Roasted Beet Blue Cheese Towers with Pear & Balsamic Glaze Recipe
Delight in the vibrant flavors of Roasted Beet Blue Cheese Towers with Pear & Balsamic Glaze, a visually stunning and sophisticated appetizer. This recipe layers tender roasted beets, sweet pear slices, and tangy blue cheese, all topped with a luscious balsamic reduction and honey glaze. Served over fresh arugula, it offers a perfect balance of earthiness, sweetness, and sharpness, ideal for entertaining or a refined starter.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Modern American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 3 medium beets, roasted and peeled
- 1 ripe pear, thinly sliced
- 4 oz blue cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh arugula for serving
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Roast the Beets: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wrap the beets individually in foil and place them on a baking sheet. Roast them for 45 to 60 minutes until they are tender when pierced with a fork. Remove from the oven and let them cool completely before peeling and slicing into rounds.
- Make the Balsamic Glaze: While the beets are roasting, pour the balsamic vinegar and honey into a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and reduce the mixture until it becomes syrupy and thickened, about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Assemble the Towers: On a serving plate, begin layering slices of beet followed by pear slices and a sprinkle of crumbled blue cheese. Repeat the layers to form elegant stacks or towers. Drizzle each tower generously with the balsamic glaze and a tablespoon of olive oil.
- Season and Serve: Lightly season the towers with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the flavors. Serve the finished towers on a bed of fresh arugula, which adds a peppery contrast and freshness to the dish.
Notes
- Ensure beets are fully cooled before peeling to avoid staining your hands and ease the peeling process.
- The balsamic glaze can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator; warm gently before drizzling.
- Use ripe but firm pears to maintain texture in the stack without becoming mushy.
- This dish can be served as a vegetarian appetizer or light salad.
- Adjust the amount of blue cheese to your preference for stronger or milder cheese flavor.
