Description
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.
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
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- 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.
- Place them on a baking sheet and roast for 40-50 minutes, until fork-tender.
- 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
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in fresh parsley and thyme. Set aside to let the flavors meld.
Step 3: Assemble the Napoleons
- Lay a beet slice on a plate, top with a slice of feta, and repeat the layers, creating 2-3 layers per stack.
- Drizzle each Napoleon with honey herb dressing.
- 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.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Mediterranean, Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Calories: ~220
- Sugar: ~9g
- Sodium: ~450mg
- Fat: ~15g
- Saturated Fat: ~5g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~9g
- Carbohydrates: ~18g
- Fiber: ~4g
- Protein: ~6g
- Cholesterol: ~20mg