Savory Beet Macarons with Goat Cheese & Walnut Crunch
Savory Beet Macarons with Goat Cheese & Walnut Crunch offer a unique and elegant appetizer that combines the earthy sweetness of beets with creamy tangy goat cheese and a crunchy walnut filling. These vibrant macarons feature crisp shells with a soft, flavorful center, perfect for classy gatherings or gourmet home treats.
- Author: Emilly
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 20-24 macarons (10-12 sandwiches) 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Macaron Shells
- Fresh roasted or steamed beets (for beet puree) – about 3 medium beets
- 1 cup almond flour
- 3 large egg whites, at room temperature
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
Goat Cheese & Walnut Filling
- 4 oz softened goat cheese
- 1/4 cup toasted and finely chopped walnuts
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1 tablespoon fresh thyme or chives, finely chopped
- Prepare the Beet Puree: Roast or steam fresh beets until tender. Peel the beets and puree them in a food processor or blender until smooth. This puree provides natural sweetness and a vibrant pink color for the macaron shells.
- Whip the Egg Whites: Using a clean, dry bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add granulated sugar while continuing to whip until the meringue is glossy and holds stiff peaks, the foundation for light macaron shells.
- Sift and Fold Dry Ingredients: Sift almond flour and fold it gently into the beet puree to remove lumps. Fold this mixture carefully into the whipped egg whites using gentle motions to retain air, ensuring smooth, risen shells.
- Pipe the Macaron Shells: Transfer batter to a piping bag fitted with a round tip. Pipe small, even circles onto parchment-lined baking sheets. Let them rest at room temperature for 30–60 minutes to form a skin, preventing cracking during baking.
- Bake and Cool: Bake the shells at 300°F (150°C) for 15–18 minutes, rotating trays halfway through for even baking. Cool completely before handling to preserve crisp yet chewy texture.
- Prepare the Goat Cheese & Walnut Filling: Mix softened goat cheese with toasted walnuts, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Fold in fresh herbs if desired. Chill the filling briefly until firm enough to pipe.
- Assemble the Macarons: Pipe or spoon the goat cheese mixture onto one macaron shell, then gently sandwich with another shell. Press lightly to evenly distribute filling without breaking shells.
Notes
- Use fresh beets for the best natural color and flavor instead of canned puree.
- Whip egg whites to stiff peaks but avoid overbeating for ideal texture.
- Rest piped shells to form a skin that prevents cracking during baking.
- Measure ingredients precisely using a kitchen scale for best results.
- Use room temperature ingredients to help the filling blend smoothly.
- Toast walnuts lightly in a dry skillet to bring out flavor and crunch.
- Store finished macarons in an airtight container to maintain freshness and texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 macarons (1 sandwich)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: savory macarons, beet macarons, goat cheese filling, walnut crunch, gluten free appetizer, elegant snack