Looking for a dish that’s colorful, elegant, and guaranteed to impress? This Beetroot and Cheese Roll is a vibrant vegetarian delight, combining the earthy sweetness of beetroot with creamy goat cheese and a crunchy pistachio finish. Whether you’re entertaining guests or elevating your weeknight dinner, this roll is a standout choice for flavor and presentation.
Ingredients: Beetroot and Cheese Roll
This recipe serves 6 as an appetizer or 4 as a light main.
the Beetroot Base:
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4 medium fresh beetroots, peeled and grated
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3 large eggs
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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½ teaspoon ground cumin (optional for depth of flavor)
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2 tablespoons plain flour
the Filling:
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250g (8 oz) soft goat cheese
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2 tablespoons cream cheese (to improve spreadability)
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1 garlic clove, finely minced
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Zest of 1 lemon
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1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives or dill
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Salt and pepper, to taste
For Garnish & Rolling:
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¼ cup crushed pistachios
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A handful of fresh arugula or baby spinach (optional for layering)
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
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Mixing bowls
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Baking sheet or Swiss roll tin (approx. 10×12 inches)
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Parchment paper
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Spatula or offset knife
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Cheese grater (for the beetroot)
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Clean tea towel or parchment for rolling
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Food processor (optional for smoother cheese filling)
Step-by-Step Preparation Instructions Beetroot and Cheese Roll
1: Prepare the Beetroot Base
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
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In a bowl, mix the grated beetroot, eggs, olive oil, salt, pepper, cumin, and flour until well combined.
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Pour the mixture into the lined baking tray and spread evenly into a thin, even rectangle.
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Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the beetroot base is set but still pliable. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly.
2: Make the Goat Cheese Filling
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In a medium bowl, combine the goat cheese, cream cheese, garlic, lemon zest, herbs, salt, and pepper.
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Mix until smooth and creamy. Use a food processor if you want a whipped consistency.
3: Assemble the Roulade
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Once the beetroot base has cooled enough to handle, gently flip it onto a clean tea towel or parchment paper.
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Carefully peel off the baking paper used during baking.
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Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the beetroot sheet.
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Sprinkle the crushed pistachios generously over the cheese filling.
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Add a light layer of arugula or baby spinach if using.
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Using the towel or parchment to help, roll the beetroot sheet tightly from one short end to the other, keeping it firm but gentle to avoid cracking.
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Wrap the roulade tightly in plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set.
4: Slice and Serve
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Unwrap and slice the roulade into 1-inch rounds using a sharp knife.
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Arrange on a serving platter, garnish with extra herbs or pistachios, and serve chilled or at room temperature.
Tips for Success
1. Use Fresh Beets:
Avoid precooked beetroot for this recipe—they may be too soft and wet. Fresh, raw beetroot offers better texture and natural sweetness.
2. Keep the Roll Tight:
Rolling tightly ensures the spiral looks perfect when sliced. Chill well before cutting to maintain clean edges.
3. Make It Ahead:
This roulade holds well in the fridge for up to 24 hours, making it a great make-ahead option for entertaining.
4. Add Sweetness (Optional):
For a subtle sweet note, drizzle a touch of honey inside the roulade before rolling.
5. Flavor Swaps:
Swap goat cheese for ricotta or herbed cream cheese for a milder taste. Add roasted garlic or sun-dried tomatoes to the filling for a Mediterranean twist.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per slice, based on 10 slices)
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Calories: 130
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Protein: 6g
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Fat: 9g
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Carbohydrates: 5g
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Fiber: 1g
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Sugar: 3g
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Sodium: 170mg
Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on ingredient brands and portion size.
Why This Recipe Works
The Beetroot & Goat Cheese Roulade with Pistachios is a masterpiece of flavor, color, and contrast. The earthy beetroot pairs harmoniously with the creamy tang of goat cheese, while the pistachios add a nutty crunch that elevates each bite. It’s light yet satisfying, festive yet simple—and gluten-free by default (if you omit or substitute the flour).
It’s ideal as:
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A holiday appetizer
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A vegetarian main course
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A lunch centerpiece with salad
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An elegant starter for special occasions
This dish checks all the boxes: it’s visually stunning, packed with nutrients, and full of flavor. Plus, it’s versatile enough to fit any season or celebration.
Conclusion: Try This Showstopping Beetroot and Cheese Roll
If you want to impress your guests or simply treat yourself to a beautiful, nutrient-packed dish, this Beetroot & Goat Cheese Roulade with Pistachios is the recipe to try. It’s more than just food—it’s a centerpiece, a conversation starter, and a creative celebration of flavor and color.