Beets' Best Buddy: Cheeses To Pair With Roasted Beets

Roasted beets are a delicious and healthy dish, but what type of cheese goes best with them? There are a few options, but one of the most popular choices is goat cheese. The creamy texture and funky or sharp flavour of goat cheese pairs wonderfully with the sweet and earthy taste of roasted beets. This combination can be served as a warm or cold side dish or turned into a salad by adding greens, nuts, and a vinaigrette dressing. So, if you're looking for a tasty way to enjoy your beets, give them a try with some goat cheese!

Goat cheese and roasted beets

Roasted beets and goat cheese is a simple and healthy dish that can be served as a side or appetizer. The creamy goat cheese pairs perfectly with the earthy flavour of the beets, creating a delicious combination that complements any main course. This dish is not only tasty but also highly nutritious, providing a good source of folate and antioxidants.

Ingredients

To make roasted beets with goat cheese, you will need the following ingredients:

• Beets (fresh, preferably red or golden)
• Goat cheese (plain, unseasoned, soft variety)
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional ingredients: walnuts, pecans, pistachios, herbs (rosemary, thyme), and balsamic vinaigrette or red wine vinaigrette.

Preparation

• Preheat your oven to 400°F.
• Wash and peel the beets, then cut them into small pieces (about 1/4 to 1-inch cubes).
• Drizzle the beets with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
• Spread the beets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Roast the beets in the oven for 25 to 45 minutes, depending on their size, until they are tender.
• Once the beets are cooked, let them cool slightly.
• Crumble the goat cheese over the roasted beets.
• Optionally, you can add some toasted nuts (walnuts, pecans, pistachios) and fresh herbs (rosemary and thyme) to the dish for extra flavour and texture.
• Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette or red wine vinaigrette for a more complex flavour profile.
• Serve warm or at room temperature as a side dish or appetizer.

Serving Suggestions

Roasted beets with goat cheese can be served as a side dish or appetizer and pairs well with a variety of main courses. Here are some serving suggestions:

• Salmon
• Veggie burgers
• Pasta (especially mushroom pasta or orecchiette pasta with asparagus)
• Meatloaf or meatballs
• Holiday meals, such as Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner

Variations

While the classic combination of roasted beets and goat cheese is delicious, there are also some variations you can try:

• Use feta cheese instead of goat cheese for a slightly different flavour profile.
• Add some sliced red onions to the dish for a sharper taste.
• Include other nuts like almonds or walnuts instead of pecans or pistachios.
• For a more filling meal, serve the roasted beets and goat cheese on a bed of arugula or spinach, drizzled with balsamic vinegar and olive oil.

Best way to roast beets

Roasting beets is a simple process that can elevate the root vegetable to new heights. Here is a step-by-step guide to achieving perfectly roasted beets.

Preparation:

Firstly, preheat your oven to around 375-400°F. While the oven is heating up, prepare the beets. If your beets still have their leafy tops, cut them off, leaving a small stump to grip. These greens can be saved and used later in stir-fries, frittatas, or pasta dishes. Give the beets a good scrub to remove any dirt, but there is no need to peel them.

Roasting:

For roasting, you can wrap each beet in foil with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt and pepper, or simply place them on a baking sheet/tray and drizzle with olive oil. If using foil, place the wrapped beets on a rimmed baking sheet to catch any drips. Roast the beets for 35-60 minutes, checking every 20 minutes. If they appear dry or are scorching, add a tablespoon of water before re-wrapping. The beets are done when a fork or skewer slides easily into the centre.

Peeling and Serving:

Once roasted, set the beets aside to cool. When they are cool enough to handle, use a paper towel to rub or peel away the skin. It should come away easily; if not, the beets may need a little longer in the oven. Now, your roasted beets are ready to be served or used in a variety of dishes! They can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Serving Suggestions:

Roasted beets are delicious on their own, seasoned simply with salt and pepper, or dressed with citrus juice, herbs, balsamic vinegar, or a splash of vinegar. They make a great addition to salads, paired with arugula or other bold greens, nuts, and seeds. For a creamier option, serve with feta, goat cheese, blue cheese, or ricotta.

Other cheeses that go with roasted beets

While goat's cheese is the most popular cheese to pair with roasted beets, feta is a common substitute. Feta is a Greek brined curd cheese that is often made from sheep's milk, or a mixture of sheep and goat's milk. It has a salty and tangy taste, with a rich, dense, and creamy texture.

If you are looking for a vegetarian option, you could try vegetarian feta, which is usually made from bacterial culture and vegetable rennet.

For those who are lactose intolerant, there are also vegan feta options made from plant-based milk, tofu, or coconut oil.

In addition to feta, some recipes suggest using creamy cheeses such as burrata, or even cream cheese.

Nutritional value of roasted beets

Roasted beets are a delicious and nutritious side dish that can be easily incorporated into your diet. Here is a detailed overview of their nutritional value:

Macronutrients:

Roasted beets are a good source of carbohydrates and fiber, with a 1-cup serving of raw, sliced beets containing 13 grams of carbohydrates and 2 grams of fiber. They are also a source of protein, with the same serving size providing 2 grams of protein.

Micronutrients:

Beets are particularly rich in folate, manganese, copper, potassium, magnesium, vitamin C, and vitamin B6. Folate is essential for growth, development, and heart health, while manganese plays a role in bone formation and brain function. Copper is necessary for energy production, and potassium may help regulate blood pressure.

Health Benefits:

The high concentration of nitrates in beets is associated with several health benefits. They may help to lower blood pressure, improve athletic performance, and support brain function by increasing blood flow to the brain. Beets also contain pigments called betalains, which have anti-inflammatory properties and may benefit conditions like obesity, heart disease, liver disease, and cancer. Additionally, the fiber in beets promotes digestive health and reduces the risk of digestive issues like constipation and inflammatory bowel disease.

Calories:

Beets are low in calories, with a 1-cup serving of raw beets containing only 58 calories. This makes them an excellent choice for those watching their weight or looking to incorporate more low-calorie foods into their diet.

In conclusion, roasted beets offer a plethora of nutritional benefits. They are a good source of macronutrients and micronutrients, provide essential vitamins and minerals, and have a range of health benefits. Their low-calorie content makes them a nutritious and filling addition to any meal.

Other foods that pair well with roasted beets

Roasted beets pair well with a variety of foods, including:

Goat Cheese

Goat cheese is a popular pairing with roasted beets, as its creamy texture and funky or sharp flavour complement the sweetness of the beets. It can be sprinkled or dolloped on top of roasted beets, or mixed with other ingredients to make a beet salad.

Nuts

Nuts such as pistachios, walnuts, and pecans also go well with roasted beets. They can be used to add a crunchy texture to a beet salad or as a topping for roasted beets.

Herbs

Herbs like rosemary, thyme, and chives can be used to garnish roasted beets or mixed into a beet salad for a fresh pop of flavour.

Other Vegetables

Roasted beets can be served with other roasted vegetables, such as carrots or other root vegetables. They also go well with greens like spinach, arugula, or spring mix in a salad.

Proteins

Beets are a great side dish to pair with proteins like salmon, veggie burgers, or meatloaf.

Frequently asked questions