Roasted Beet & Goat Cheese Log

Hello, friends! I’m so glad you’re here. Today, I’m sharing a recipe that’s not just delicious but also holds a special place in my heart: my Roasted Beet & Goat Cheese Log. This creamy, vibrant appetizer, with its earthy roasted beets, tangy goat cheese, and crunchy parsley-pistachio crust, is perfect for any gathering, from a casual weeknight dinner to a fancy holiday feast. It’s a recipe born from a blend of childhood memories and a love for simple, flavorful food.

I remember my grandmother’s garden, bursting with vibrant beets the size of my small hand. She’d roast them until they were tender and sweet, their earthy aroma filling the entire house. While I wasn’t a fan of beets as a child (who was?), I loved watching her transform them into something magical. This Roasted Beet & Goat Cheese Log is my way of honoring those memories, taking that earthy sweetness and pairing it with the creamy tang of goat cheese – a combination that, trust me, is pure magic.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It’s Surprisingly Simple: Even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen, you can whip this up with ease. Promise!
• It’s a Flavor Explosion: The sweetness of the beets, the tang of the goat cheese, and the crunch of the pistachios create a delightful symphony of flavors.
• It’s a Showstopper: This Roasted Beet & Goat Cheese Log is so vibrant and beautiful, it’s guaranteed to impress your guests. See how the deep red of the beets peeks through the creamy white goat cheese in the main image? It’s a feast for the eyes!
• It’s Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the log a day ahead, saving you precious time on the day of your gathering.
• It’s Healthy(ish): Beets are packed with nutrients, and goat cheese offers a lighter alternative to other cheeses. Plus, the parsley and pistachios add a healthy dose of greens and good fats.
• It’s Versatile: Serve it with crackers, crostini, crudités – the possibilities are endless!

What You’ll Need (Ingredients)

• 8 oz goat cheese, softened: Let it sit out at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This makes it much easier to mix.
• ½ cup roasted beets, finely grated: Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of the beets. I’ll show you how in the recipe steps!
• 1 tablespoon honey: A touch of sweetness to balance the tangy goat cheese. My grandmother always used local honey, and I try to do the same.
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground, please! It makes all the difference.
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder: Just a hint of garlic to enhance the other flavors.
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped: Adds a vibrant green color and a fresh, herby flavor.
• ¼ cup pistachios, chopped: For that satisfying crunch! You can also use walnuts or pecans if you prefer.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for roasting the beets): A good quality extra virgin olive oil is best.

Let’s Make It Together

Step 1: Preheat & Prep

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven is heating up, wash and trim your beets. I like to leave about an inch of the stems on to prevent bleeding during roasting.

Step 2: Roast the Beets

Toss the beets with olive oil and wrap them tightly in aluminum foil. This helps them steam and become tender. Place the foil-wrapped beets on a baking sheet and roast for 45-60 minutes, or until a fork easily pierces the center. See how beautifully the beets glisten after roasting in the second photo?

Step 3: Cool & Peel

Once the beets are roasted, let them cool completely. Once they are cool enough to handle, the skins should slip right off. If they’re being stubborn, you can use a paring knife to help.

Step 4: Grate the Beets

Using a box grater, finely grate the roasted beets. Be careful, as the juice can stain your hands (and clothes!). A little trick I learned from my mom is to wear disposable gloves while grating.

Step 5: Soften the Goat Cheese

Make sure your goat cheese is softened. If it’s still a bit firm, you can microwave it in 10-second intervals until softened, but be careful not to melt it.

Step 6: Mix the Cheese Mixture

In a medium bowl, combine the softened goat cheese, grated beets, honey, black pepper, and garlic powder. Mix everything together until it’s smooth and well combined. The beautiful pink hue of this mixture always makes me smile.

Step 7: Shape the Log

Lay out a piece of plastic wrap on your counter. Spoon the beet and goat cheese mixture onto the plastic wrap. Using the plastic wrap, shape the mixture into a log, about 6-8 inches long. Wrap the log tightly in the plastic wrap and twist the ends to seal.

Step 8: Chill

Place the wrapped Roasted Beet & Goat Cheese Log in the refrigerator for at least an hour, or until firm. This will make it easier to slice and serve.

Step 9: Prep the Pistachio-Parsley Coating

While the log is chilling, chop the parsley and pistachios. I like to do this by hand, but you can also use a food processor if you prefer.

Step 10: Coat the Log

Spread the chopped parsley and pistachios on a plate. Remove the chilled Roasted Beet & Goat Cheese Log from the refrigerator and unwrap it. Roll the log in the parsley-pistachio mixture, pressing gently to ensure it’s evenly coated. You can see the beautiful finished product in the third image – isn’t it inviting?

Step 11: Slice & Serve

Place the Roasted Beet & Goat Cheese Log on a serving platter. Slice it into ½-inch thick rounds and serve with your favorite crackers, crostini, or fresh vegetables.

Paisley’s Secrets for Success

• Don’t Overbake the Beets: Overbaked beets can become dry and lose their sweetness.
• Use Room Temperature Goat Cheese: It’s much easier to mix and creates a smoother texture.
• Taste and Adjust: Before shaping the log, taste the cheese mixture and adjust the seasonings to your liking. You might want to add a pinch more honey or pepper.
• Chill Thoroughly: Chilling the log helps it firm up and makes it easier to slice.
• Get Creative with the Coating: Feel free to experiment with different nuts and herbs.
• Don’t be afraid to make it your own: This recipe is a great starting point, but feel free to adapt it to your taste.
• Have Fun! Cooking should be enjoyable. Put on some music, pour yourself a glass of wine, and relax.

Tasty Twists to Try

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cheese mixture for a bit of heat.
• Citrus Burst: Zest a lemon or orange into the cheese mixture for a bright, citrusy flavor.
• Herby Delight: Try adding different herbs like dill, chives, or mint to the coating.
• Walnut Wonder: Swap the pistachios for walnuts for a richer, nuttier flavor.
• Cranberry Celebration: Fold in some dried cranberries for a festive touch, perfect for the holidays.

How I Love to Serve This

• Casual Gathering: Serve with an assortment of crackers and crudités.
• Holiday Party: Arrange the sliced Roasted Beet & Goat Cheese Log on a festive platter with sprigs of rosemary and cranberries.
• Wine Pairing: This pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light-bodied red like Pinot Noir.
• Brunch Delight: Serve alongside bagels, smoked salmon, and cream cheese.
• Simple Snack: Enjoy a few slices with a glass of wine after a long day.

Pull Up a Chair & Chat

I’d love to hear from you! Have you tried this Roasted Beet & Goat Cheese Log? What are your favorite ways to serve it? Do you have any special family recipes that use beets? Share your stories and tips in the comments below!

Final Thoughts

This Roasted Beet & Goat Cheese Log is more than just a recipe; it’s a celebration of simple, flavorful food and the memories that connect us to our kitchens and our loved ones. I hope you give it a try and experience the magic for yourself.

FAQs About Roasted Beet & Goat Cheese Log

• Can I make this ahead of time? Absolutely! You can make the log up to 2 days in advance and store it tightly wrapped in the refrigerator.
• Can I use pre-cooked beets? Yes, you can. Just make sure they are finely grated before mixing them with the goat cheese.
• What if I don’t like goat cheese? You can try substituting cream cheese or ricotta cheese, but the flavor will be different.
• Can I freeze this? I don’t recommend freezing the entire log, as the texture of the goat cheese can change. However, you can freeze the beet and goat cheese mixture before shaping it into a log.
• What can I serve this with? Crackers, crostini, baguette slices, pita chips, and fresh vegetables are all great options.
• How long does it last in the refrigerator? It will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator, tightly wrapped in plastic wrap.
• My goat cheese is crumbly, what should I do? Make sure your goat cheese is at room temperature. If it’s still crumbly, you can try microwaving it in 10-second intervals until softened. Be careful not to melt it.