Description
A sweet, earthy, creamy, and crunchy appetizer that delivers perfection in every bite! This dish combines the natural sweetness of roasted beets, the bold tang of blue cheese, the crunch of toasted pecans, and the juicy contrast of caramelized pears. Topped with honey, balsamic glaze, and fresh thyme, this elegant recipe is perfect for dinner parties, brunch, or a gourmet snack.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 medium beets – roasted until tender and sliced into thick rounds
- 1 large pear – thinly sliced for a juicy contrast
- ½ cup blue cheese – crumbled for a bold, creamy kick
- ¼ cup pecans – toasted and roughly chopped for crunch
- 1 tablespoon honey – for a touch of natural sweetness
- 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze – rich and tangy
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – smooth and velvety
- Fresh thyme sprigs – for an elegant garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Roast & Slice the Beets
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Wash and trim the beets, removing any greens (save them for salads if desired).
- Wrap each beet individually in foil and place them on a baking sheet.
- Roast for 45–50 minutes, or until a fork easily pierces through the center.
- Once roasted, let the beets cool before handling them.
- Peel off the skins by gently rubbing them with a paper towel or your hands.
- Slice the beets into ½-inch thick rounds, ensuring they are even for stable stacks.
Step 2: Caramelize the Pears
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat.
- Add the thinly sliced pear pieces in a single layer.
- Drizzle honey evenly over the pears to enhance their natural sweetness.
- Sauté for 2 minutes per side, until the edges turn golden and slightly crisp.
- Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
Step 3: Assemble the Stacks
- Start with a beet slice as the base.
- Add a layer of crumbled blue cheese, ensuring even distribution.
- Place a caramelized pear slice on top.
- Repeat the layers until you reach your desired stack height.
- Finish with blue cheese on top for a creamy, tangy burst of flavor.
Step 4: Garnish & Serve
- Sprinkle toasted pecans over the stacks for a crunchy texture.
- Drizzle generously with balsamic glaze, adding a rich, tangy contrast.
- Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs for a final touch of elegance.
- Serve immediately and enjoy while warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Beet Selection: Use red beets for a deep, earthy sweetness, or try golden beets for a slightly milder, less earthy flavor.
- Blue Cheese Options: If you prefer a milder taste, opt for Gorgonzola dolce or Danish blue cheese instead of stronger varieties like Roquefort.
- Pear Varieties: Bosc pears work best as they hold their shape during cooking, but Anjou or Bartlett pears can also be used.
- Nut Alternatives: Swap pecans for walnuts or almonds for a different crunch and flavor profile.
- Make-Ahead Tip: Roast the beets and caramelize the pears a day in advance to save prep time. Store them in the fridge until ready to assemble.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 180
- Sodium: 250mg
- Protein: 6g
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