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Rustic Beet and Goat Cheese Stacks with Walnut Thyme Vinaigrette

This elegant appetizer features layers of roasted beets, goat cheese, and a walnut thyme vinaigrette, perfect for entertaining or a quick weekday treat.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Appetizer, Salad
Cuisine: Vegetarian
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the stacks
  • 1.5 pounds 3–4 medium beets, roasted, peeled, and sliced into 1/4-inch rounds Mix colors if you can: red and golden.
  • 6 oz goat cheese, softened (chevre) Can substitute with ricotta or labneh.
  • 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt Optional, for creaminess.
  • 1 small garlic clove, finely grated or minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil For brushing beets.
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh thyme sprigs or microgreens, for garnish
  • 1/2 cup toasted walnut pieces, roughly chopped
  • 1 small baguette, sliced and toasted Optional, for serving.
For the Walnut Thyme Vinaigrette
  • 1/3 cup walnut oil or extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons chopped toasted walnuts
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves Or 1 teaspoon dried.
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Trim beet greens, scrub beets, and wrap individually in foil with a drizzle of olive oil. Roast for 45–60 minutes until tender when pierced with a knife. Let cool, then peel.
  2. Slice beets into 1/4-inch rounds.
Make the Vinaigrette
  1. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together walnut oil (or olive oil), chopped toasted walnuts, thyme, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey. Season with salt and pepper.
  2. Taste and adjust—if it’s too sharp, add a touch more honey; if too thick, whisk in a teaspoon of warm water.
Prepare the Goat Cheese Spread
  1. In a bowl, combine goat cheese, Greek yogurt (if using), grated garlic, and a small pinch of salt. Stir until smooth and spreadable.
Toast the Walnuts and Baguette
  1. In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast walnuts until fragrant (2–3 minutes).
  2. Toast baguette slices until golden and crisp.
Assemble the Stacks
  1. Brush beet slices lightly with olive oil and a pinch of salt. On a plate, lay a beet round, spread goat cheese, add another beet round, drizzle with vinaigrette, sprinkle with chopped walnuts, and repeat for 2–3 layers.
  2. Finish with a final drizzle of vinaigrette, a crack of black pepper, and garnish with thyme sprigs or microgreens.
Serve
  1. Arrange stacks on a platter with toasted baguette slices. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Notes

Roasted beets store well in the fridge for up to five days. Make the vinaigrette ahead of time to improve flavors. Skip the baguette for a gluten-free version.