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Beet and Goat Cheese Napoleon with Honey and Pistachio Crumble
Andrea

Beet and Goat Cheese Napoleon with Honey and Pistachio Crumble

The Beet and Goat Cheese Napoleon with Honey and Pistachio Crumble is an elegant appetizer that combines thinly layered roasted beets with tangy goat cheese, sweet honey, and a pistachio crumble for a delightful crunch. This dish offers a visually stunning and unexpected twist on classic beet recipes, making it a perfect choice for special occasions.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Appetizer
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the beets:
  • 500g medium-sized red beets
  • 250g medium-sized golden beets
  • 30ml olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
For the goat cheese filling:
  • 200g soft goat cheese
  • 50g cream cheese
  • 15ml lemon juice
  • 5g fresh thyme leaves
  • For the honey drizzle: 60ml honey
For the pistachio crumble:
  • 50g shelled pistachios
  • 25g breadcrumbs
  • 15g unsalted butter, melted
  • 5g sugar

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
  2. Wash and trim the beets, leaving about 2cm of stem. Wrap each beet individually in aluminum foil and place on a baking sheet.
  3. Roast the beets for 45-60 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a knife. Cooking time may vary depending on the size of the beets.
  4. Make the goat cheese filling: In a bowl, mix the goat cheese, cream cheese, lemon juice, and thyme leaves until smooth. Refrigerate until needed.
  5. Prepare the pistachio crumble: Finely chop the pistachios and mix them with breadcrumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Spread on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for 5-7 minutes at 180°C (350°F), until golden. Let cool.
  6. Once the beets are cooked, let them cool slightly, then peel and slice into 0.5cm thick rounds.
  7. Assemble the dish: Start with a red beet slice, spread a thin layer of goat cheese mixture, then add a golden beet slice. Repeat the layers, ending with a beet slice on top. You should have 3-4 layers of each color beet per serving.
  8. Drizzle honey over and around the beet stacks.
  9. Sprinkle the pistachio crumble around the plate and over the top of the beet stacks.
  10. Serve at room temperature.

Notes

Here are some creative variations for the Beet and Goat Cheese Napoleon with Honey and Pistachio Crumble recipe:
  1. Beet and Feta Stack
    • Substitute goat cheese with crumbled feta cheese for a tangier flavor.
    • Add a layer of sliced cucumbers for added crunch and freshness.
  2. Smoky Beet and Cheddar Napoleon
    • Replace goat cheese with smoked cheddar cheese for a rich, smoky flavor.
    • Drizzle with a chipotle-infused honey for a spicy kick.
  3. Herbed Cream Cheese and Walnut Beet Stack
    • Use herbed cream cheese instead of goat cheese, mixing in fresh herbs like dill or chives.
    • Top with toasted walnuts instead of pistachios for a different nutty flavor.
  4. Spiced Beet and Ricotta Layers
    • Substitute goat cheese with ricotta mixed with cinnamon and nutmeg for a sweet twist.
    • Add a layer of roasted apples or pears between the beet slices for extra sweetness.
  5. Mediterranean Beet Stack
    • Incorporate kalamata olives and sun-dried tomatoes into the goat cheese filling for Mediterranean flavors.
    • Drizzle with balsamic reduction instead of honey for a tangy finish.
  6. Beet and Blue Cheese Napoleon
    • Replace goat cheese with crumbled blue cheese for a bold flavor.
    • Add a layer of caramelized onions for sweetness.
  7. Spicy Beet and Avocado Stack
    • Spread mashed avocado on top of each beet layer along with the goat cheese.
    • Sprinkle with red pepper flakes for heat.
  8. Citrus Beet Salad Stack
    • Mix citrus segments (like orange or grapefruit) into the goat cheese filling.
    • Drizzle with citrus vinaigrette instead of honey for a refreshing twist.
  9. Sweet Potato and Goat Cheese Napoleon
    • Incorporate layers of roasted sweet potato slices along with the beets.
    • Use maple syrup instead of honey to enhance the sweetness.
  10. Caramelized Beet and Goat Cheese Tart
    • Instead of stacking, create a tart using a pastry crust filled with layers of caramelized beets and goat cheese.
    • Bake until golden, then serve warm with a drizzle of honey.