Roasted Beet & Blue Cheese Towers with Pear Recipe

Introduction

Roasted Beet & Blue Cheese Towers with Pear combine earthy, creamy, and sweet flavors in an elegant layered appetizer. This dish is perfect for entertaining or a special dinner, offering a beautiful presentation with a delightful taste contrast.

Ingredients

• 3 large beets, roasted and sliced into ½-inch rounds
• 6 oz blue cheese (Roquefort or Gorgonzola), sliced or crumbled
• 1 firm ripe pear, quartered and cored
• Juice of ½ lemon (to prevent browning)
• 2 tbsp balsamic glaze
• ¼ cup toasted walnuts
• Fresh thyme sprigs
• Sea salt & black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Wash and trim the beets, then wrap them in foil. Roast in a 400°F (200°C) oven for 45–60 minutes or until tender when pierced with a fork.
2. Step 2: Allow the beets to cool, peel off the skins, and slice into ½-inch rounds.
3. Step 3: Slice the blue cheese into rounds or crumble it into thick pieces similar in size to the beet slices.
4. Step 4: Quarter the pear and remove the core, then brush the pieces with lemon juice to prevent browning.
5. Step 5: Build the towers by layering beet, cheese, and beet again, repeating until the stack is 3 to 4 layers high.
6. Step 6: Stand a pear quarter vertically on top of each tower as a garnish.
7. Step 7: Drizzle the balsamic glaze over the towers, allowing it to run naturally down the sides.
8. Step 8: Scatter toasted walnuts around the base and place fresh thyme sprigs gently on and around the towers.
9. Step 9: Season lightly with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.
10. Step 10: Serve chilled or at room temperature to highlight the contrasting flavors.

Tips & Variations

• Use roasted golden beets for a sweeter, milder flavor and vibrant color contrast.
• Swap toasted pecans or hazelnuts for walnuts to vary texture and taste.
• Try goat cheese instead of blue cheese for a milder, tangy twist.
• Make ahead by roasting beets and preparing slices day before; assemble just before serving.

Storage

Store any leftover roasted beets and cheese separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Pear slices are best fresh but can be kept briefly with lemon juice in the fridge. Reassemble the towers before serving. Serve chilled or bring to room temperature for best flavor.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I roast the beets ahead of time?

Yes, roasting the beets a day ahead is a great time-saver. Keep them wrapped or in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to peel and slice.

What if I don’t have balsamic glaze?

You can make a simple balsamic reduction by simmering balsamic vinegar until thickened, or substitute with a drizzle of honey or aged balsamic vinegar for similar sweetness and tang.

Roasted Beet & Blue Cheese Towers with Pear Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 112 reviews

• Author: Rafael
• Total Time: 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This elegant appetizer features layers of roasted beets and creamy blue cheese topped with fresh pear, toasted walnuts, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. The combination of earthy, sharp, sweet, and nutty flavors creates a sophisticated bite perfect for entertaining or a special occasion.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Beet & Cheese Layers

• 3 large beets, roasted and sliced into ½-inch rounds
• 6 oz blue cheese (Roquefort or Gorgonzola), sliced or crumbled

Pear Topping

• 1 firm ripe pear, quartered and cored
• Juice of ½ lemon (to prevent browning)

Glaze & Garnish

• 2 tbsp balsamic glaze
• ¼ cup toasted walnuts
• Fresh thyme sprigs
• Sea salt & black pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Roast Beets: Wash and trim the beets, then wrap them tightly in foil. Roast in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 45 to 60 minutes until they are fork-tender and easily pierced.
2. Cool and Slice Beets: Allow the roasted beets to cool completely. Once cooled, peel off the skin and slice them into ½-inch thick rounds for layering.
3. Prepare Blue Cheese: Slice the blue cheese into rounds of similar size or crumble it thickly to match the beet slices for even layering.
4. Prepare Pear: Quarter the firm ripe pear and carefully remove the core. Brush the pear slices with lemon juice to prevent discoloration and browning.
5. Assemble Towers: Begin layering by alternating beet slices and blue cheese, repeating until you have 3 to 4 layers stacked vertically, creating a tower effect.
6. Add Pear Topping: Place a pear slice on top of each beet and cheese tower, standing it vertically for visual appeal.
7. Glaze and Garnish: Drizzle balsamic glaze over the assembled towers, allowing it to run naturally down the sides. Scatter toasted walnuts around the plate and tuck fresh thyme sprigs gently for aroma and garnish.
8. Season and Serve: Lightly season the towers with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Serve chilled or at room temperature to enjoy the contrast of flavors at their best.

Notes

• Roasting beets with the skin on helps retain moisture and flavor.
• Use a firm, ripe pear to maintain shape when standing vertically on the tower.
• To toast walnuts, spread them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until fragrant, stirring frequently.
• The dish can be prepared ahead and refrigerated; bring to room temperature before serving for best taste.
• Blue cheese varieties like Roquefort or Gorgonzola are ideal for their creamy texture and tangy flavor.
• Adjust seasoning of salt and pepper to taste, especially if the blue cheese is very salty.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45-60 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: European, Modern

Keywords: roasted beet, blue cheese, pear, appetizer, balsamic glaze, toasted walnuts, thyme, layered tower