm rounds of the batter on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
- Tap the tray to release air bubbles.
- Allow shells to rest for 30 to 45 minutes until dry skin forms.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 150°C (300°F) for 14–16 minutes.
- Cool completely before removing from the tray.
- Whip together 100g of goat cheese, 50g of cream cheese, and 30ml of heavy cream until smooth.
- Fold in 50g of finely chopped toasted walnuts.
- Pipe filling onto one macaron shell and top with another shell.
- Refrigerate assembled macarons for at least 30 minutes before serving.
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