Roasted Red and Golden Beet Crostini (Goat Cheese)

You are sure to impress family and friends when you show up with this appetizer of roasted red and golden beet crostini with goat cheese. You’ll have a mouth full of flavor with every bite. This crostini is bright and appetizing, you may turn a beet hater into a lover.

When I’m hosting parties. I’m always looking for new ways to use colorful vegetables. I love beets in a salad and I thought my company would love beats on a crostini with some delicious goat cheese.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE MAKING THIS

Bright and inviting
Healthy
Packed with vitamins
Easy to eat

DEEPLY ROOTED IN BEETS

Beets are considered to be root vegetables. Meaning the meat of the vegetable is growing downwards and absorbing moisture and nutrients from the soil it grows in. This is why beats have an earthy flavor to them. Technically it’s not a dirt flavor. It’s from a chemical called geosmin, which is an organic compound produced in the soil.

FACTS ABOUT RED AND GOLDEN BEETS

Rich source of healthy nutrients.
Lowered blood pressure
Reduces inflammation
Increases support in liver health
Provides fiber

Increases stamina
Show signs of slowing dementia
Probiotic benefits (gut health)

WHAT YOU’LL NEED

Bushel of red and golden beets; most times you’ll find this in the organic section of the vegetables.
Cherry tomatoes; had acidity and flavor to the crostini.
Baby spinach; add a layer of color and freshness.
Italian dressing; any style of Italian dressing will do. This helps as a binder for all of the root vegetables.
Goat cheese; add a buttery and tart flavor. Try to find a goat cheese that is light and sweet in flavor.

STEPS

Start by preheating your oven to 375° F.
Wash and peel your beets.
Using a sharp knife, cut off the leafy end of the beet.
Chop beets into1/2-1/4 in cubes or smaller.
Drizzle beets in olive oil until full coated.
Sprinkle some sea salt on the outside as well.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread your beets on sheet try. If you have more than one sheet pan, make sure you rotate sheet pans while they are cooking.
Halfway in the cooking process, toss your beets so they get equally roasted on each side.
Once the beets are fork tender, remove them from the oven and set aside to cool. Season with a bit more salt if needed.
Cut a baguette into 1/2 in rounds and drizzle with a bit of olive oil.
Place your baguette round on a sheet pan and roast in the oven for 8 to 12 minutes or until golden brown.
On the toasted baguette begin by adding a layer of spinach, topped with roasted beets, tomatoes, Italian dressing and goat cheese.
Place on your serving dish and enjoy!!

TIPS FOR THIS RECIPE

Roast the beets low and slow. You will need to check them periodically to make sure that they are not over cooking depending on how small your cubes are.

GOAT CHEESE SUBSTITUTIONS

Cream cheese; It still has a rich flavor and creamy texture. I would put cream cheese at the base of the crostini.
Feta crumbles; has a tangy and salty flavor. It is a healthy cheese variety that provides a similar texture to goat cheese.

WHAT TO DO WITH LEFTOVERS

Store any leftovers or ingredients separately. I would suggest you make only as many crostini’s that you are going to eat. Since there is Italian dressing on the crostini, it will be hard to keep them for long fully constructed. Place roasted beets in an air tight container. Store crostini’s in a Ziploc storage bag. Same goes for all other ingredients.

FAQ

What are some good ways prepare beets?

Raw; sliced them very thin to enjoy. Or you can use a spiralizer to create beautiful toppers to a salad to a salad.
In a salad; You can roast them in your salad or eat them raw. Pickled; Great as a side dish or a salad or a healthy snack.