Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these savory beet macarons with goat cheese walnut crunch! When I first stumbled upon this recipe, I was completely enchanted by the idea of transforming a classic French dessert into something so unexpectedly savory. I mean, beetroot in a macaron? Who would’ve thought? But trust me, the vibrant color and earthy sweetness from the beets combined with the creamy tang of goat cheese and the crunch of walnuts create a flavor explosion that’s absolutely delightful!
These little bites are not just a feast for the palate but also for the eyes! They make for a stunning appetizer that will impress any guest at your next gathering. I remember the first time I served them; everyone was curious and excited to try something different. And oh, the smiles I got as they took their first bite! You’ll find that these macarons are surprisingly easy to make, yet they feel so sophisticated. So, let’s dive into this fabulous recipe together!
Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these savory beet macarons with goat cheese walnut crunch! When I first stumbled upon this recipe, I was completely enchanted by the idea of transforming a classic French dessert into something so unexpectedly savory. I mean, beetroot in a macaron? Who would’ve thought? But trust me, the vibrant color and earthy sweetness from the beets combined with the creamy tang of goat cheese and the crunch of walnuts create a flavor explosion that’s absolutely delightful!
These little bites are not just a feast for the palate but also for the eyes! They make for a stunning appetizer that will impress any guest at your next gathering. I remember the first time I served them; everyone was curious and excited to try something different. And oh, the smiles I got as they took their first bite! You’ll find that these macarons are surprisingly easy to make, yet they feel so sophisticated. So, let’s dive into this fabulous recipe together!
Ingredients List
Let’s gather all the goodies we need to whip up these savory beet macarons with goat cheese walnut crunch! Each ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving that perfect flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Beetroot puree: 1/2 cup – This is the star of the show, adding that gorgeous color and a subtle sweetness. You can make your own by roasting beets and blending them, or you can buy it pre-made!
- Almond flour: 1 cup – This is key for the macaron shells. Make sure it’s finely ground for the best texture.
- Powdered sugar: 1 cup – This sweetens the macarons and helps create that lovely smooth shell.
- Egg whites: 3 – Make sure they’re at room temperature to whip them up to fluffy perfection!
- Granulated sugar: 1/4 cup – This will be gradually added to the egg whites to help stabilize them as you whip.
- Goat cheese: 4 oz – Creamy and tangy, this will be the delicious filling that perfectly complements the beet flavor.
- Walnuts: 1/2 cup, chopped – They add a delightful crunch to the filling, so don’t skip these!
- Olive oil: 1 tbsp – Just a touch to smooth out the goat cheese filling.
- Salt: a pinch – It enhances all the flavors, so just a little is all you need!
Now that we have everything ready, we can move on to the fun part—making these beautiful macarons!
How to Prepare Savory Beet Macarons with Goat Cheese Walnut Crunch
Preheat the Oven
First things first, let’s get that oven going! Preheat it to 300°F (150°C). Preheating is super important because it ensures that our macarons bake evenly and develop that lovely crispy shell. So, don’t skip this step!
Prepare the Macaron Mixture
Now, let’s whip up the macaron mixture! In a large bowl, combine 1 cup of almond flour and 1 cup of powdered sugar. Mix them together until they’re well blended; this helps eliminate any lumps and makes for a smoother macaron shell. Next, in another bowl, whip 3 egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add in 1/4 cup of granulated sugar while continuing to whip until you reach stiff peaks. You want those egg whites to be glossy and hold their shape beautifully!
Incorporate Beetroot Puree
It’s time to bring in that vibrant beetroot puree! Gently fold in the 1/2 cup of beetroot puree into the whipped egg whites. Be careful here—using a spatula, you want to incorporate the puree without deflating all that lovely air you just whipped into the egg whites. Once it’s combined, add your dry mixture of almond flour and powdered sugar, and fold until everything is just combined. The batter should flow like lava—smooth and slightly thick, but not too runny!
Pipe and Bake the Macarons
Now, let’s get piping! Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Transfer your batter to a piping bag fitted with a round tip. Pipe small circles onto the baking sheet, leaving some space between each one. A tip here: you can use a template or just eyeball it! Once piped, it’s crucial to let the macarons sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This drying time helps form a skin on the surface, which gives them that lovely foot when baked. After they’ve dried, pop them in the oven for about 20 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they lift off the parchment easily!
Prepare the Goat Cheese Filling
While the macarons are baking, let’s whip up the filling! In a bowl, combine 4 oz of goat cheese with 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Mix until everything is nicely combined and creamy. This filling is not only delicious but adds that savory touch that pairs perfectly with our sweet and earthy macarons.
Assemble the Macarons
Once the macarons have cooled completely, it’s assembly time! Pair them up by size, and take one shell from each pair. Spoon a generous amount of the goat cheese filling onto the flat side of one shell, then gently sandwich it with the other shell. Press them together lightly until the filling peeks out at the sides. And there you have it—your savory beet macarons are ready to impress!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unique Flavor: The combination of earthy beetroot, creamy goat cheese, and crunchy walnuts creates a flavor profile that’s both surprising and delicious!
- Visually Stunning: These macarons are not only tasty but also a feast for the eyes with their vibrant color, making them a showstopper at any gathering.
- Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, you’ll find that making these savory macarons is a fun and manageable kitchen adventure, even for beginners!
- Impressive Presentation: Serve them at parties or gatherings, and watch as your guests marvel at these sophisticated little bites!
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a fancy appetizer for a dinner party or a unique treat for a casual get-together, these macarons fit the bill!
Tips for Success
Want to make sure your savory beet macarons with goat cheese walnut crunch turn out perfectly? I’ve got you covered! Here are some tried-and-true tips to help you avoid common pitfalls and achieve macaron mastery:
- Room Temperature Egg Whites: Make sure your egg whites are at room temperature before you start whipping. This allows them to whip up fluffier and achieve those lovely stiff peaks!
- Weigh Your Ingredients: For the best results, I always recommend weighing your almond flour and powdered sugar. This ensures accuracy and consistency for your macarons.
- Don’t Skip the Drying Step: Letting the piped macarons dry for 30 minutes is crucial. This helps form the outer shell and prevents them from cracking in the oven. You’ll see a slight sheen when they’re ready!
- Oven Thermometer: Ovens can be tricky, so if you have an oven thermometer, use it! Baking macarons is all about precision, and even a few degrees off can affect the outcome.
- Cool Completely: After baking, let the macarons cool completely on the baking sheet before trying to remove them. This helps them hold their shape and prevents sticking!
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to get creative! You can add herbs like thyme or rosemary to your filling for an extra layer of flavor. Just make sure to keep the balance right!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be on your way to creating perfect savory beet macarons that will have everyone asking for the recipe!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the numbers! These savory beet macarons with goat cheese walnut crunch are not only delicious but also surprisingly light. Here’s an estimated breakdown of the nutritional values per macaron:
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
- Sodium: 80mg
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 3g
Please keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. But hey, knowing you’re indulging in a tasty treat that’s not too heavy is always a win in my book!
FAQ Section
Can I use fresh beets instead of beetroot puree?
Absolutely! You can roast fresh beets, then blend them until smooth to make your own puree. Just make sure to cool them before mixing into your batter!
What if my macarons crack while baking?
Cracking can happen if the macarons haven’t dried long enough before baking or if the oven temperature is too high. Make sure to let them sit until they have a slight sheen and adjust the oven temperature for the best results.
How can I store leftover macarons?
Store any leftover savory beet macarons in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They’re best enjoyed fresh, but they’ll still be tasty chilled!
Can I make these macarons ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the macaron shells a day ahead and fill them just before serving for the best texture. The filling can also be made in advance and stored separately.
What can I serve with savory beet macarons?
These macarons pair wonderfully with a crisp salad or a glass of sparkling wine. They also make a unique addition to a charcuterie board, adding a pop of color and flavor!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve prepared these stunning savory beet macarons with goat cheese walnut crunch, let’s talk about how to serve them for maximum impact! These little bites are perfect for a variety of occasions, and pairing them with the right dishes or drinks can elevate your appetizer experience to a whole new level.
- Crisp Salad: A light, refreshing salad with mixed greens, citrus segments, and a zesty vinaigrette will complement the rich flavors of the macarons beautifully. The acidity from the dressing cuts through the creaminess of the goat cheese, creating a delightful balance.
- Charcuterie Board: Incorporate your savory macarons into a stylish charcuterie board alongside cured meats, artisan cheeses, olives, and seasonal fruits. They’ll add a pop of color and a unique flavor that’ll leave your guests raving!
- Sparkling Wine: For a drink pairing, consider serving these macarons with a crisp sparkling wine or prosecco. The bubbles and acidity will refresh your palate and enhance the flavors of the beet and goat cheese.
- Herbed Cream Cheese Dip: A creamy herbed dip served alongside crunchy vegetables will provide a lovely contrast to the macarons. The creaminess of the dip complements the texture of the macarons while adding another flavor layer.
- Roasted Vegetable Platter: A platter of roasted seasonal vegetables drizzled with balsamic glaze can create a warm, inviting spread that pairs wonderfully with the earthy flavors of your macarons.
Mix and match these suggestions to create a gorgeous spread that showcases your savory beet macarons! Your guests will be in for a treat and will surely appreciate the thought you put into the entire appetizer experience.
Print
Savory Beet Macarons with Goat Cheese Walnut Crunch: 7 Comforting Bites
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Savory beet macarons filled with goat cheese and topped with a walnut crunch.
Ingredients
- Beetroot puree – 1/2 cup
- Almond flour – 1 cup
- Powdered sugar – 1 cup
- Egg whites – 3
- Granulated sugar – 1/4 cup
- Goat cheese – 4 oz
- Walnuts – 1/2 cup, chopped
- Olive oil – 1 tbsp
- Salt – a pinch
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C).
- In a bowl, mix almond flour and powdered sugar.
- Whip egg whites until soft peaks form, then gradually add granulated sugar.
- Fold in beetroot puree and dry mixture.
- Pipe macarons onto a baking sheet.
- Bake for 20 minutes, then allow to cool.
- Mix goat cheese with chopped walnuts and olive oil.
- Fill half the macarons with goat cheese mixture and sandwich with the other half.
Notes
- Ensure egg whites are at room temperature.
- Let macarons dry before baking for better texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 macaron
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: savory beet macarons, goat cheese, walnut crunch, appetizers