Roasted Beets with Herbed Goat Cheese and Almonds
Earthy roasted beets layered with tangy herbed goat cheese and crunchy toasted almonds create a sophisticated yet simple side dish. Warm, buttery beets pair beautifully with cool, creamy cheese and nutty almond crunch. Serve as an elegant appetizer, light lunch, or vegetable course at dinner. This version highlights the natural sweetness of roasted beets while the goat cheese adds bright, herbaceous contrast that a humble vegetable into restaurant-quality fare.
Ingredients
- 2 beets, peeled and sliced
- 3 tablespoon olive oil, divided
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- salt
- ground black pepper
- 2 ounce herbed goat cheesefeta1:1vegetariandairy-free
crumbly texture, more salty
- ⅓ cup unsalted almonds
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 425F (425°F).
- 2
Line baking sheet with parchment paper.
- 3
Peel and slice beets crosswise into 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick slices, keeping thickness consistent.
- 4
Arrange beet slices on parchment paper.
- 5
Drizzle 1 tablespoon olive oil over beets, then sprinkle thyme, salt, and pepper.
- 6
Roast until fork tender, about 20 minutes.
- 7
Remove from oven and cool 5 minutes.
- 8
Stack beet slices on plate, alternating with dollops of goat cheese.
- 9
Top with almonds.
- 10
Drizzle remaining olive oil over stacks and garnish with additional chopped almonds.
Tips
Slice beets uniformly so they cook evenly. Thicker slices stay softer inside; thinner ones crisp slightly at edges.
Toast almonds briefly in a dry skillet before adding to enhance nuttiness and crunch.
Make beet stacks just before serving to keep goat cheese from melting too much.
Good to Know
Store assembled stacks in airtight container up to 2 days. Goat cheese will soften; serve chilled or at room temperature.
Roast and cool beets up to 3 days ahead. Layer just before serving to prevent sogginess and keep cheese intact.
Serve warm or at room temperature as a vegetable side, light appetizer, or bed for additional greens and proteins.
Common Mistakes
Slice beets unevenly to avoid some pieces overcooking while others remain hard.
Skip cooling beets to avoid melting goat cheese immediately upon contact.
Add goat cheese while beets are still hot to avoid it warming and losing shape.
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
Vegan Options
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I prepare this ahead?
Roast beets up to 3 days in advance and refrigerate. Assemble stacks just before serving to keep goat cheese firm and textures distinct. Do not refrigerate assembled stacks longer than a few hours.
What if I don't have herbed goat cheese?
Use plain goat cheese and mix in fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or chives. Alternatively, substitute feta or creamy ricotta for different flavor profiles and textures.
Can I make this with roasted beet chips?
Yes, but thin slices (under 1/4 inch) will crisp up during roasting. They work better for a crunchier texture but may crumble when stacking. Thicker slices are more stable for layering.