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    Home » Recipes » Gluten-Free Appetizers

    Published: Aug 24, 2020 · Modified: Nov 8, 2023 by Jen Wooster

    Easy Beet and Goat Cheese Appetizer Bites

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    Beet and goat cheese appetizers on a plate.
    Beet and goat cheese appetizers on a plate.
    appetizer recipe for pinterest

    This beet appetizer recipe has just FOUR ingredients!  And these beet and goat cheese bites don't just look beautiful, they are the easiest and most delicious party appetizers ever! Finger foods tend to be brown and dull, but not these babies. Read my step-by-step instructions for easy shortcuts. 

    close up shot of beet and goat cheese bite

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    Jump to:
    • 🧾Ingredient Notes
    • 💭 Can I make this beet appetizer vegan?
    • ⏲️ How to Make Beet and Goat Cheese Bites
    • 👩🏻‍🍳 Expert Tips
    • More Easy Appetizer Recipes
    • 📖 Recipe
    • ⭐Reviews

    The recipe can be easily sized up or down making these beet bites perfect for your next holiday gathering. The colors say Christmas but I also have them for Valentine's Day and New Year's Eve.

    I am not kidding about scaling this appetizer recipe up and down. As written, it makes about 30 beet bites. But I have made as few as 12 for a small dinner party and as many as 60 for a large neighborhood get-together.

    🧾Ingredient Notes

    Jarred Beets- I always use jarred beets for this recipe. Not just because it is faster, but because the precooked beets are more consistent in size and color. But most importantly, the texture is firm enough to hold the toppings but perfectly cooked for eating.

    I always use red beets because they contrast so nicely with the orange. But golden beets work too. And yes, you can use pickled beets for more zing!

    Herbed Goat Cheese-I prefer to buy goat cheese with the herbs already added I stay away from the versions that are heavy on the garlic.

    If you only have plain goat cheese available, soften the cheese by leaving it on the counter for 20 minutes and mix in 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh herbs. Any combination of parsley, basil, and chive works.

    Candied Orange Slices- These can be a little hard to find, especially outside the holiday season. The recipe includes instructions for making them from scratch, you just need one orange, sugar, and water.

    You can use any small fresh orange you like. I don't recommend using candied orange peel, the texture is too tough.

    Chives- Just for a garnish. To be honest, any fresh green herb works. But again, I typically stick to chive, parsley or, or basil chiffonade for the garnish.

    💭 Can I make this beet appetizer vegan?

    To make this recipe vegan, substitute vegan cream cheese or vegan ricotta with your own herbs. I have had the best results with our own cashew cream cheese (minus the garlic) and Kite Hill plain cream cheese.

    ⏲️ How to Make Beet and Goat Cheese Bites

    Assuming you are going to make the candied orange slices from scratch, I suggest getting the oranges started first.

    While those are warming you can drain the beets and assemble the bites. When the oranges are done simply garnish.

    Step 1: Candied Oranges

    orange slices on a cutting board

    I prefer to cut the oranges before placing them in the water-sugar mixture. If you want to cut after, try use kitchen shears rather than a knife.

    candied oranges in syrup

    Heat the water and sugar until the sugar is dissolved. Add the oranges and simmer for 25 to 30 minutes until the rind is soft.

    candied oranges cooling on parchment

    Lay the oranges on parchment or wax paper to drain and cool off.

    Step 2 - Prep the Beets

    draining beet slices on paper towel

    Drain the beets in a colander and layout on paper towels. Allow to dry for 5 to 10 minutes. Flip halfway through to dry both sides.

    cutting beets

    You can use a small cookie cutter to cut the beets out, or leave as is for a more rustic look.

    Step 3- Assemble

    topping beets with goat cheese

    You can spoon or pipe the goat cheese onto the beet rounds. Personally, I find piping to be significantly faster. It doesn't have to be perfect, they will be topped with the orange slices.

    cropped-beet-goat-cheese-bites.jpg

    Cap the bites with a small slice of candied orange and your herb of choice.

    👩🏻‍🍳 Expert Tips

    • Make the candied oranges up to a week in advance and store in the syrup. The orange rind will get softer with time.
    • The appetizers can be assembled 2 to 4 hours in advance. Any longer than that and the beet will stain the goat cheese.
    • Soften the goat cheese for at least 20 minutes on the counter to make it easier to pipe onto the beet rounds.
    beet bites on platter surrounded by party plates

    More Easy Appetizer Recipes

    • Charcuterie and cheese skewers in a cup.
      Charcuterie Cups
    • Cream cheese dip topped with cranberries and jalapenos served with crackers.
      Cranberry Jalapeno Dip
    • Hamachi crudo with orange slices, soy dipping sauce, and cilantro.
      Hamachi Crudo
    • Cajun deviled eggs with shrimp in a serving platter.
      Cajun Shrimp Deviled Eggs

    Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment. It helps other wonderful people connect with our food.

    📖 Recipe

    beet and goat cheese bites finger food appetizer on plate

    Beet and Goat Cheese Appetizer Bites

    This scrumptious party appetizer is the perfect balance of sweet and savory. This beet appetizer is paired with goat cheese and has just 4 ingredients. Elegant finger food at its best!
    Servings: 30 pieces
    Prep: 5 minutes mins
    Cook: 25 minutes mins
    Total: 45 minutes mins
    5 from 9 votes
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    Ingredients
      

    • 15 oz jar of sliced beets
    • 4 oz herbed goat cheese without garlic- see notes
    • chives for garnish

    Candied Orange Slices

    • 1 orange
    • ½ cup granulated sugar
    • ½ cup water
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions
     

    Candied Orange Slices

    • Slice your orange into rounds, they need to be thin. About ⅛ inch thick at most. Discard ends and seeds. Cut each slice into triangles, either 4 or 6 per ring depending on the size of your orange.
      1 orange
    • In a small, heavy-bottomed pan add the sugar and water. Heat until the sugar dissolves and then add your orange slices Bring to a boil over medium-high heat then reduce heat to a slow simmer and cook, uncovered, for 25 to 30 minutes.
      ½ cup granulated sugar, ½ cup water
    • Allow the orange slices to cool for a few minutes then transfer to a sheet of parchment so they can finish draining.

    Appetizer Assembly

    • While the oranges are cooking, drain all the liquid from the jar of beets. Line a baking sheet with paper towels and lay out the beets to dry. Flip after 5 minutes to ensure that the majority of the liquid has been absorbed by the towels.
      15 oz jar of sliced beets
    • Using a 1-inch cookie cutter cut the beets into small rounds. This step is optional.
    • Place the softened cheese in a piping bag. Pipe onto the beet rounds. OR, use two spoons to top each round with about 1 teaspoon of goat cheese.
      4 oz herbed goat cheese
    • Top each beet and goat cheese bite with a wedge of candied orange and garnish with chopped chives.
      chives
    Rate this Recipe

    Video

    Notes

    • *To make your own herbed goat cheese mix 4 oz of softened goat cheese with 2 tablespoons of chopped herbs (parsley, basil, and/ or chives).
    • For a vegan alternative, substitute vegan cream cheese for the goat cheese. 
    • Oranges can be made 2 days ahead of time. Store in a single layer, cover, and keep in the fridge. 
    • The bites can be assembled 2 to 4 hours before serving. 

    Equipment

    • Serving platter
    • Small sauce pan

    Nutrition

    Calories: 29kcal | Carbs: 5g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Fiber: 1g
    Author: Jen Wooster
    Course:: Appetizer, Tapas
    Cuisine: American
    Tried this recipe?Tag us @peelwithzeal so we can see your creation!

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Jessica Formicola says

      December 18, 2020 at 4:28 pm

      5 stars
      These little bites are gorgeous! I love goat cheese, and this is such a great flavor combination!

      Reply
      • Jen says

        December 19, 2020 at 9:27 am

        Glad you enjoyed.

        Reply
    2. Tara says

      December 18, 2020 at 4:15 pm

      5 stars
      These cheese bites have such a beautiful color! Love the combination of beet and goat cheese.

      Reply
      • Jen says

        December 19, 2020 at 9:27 am

        Thanks for giving them a try!

        Reply
    3. Jersey Girl Cooks says

      December 18, 2020 at 3:50 pm

      5 stars
      This is a great appetizer recipe and they are gorgeous bites for a party!

      Reply
    4. Claudia says

      December 18, 2020 at 3:42 pm

      5 stars
      Your step by step directions is what inspired me to try these and they were outstanding and will make again for sure!

      Reply
      • Jen says

        December 19, 2020 at 9:28 am

        Glad you found the photos helpful

        Reply
    5. Liz says

      December 18, 2020 at 3:38 pm

      5 stars
      These look so adorable and tasty! I love easy peasy recipes so I'll definitely be making these!

      Reply
      • Jen says

        December 19, 2020 at 9:28 am

        Let us know how they turn out.

        Reply

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    Beet and goat cheese appetizers on a plate.
    Beet and goat cheese appetizers on a plate.
    appetizer recipe for pinterest

    Greetings!

    picture of Jen

    My name is Jen and I am the recipe developer, writer, and photographer around here. Since being diagnosed with celiac disease over 10 years ago I have been slowly curating a recipe box full of gluten-free goodness. I adore vegetables, crave chocolate, and I am always up for an adventure.

    More About Me →

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    Beet and goat cheese appetizers on a plate.
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