Oven-Roasted Beet & Feta Napoleons with a Honey Herb Dressing

This Oven-Roasted Beet & Feta Napoleon recipe is a feast for both the eyes and the palate. Earthy, caramelized roasted beets are stacked with creamy feta cheese and drizzled with a sweet and herby honey dressing that ties everything together beautifully. This dish is elegant enough for a dinner party but simple enough for a weeknight treat.

If you love vibrant flavors and stunning presentation with minimal effort, this recipe is for you! Keep reading for step-by-step instructions, tips, and substitutions to make it your own.

Ingredients

For the Roasted Beets:

• 4 medium beets (red, golden, or a mix)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the Napoleon Stacks:

• 6 ounces feta cheese, sliced into thin rounds or crumbled
• ¼ cup toasted walnuts or pecans (optional)
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme or basil, finely chopped

For the Honey Herb Dressing:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or dill, chopped

Instructions

Step 1: Roast the Beets

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Scrub the beets, trim the tops and roots, and wrap them individually in aluminum foil. Drizzle each with olive oil, salt, and pepper before sealing the foil.
3. Place them on a baking sheet and roast for 40-50 minutes, until fork-tender.
4. Once cool enough to handle, peel off the skins (they should slip off easily with a paper towel or under running water). Slice beets into ¼-inch thick rounds.

Step 2: Make the Honey Herb Dressing

1. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper.
2. Stir in fresh parsley and thyme. Set aside to let the flavors meld.

Step 3: Assemble the Napoleons

1. Lay a beet slice on a plate, top with a slice of feta, and repeat the layers, creating 2-3 layers per stack.
2. Drizzle each Napoleon with honey herb dressing.
3. Sprinkle with toasted nuts and fresh thyme for extra crunch and flavor.

Step 4: Serve & Enjoy

Serve immediately or let the flavors meld for 10 minutes before eating. These Napoleons pair beautifully with crusty bread or a simple arugula salad.

Notes

• For a milder beet flavor, try using golden beets instead of red.
• If feta is too crumbly, substitute with goat cheese or ricotta.
• Want extra crunch? Add a few arugula leaves between the layers.
• Short on time? Use store-bought pre-cooked beets instead of roasting your own.

Details

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Appetizer, Side Dish
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: Mediterranean, Vegetarian
• Diet: Vegetarian
• Keywords: beet salad, roasted beets, feta appetizer, healthy beet recipe

Equipment

• Baking sheet
• Aluminum foil
• Sharp knife
• Whisk & mixing bowl

Helpful Tips for Perfect Oven-Roasted Beet & Feta Napoleons

1. Roast the Beets in Advance

Roasting beets takes time, but you can do it up to 3 days ahead and store them in the fridge. That way, you can assemble the Napoleons quickly when you’re ready to serve.

2. Use a Mix of Beet Colors

For a visually stunning dish, try using a combination of red, golden, and candy-striped (Chioggia) beets. Golden beets have a milder flavor and won’t stain your hands like red beets.

3. Prevent Red Beet Stains

Red beets can stain your hands and cutting board. To avoid this:

• Wear gloves when peeling and slicing.
• Use a plastic cutting board instead of wood.
• Rinse your hands with lemon juice or vinegar after handling.

4. Slice the Beets Evenly

For the best presentation, cut the beets into ¼-inch thick slices. A sharp knife or a mandoline slicer will help keep the layers even.

5. Use Cold Feta for Easier Slicing

Feta can be crumbly, so if you want clean slices, chill it in the fridge for 15 minutes before cutting. Alternatively, use a soft cheese like goat cheese for easier layering.

6. Customize the Dressing to Your Taste

If you prefer a tangier dressing, increase the balsamic vinegar slightly. If you want it sweeter, add an extra drizzle of honey.

7. Toast Nuts for More Flavor

If using walnuts or pecans, toast them in a dry pan for 2-3 minutes before adding them to the dish. This enhances their crunch and brings out their natural oils.

8. Let the Flavors Meld

While you can eat this dish immediately, letting it sit for 10-15 minutes after assembling allows the dressing to soak into the beets and cheese, making it even more flavorful.

9. Serve at Room Temperature

These Napoleons taste best slightly warm or at room temperature. If serving from the fridge, let them sit out for 10 minutes before eating.

10. Turn It into a Salad

Not in the mood for stacks? Toss the roasted beets, feta, nuts, and dressing with arugula or spinach for a delicious beet salad instead!

Conservation and Storage

Whether you’re making these Oven-Roasted Beet & Feta Napoleons ahead of time or saving leftovers, proper storage is key to maintaining their texture and flavor. Here’s how to keep them fresh!

Short-Term Storage (Up to 3 Days)

• Store the beets and dressing separately in airtight containers to prevent the cheese from getting too soft.
• Keep the roasted beets refrigerated for up to 3 days in a sealed container.
• The honey herb dressing can be stored in a small jar in the fridge for up to 1 week—just shake well before using.
• If the Napoleons are already assembled, they should be eaten within 24 hours, as the dressing will soften the cheese and nuts.

Freezing (Not Recommended)

• Beets freeze well, but feta cheese does not. Freezing changes its texture, making it crumbly and less creamy.
• If you want to prep ahead, you can freeze roasted beets in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months and thaw them in the fridge overnight before assembling the dish.

Reheating and Serving

• Cold or Room Temperature? These Napoleons taste best at room temperature or slightly warm.
• If chilled, let them sit out for 10 minutes before serving to bring out their full flavors.
• If you prefer them warm, microwave the beet slices for 10-15 seconds before assembling, but avoid overheating the feta.

Meal Prep Tips

• Roast the beets and prepare the dressing in advance for easy last-minute assembly.
• Assemble just before serving for the freshest texture.

Substitutions and Variations

This Oven-Roasted Beet & Feta Napoleon recipe is easy to customize based on dietary needs, flavor preferences, or ingredient availability. Here are some creative ways to switch things up!

Substitutions

1. Cheese Alternatives

• Goat Cheese – For a creamier, slightly tangy flavor that pairs beautifully with beets.
• Ricotta – A milder, softer option that adds a luscious texture.
• Blue Cheese – If you love bold flavors, try blue cheese for a salty, tangy contrast.
• Mozzarella or Burrata – For a milder and creamier taste.

2. Dressing Adjustments

• Maple Syrup Instead of Honey – A great option for vegans or those who prefer a different natural sweetener.
• Lemon Juice Instead of Balsamic Vinegar – For a brighter, citrusy dressing.
• Apple Cider Vinegar – Adds a mild, fruity tang if you’re out of balsamic.

3. Nut-Free Option

• If you have a nut allergy, replace nuts with:
  • Toasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas) for a crunchy texture.
  • Sunflower seeds for a nutty flavor without allergens.
  • Crushed crispy chickpeas for a protein-packed crunch.

4. Different Oils for the Dressing

• Avocado Oil – A great alternative for a neutral flavor with healthy fats.
• Walnut Oil – Adds a rich, nutty depth that pairs well with beets.

Variations

1. Beet & Avocado Napoleon

• Add thinly sliced avocado between layers for extra creaminess and healthy fats.

2. Spicy Beet Napoleons

• Sprinkle with crushed red pepper flakes or drizzle with hot honey for a spicy-sweet kick.

3. Citrus Beet Napoleons

• Layer in orange or grapefruit slices for a fresh, tangy contrast.

4. Herb-Infused Napoleons

• Swap thyme for basil, dill, or mint to experiment with different herb flavors.

5. Mediterranean-Style Napoleons

• Add sliced kalamata olives and a sprinkle of za’atar seasoning for a Mediterranean twist.

6. Vegan Beet Napoleons

• Replace feta with cashew cheese or almond-based ricotta and use maple syrup in the dressing.

7. Beet & Pomegranate Napoleon

• Sprinkle with pomegranate seeds for a burst of juicy sweetness.

8. Warm Beet & Quinoa Stack

• Add a layer of cooked quinoa between beets for extra protein and texture.

Storage Instructions

Proper storage ensures that your Oven-Roasted Beet & Feta Napoleons maintain their freshness, flavor, and texture. Here’s how to store each component effectively.

Short-Term Storage (Up to 3 Days)

For the best results, store the ingredients separately and assemble just before serving.

• Roasted Beets: Store sliced or whole roasted beets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Feta Cheese: Keep feta wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. If using crumbled feta, store it in a sealed container.
• Honey Herb Dressing: Store the dressing in a small jar or airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. Shake well before using.
• Assembled Napoleons: If already assembled, they should be consumed within 24 hours, as the dressing may cause the cheese to soften and the nuts to lose their crunch.

Freezing (Not Recommended)

• Beets freeze well, but feta does not. Freezing changes feta’s texture, making it crumbly and grainy.
• If you need to prep ahead, freeze roasted beets separately in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before using.

Reheating & Serving

• Best Temperature: These Napoleons taste best at room temperature or slightly warm.
• To Warm Beets: If serving warm, microwave beet slices for 10-15 seconds or heat them in a pan for a few seconds before assembling.
• Avoid Overheating: Feta cheese doesn’t melt like other cheeses, so don’t overheat the stacks or the texture may become too soft.

Meal Prep Tips

• Roast beets and make the dressing in advance for easy last-minute assembly.
• Keep components stored separately to maintain texture and freshness until ready to serve.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use pre-cooked beets?

Yes! If short on time, use store-bought pre-cooked beets to skip the roasting step.

2. Can I make this vegan?

Absolutely! Just swap the feta for vegan cashew cheese and use maple syrup instead of honey in the dressing.

3. What wine pairs well with this dish?

A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Noir pairs beautifully with the earthy beets and tangy feta.

4. Can I use golden beets instead of red?

Yes! Golden beets have a slightly milder flavor and won’t stain as much.

Conclusion

These Oven-Roasted Beet & Feta Napoleons are elegant, easy, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re making them for a dinner party, a romantic meal, or just to treat yourself, this dish is guaranteed to impress.

Print