Beet and Goat Cheese Appetizer Bites with Candied Orange Slices Recipe
These Beet and Goat Cheese Appetizer Bites are an elegant and flavorful starter perfect for entertaining. Featuring tender beet rounds topped with creamy herbed goat cheese and adorned with sweet, tangy candied orange slices, these bites offer a delightful combination of textures and tastes. Garnished with fresh chives, they make an impressive and easy-to-prepare hors d'oeuvre for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 30 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Candied Orange Slices
- 1 orange
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup water
Appetizer Bites
- 15 ounces jar of sliced beets
- 4 ounces herbed goat cheese (without garlic; see notes)
- Chives, for garnish
Instructions
- Slice the Orange: Slice the orange into thin rounds about ⅛ inch thick, discarding the ends and seeds. Cut each slice into 4 to 6 triangular wedges depending on the size of the orange.
- Prepare the Candy Syrup: In a small heavy-bottomed pan, combine the granulated sugar and water. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar fully dissolves.
- Candy the Orange Slices: Add the orange slices to the syrup and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Then reduce to a low simmer, cooking uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes until the orange slices are translucent and candied.
- Cool and Drain the Orange Slices: Remove the candied orange slices from the syrup and let them cool on a sheet of parchment paper to drain excess liquid for a few minutes.
- Drain and Dry the Beets: While the oranges cook, drain the liquid from the jar of beets. Lay the beet slices flat on a paper towel-lined baking sheet and pat dry by flipping them after 5 minutes to remove most of the moisture.
- Cut Beets into Rounds: Using a 1-inch cookie cutter, cut the beet slices into uniform rounds. This step is optional but adds a polished look to the appetizer bites.
- Pipe or Spoon Goat Cheese: Soften the herbed goat cheese and either pipe it onto each beet round using a piping bag or use two spoons to dollop about 1 teaspoon of goat cheese on each beet.
- Assemble the Appetizer Bites: Top each beet and goat cheese mound with a triangular wedge of candied orange. Garnish with finely chopped fresh chives for color and flavor.
Notes
- Use herbed goat cheese without garlic if you prefer a milder flavor.
- The 1-inch cookie cutter for the beets is optional; you can also use the original beet slices if preferred.
- Candied orange slices can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
- To soften goat cheese easily, let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before use.
