Delve into the world of flavors with our delightful Savory Beet Macarons, filled with a creamy goat cheese mixture that will elevate any gathering. These macarons are not your average sweet treats; they show off a beautiful balance of earthy beet flavors and the tanginess of goat cheese. Perfectly crafted for those who appreciate innovative appetizers, these colorful morsels will certainly spark conversations at your next dinner party or brunch.
Impress your friends and family with this unique dish that follows traditional macaron techniques but takes a savory twist. The combination of ingredients results in a sophisticated snack that looks as stunning as it tastes. Plus, they’re vegetarian-friendly, making them an ideal choice for diverse diets. In just 1 hour and 30 minutes, you can create approximately 20 of these gourmet bites!
Why You’ll Love This Savory Beet Macarons
- Unique Flavor Profile: The combination of sweet beet and savory goat cheese creates an unforgettable taste experience.
- Visually Stunning: Vibrant pink macarons filled with a creamy filling make for a gorgeous presentation.
- Versatile Appetizer: These macarons are perfect for any occasion, be it a chic cocktail party or a casual gathering.
- Easy to Customize: You can easily modify the filling to suit your palate or dietary needs.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
To create these delightful Savory Beet Macarons, start by preparing your workspace. Make sure your kitchen is clean, and gather all the necessary tools before you begin. You will need:
- A scale to measure your ingredients accurately
- Two mixing bowls for sifting and whisking
- A piping bag fitted with a round tip for shaping the macarons
- Parchment paper or silicone mats for baking
- An oven set ahead of time, preheated to 150°C (302°F)
Ensure you have a sturdy whisk or an electric mixer to whip the egg whites into stiff peaks effectively. Make sure any equipment you use—especially the bowls and the whisk—is free from grease, as this could prevent your egg whites from achieving the desired volume. Preparing your ingredients and equipment ahead of time will help streamline the process and lead to successful macaron shells!
Ingredients
- 100 g finely ground almond flour
- 100 g powdered sugar
- 10 g beetroot powder or finely ground freeze-dried beet
- 75 g aged egg whites
- 50 g granulated sugar
- Pinch of cream of tartar
- Pinch of salt
- 150 g fresh goat cheese
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese
- 1 tablespoon heavy cream (or more as needed)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 30 g toasted walnuts, finely chopped
- Extra walnut crumbs, for garnish
- Micro herbs or beet powder (optional for dusting)
Instructions
Step 1: Sift Dry Ingredients
Begin by sifting the almond flour, powdered sugar, and beetroot powder together in a large mixing bowl. This step is crucial, as it ensures that your dry ingredients are well combined and free of lumps, paving the way for a smooth macaron batter.
Step 2: Whip Egg Whites
In a separate bowl, start whisking your aged egg whites with the cream of tartar and a pinch of salt. Beat until they become foamy, then slowly add in the granulated sugar while continuing to whisk. Keep whisking until stiff peaks form—this may take several minutes, especially if you are whisking by hand. The stiff peaks indicate that your meringue has reached the perfect consistency for the macarons.
Step 3: Combine Mixtures
Carefully fold the sifted dry mixture into the whipped egg whites. Use a gentle hand; the goal is to maintain the air you’ve just whisked into the egg whites while merging the mixtures until you achieve a batter that flows smoothly in thick ribbons. This technique is essential for obtaining the perfect macaron shells.
Step 4: Pipe the Macarons
Once the batter is ready, transfer it to a piping bag. Pipe 3 cm diameter rounds onto parchment-lined trays, ensuring there is enough space between each round. After piping, tap the trays gently on the table to release any air bubbles trapped within the batter—this will help avoid cracks in your macarons.
Step 5: Let Shells Rest
Allow the piped shells to rest for 30 to 45 minutes until a skin forms on the surface. This step is crucial as it ensures your macarons develop the iconic feet once they are baked. You’ll know they are ready when you can lightly touch the surface without getting any batter on your finger.
Step 6: Bake the Macarons
Preheat your oven to 150°C (302°F). Once the shells have rested, place them in the oven and bake for 14 to 16 minutes. It’s best to rotate the trays halfway through baking to ensure even cooking. Once baked, allow them to cool completely on the tray.
Step 7: Prepare the Filling
While the shells are cooling, whip together the goat cheese, cream cheese, and heavy cream until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Season it with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Finally, gently fold in the chopped walnuts, adding a delightful crunch to your filling.
Step 8: Assemble the Macarons
Once the macaron shells are completely cool, pipe the creamy filling onto one shell and top it with another shell to create a sandwich. For the best flavor and texture, refrigerate the assembled macarons for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 9: Garnish and Serve
Before serving, dust the macarons with micro herbs or beet powder for an extra burst of color and flavor. You can also sprinkle some extra walnut crumbs on top to enhance the presentation. Enjoy these extraordinary treats!
Variations
- Protein: Swap out goat cheese for feta or ricotta if you prefer a different flavor profile.
- Vegetables: Incorporate pureed spinach or roasted red pepper for added depth.
- Spices: Experiment with different spices like classically herbed or a hint of chili powder for heat.
Cooking Notes
- Ensure that your egg whites are at room temperature for optimal results.
- Using fresh, high-quality ingredients will significantly enhance the final taste.
- If your filling seems too thick, adjust the consistency by adding a little more heavy cream as necessary.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve these macarons at room temperature for the best taste.
- Pair them with a light white wine or sparkling beverage to enhance their savoriness.
Tips
- Practice your piping skills on parchment before creating the final macarons; this can help with consistency.
- Be patient, the resting step is crucial for preventing cracked shells.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 80 per macaron (varies based on specific ingredients used)
- Protein: 3 g
- Sodium: Varies based on added salt and cheese
FAQs
Can I make these macarons ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the macarons and the filling separately up to 2 days in advance. However, assemble them just before serving to maintain freshness.
What if my macarons crack while baking?
Cracks may occur if the batter is too runny or if the macarons haven’t rested long enough. Ensure you follow the resting time strictly.
Can I use a different type of flour?
Almond flour is key for macarons, but you can try other nut flours. Just keep in mind that it may affect the texture and taste.
How should I store leftover macarons?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They will last about 2 to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them.
Conclusion
Transform your culinary skills and impress your guests with these stunning Savory Beet Macarons filled with smooth goat cheese. These delightful snacks are bound to spark joy and intrigue with every bite. With their unique flavor and sophisticated appearance, they offer an innovative twist on traditional macarons and can easily become a star of any appetizer spread. Don’t hesitate to get creative with different fillings and variations to make them your own. We encourage you to share your own experiences and any unique twists you’ve added to this recipe in the comments below. Happy cooking!
Print
Savory Beet Macarons with Goat Cheese Filling
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 20 macarons 1x
Description
Delve into the world of flavors with our delightful Savory Beet Macarons, filled with a creamy goat cheese mixture that will elevate any gathering.
Ingredients
- 100 g finely ground almond flour
- 100 g powdered sugar
- 10 g beetroot powder or finely ground freeze-dried beet
- 75 g aged egg whites
- 50 g granulated sugar
- Pinch of cream of tartar
- Pinch of salt
- 150 g fresh goat cheese
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese
- 1 tablespoon heavy cream (or more as needed)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 30 g toasted walnuts, finely chopped
- Extra walnut crumbs, for garnish
- Micro herbs or beet powder (optional for dusting)
Instructions
- Begin by sifting the almond flour, powdered sugar, and beetroot powder together in a large mixing bowl.
- In a separate bowl, start whisking your aged egg whites with the cream of tartar and a pinch of salt. Beat until foamy, then slowly add in the granulated sugar while continuing to whisk. Keep whisking until stiff peaks form.
- Carefully fold the sifted dry mixture into the whipped egg whites.
- Transfer the batter to a piping bag and pipe 3 cm diameter rounds onto parchment-lined trays.
- Allow the piped shells to rest for 30 to 45 minutes until a skin forms on the surface.
- Preheat your oven to 150°C (302°F). Bake the shells for 14 to 16 minutes, allowing to cool completely after.
- Whip together the goat cheese, cream cheese, and heavy cream until smooth. Season with salt and pepper, and fold in the chopped walnuts.
- Once cooled, pipe the creamy filling onto one shell and top it with another to create a sandwich.
- Refrigerate the assembled macarons for at least 30 minutes before serving. Dust with micro herbs or beet powder before serving.
Notes
You can make the macarons and the filling separately up to 2 days in advance. Assemble them just before serving to maintain freshness.
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
Nutrition
- Calories: Approximately 80 per macaron
- Sodium: Varies based on added salt and cheese
- Protein: 3 g