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    Home » Recipes » Gluten-Free Appetizers

    Published: Aug 24, 2020 · Modified: Oct 20, 2022 by Jen Wooster

    Beet and Goat Cheese Bites

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    appetizer recipe for pinterest

    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. They are bright, festive, and have just FOUR ingredients.

    The recipe can be sized up or down making these beet bites perfect for your next holiday gathering

    close up shot of beet and goat cheese bite
    Beet and Goat Cheese Bites

    Please read the entire post for tips and tricks to ensure a perfect recipe every time. And don't forget to tag @peelwithzeal on Instagram so we can admire your creation!

    This post may include affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

    Jump to:
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • Recipe Tips
    • Beet Recipes
    • 📖 Recipe
    • Beet and Goat Cheese Bites
    • ⭐Reviews

    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 neighborhood get together.

    They really are just so simple to make. But I can't take all the credit.

    This recipe was originally based on a recipe I found on a random pickled beet brand's website. No longer around I believe, I can't find the recipe. Over the years I have changed it, simplified and made into a finger food perfect any party.

    Ingredients

    Just for quick ingredients. But there are many easy substitutions

    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- Another modification from the original recipe. 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 on the counter for 20 minutes and mix in 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh herbs. Any combination of parsley, basil and chives works.

    Candied Orange Slices- These can be a little hard to find, especially outside the holiday season. The recipe includes instructions for making 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 chives or basil chiffonade for the garnish.

    Instructions

    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.

    Candied Oranges

    I promise these are way easier than you might think! 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.

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

    candied oranges cooling on parchment

    Assemble the Beet and Goat Cheese Bites

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

    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.

    topping beets with goat cheese

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

    Recipe 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.
    • 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.
    beet bites on platter surrounded by party plates

    Beet Recipes

    Looking for more great beet recipes? Check out these favorites...

    Roasted Beet and Apple Salad

    This beet salad recipe has all your favorites- colorful beets, tart apples, crunchy radishes, and perfectly peppery watercress. Topped it with a zingy mustard vinaigrette and sunflower seeds. The perfect side dish or weekend lunch!
    go to recipe Pin for later
    Salads with beets and apples in a bowl with wooden serving spoons.

    Vegan Beet Poke Bowl

    Skip the tofu for this all veggie poke bowl featuring marinated beets, all the pretty vegetables, and a spicy sauce.
    go to recipe Pin for later
    vegan poke bowl with beets in a bowl

    If you enjoyed this recipe, please leave us a rating or 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 Bites

    Recipe Created By: Jen Wooster
    Scrumptious party appetizer that is the perfect balance of sweet and savory. These beet and goat cheese bites have just 4 ingredients. Finger food at its best!
    5 from 9 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save RecipeSaved!
    Prep Time 5 mins
    Cook Time 25 mins
    Total Time 45 mins
    Course Appetizer, Tapas
    Cuisine American
    Servings 30 pieces
    Calories 29 kcal

    Equipment

    • Serving platter
    • Small sauce pan

    Ingredients
      

    • 15 oz jar of sliced beets
    • 4 oz herbed goat cheese*
    • chives, for garnish

    Candied Orange Slices

    • 1 orange
    • ½ cup granulated sugar
    • ½ cup water

    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.
      orange slices on a cutting board
    • 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.
      candied oranges in syrup
    • Allow the orange slices to cool for a few minutes then transfer to a sheet of parchment so they can finish draining.
      candied oranges cooling on parchment

    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.
      draining beet slices on paper towel
    • Using a 1-inch cookie cutter cut the beets into small rounds. This step is optional.
      cutting beets
    • 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.
      topping beets with goat cheese
    • Top each beet and goat cheese bite with a wedge of candied orange and garnish with chopped chives.
      beets and goat cheese with candied pranges on platter

    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. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 29kcal | Carbs: 5g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Fiber: 1g
    Keyword Beets, Finger foods, goat cheese, hor d'oeuvres, Orange
    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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    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.

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