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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Prepare Blue Cheese: Slice the blue cheese into rounds of similar size or crumble it thickly to match the beet slices for even layering.
- Prepare Pear: Quarter the firm ripe pear and carefully remove the core. Brush the pear slices with lemon juice to prevent discoloration and browning.
- 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.
- Add Pear Topping: Place a pear slice on top of each beet and cheese tower, standing it vertically for visual appeal.
- 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.
- 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
