Sweet Potato & Beet Stacks with Pesto, Burrata & Walnuts

Get ready to fall in love with this vibrant, mouthwatering dish! Sweet Potato & Beet Stacks with Pesto, Burrata & Walnuts are a feast for the eyes and the taste buds. The earthy sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes and beets, combined with the creamy richness of burrata and the herbaceous kick of pesto, makes every bite a savory-sweet symphony. Add in the satisfying crunch of toasted walnuts, and you’ve got a dish that’s full of texture, flavor, and a touch of elegance. Whether it’s a stunning side dish or the star of your next meal, this dish is guaranteed to impress.

Why You’ll Love Sweet Potato & Beet Stacks with Pesto, Burrata & Walnuts

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating a moment of pure joy. Here’s why it’s a must-try:

• Visually Stunning: These colorful stacks are as beautiful as they are delicious, perfect for impressing guests or making an everyday meal feel special.
• Flavor Explosion: The natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes and beets is perfectly balanced by the richness of burrata and the vibrant, herb-packed pesto. It’s a flavor combination that will leave you coming back for more.
• Nutritious: Packed with vitamins, fiber, and healthy fats, this dish is as nourishing as it is tasty. Sweet potatoes and beets bring loads of nutrients, while the walnuts add a healthy crunch.
• Customizable: If you’re not into burrata, you can swap it for goat cheese or feta. The pesto can be made to suit your taste—add a little extra garlic or spice it up with some red pepper flakes!
• Elegant Yet Easy: It may look fancy, but this dish is surprisingly simple to make. It’s an elegant choice for date night, a holiday meal, or any occasion that calls for a little extra flair.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you need to create these gorgeous, flavor-packed stacks:

• Sweet Potatoes: Roasted until tender and caramelized, they provide a subtly sweet, hearty base for the stacks.
• Beets: Roasted to bring out their natural sweetness and earthiness, they’re a perfect complement to the sweet potatoes.
• Burrata: Creamy and indulgent, burrata adds the perfect richness and texture to the stacks.
• Pesto: Whether homemade or store-bought, pesto is the vibrant, herbal sauce that ties everything together with its fresh, garlicky flavor.
• Walnuts: Toasted and crumbled, they provide the perfect crunch to balance out the creaminess of the burrata and the softness of the vegetables.
• Olive Oil: For roasting the sweet potatoes and beets, adding a rich, smooth flavor.
• Salt & Pepper: To season everything to perfection.
• Fresh Herbs: A little extra basil or thyme, if desired, to garnish and add some aromatic flair.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Time to get your hands on this vibrant dish and start stacking! Follow these steps for perfect results every time.

1. Roast the Sweet Potatoes and Beets:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Peel and slice the sweet potatoes and beets into rounds about 1/4 inch thick. Drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Arrange them on a baking sheet in a single layer and roast for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re tender and slightly caramelized at the edges.

2. Toast the Walnuts:

While the veggies are roasting, toast the walnuts. Heat a dry skillet over medium heat, and add the walnuts. Toast them for about 3-5 minutes, stirring often, until they’re fragrant and golden. Remove from heat and set aside.

3. Assemble the Stacks:

Once the sweet potatoes and beets are roasted, it’s time to build your stacks. On a plate or serving platter, alternate layers of sweet potato and beet slices, stacking them in a tower. Repeat until you’ve used all the slices.

4. Add Burrata:

Gently tear the burrata into chunks and place a piece on top of each stack. The creamy, oozy center of the burrata will melt over the warm vegetables, adding a dreamy richness.

5. Drizzle with Pesto:

Spoon a generous amount of pesto over each stack. You can drizzle it artfully over the burrata or let it pool around the veggies for extra flavor.

6. Garnish and Serve:

Top with the toasted walnuts for a satisfying crunch and finish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs (like basil or thyme) to brighten everything up. Serve immediately and watch your guests’ faces light up!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 320
Total Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 20mg
Sodium: 270mg
Total Carbohydrates: 25g
Dietary Fiber: 7g
Sugars: 9g
Protein: 8g
Vitamin A: 110% Daily Value
Vitamin C: 30% Daily Value
Calcium: 15% Daily Value
Iron: 12% Daily Value
Potassium: 800mg

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
• Total Time: 45-50 minutes

How to Serve Sweet Potato & Beet Stacks with Pesto, Burrata & Walnuts

These stacks make for an incredible standalone dish, but if you’re looking to complement them with other sides or a main, here are a few suggestions:

• Fresh Salad: Pair with a simple arugula or mixed greens salad dressed with lemon and olive oil for a refreshing contrast to the richness of the stacks.
• Grilled Protein: If you want to add a protein, grilled chicken or salmon pairs beautifully with these stacks.
• Roasted Vegetables: More roasted veggies, like carrots or Brussels sprouts, would be a great side dish, adding even more texture and flavor to your meal.

Additional Tips

• Make It Vegan: Swap out the burrata for a plant-based cheese like vegan ricotta or cashew cheese, and make sure your pesto is dairy-free (many store-bought pestos are!).
• Prep Ahead: You can roast the sweet potatoes and beets a day ahead, and simply assemble the stacks right before serving.
• Perfect for Parties: These stacks are easy to serve at a dinner party—just assemble and drizzle the pesto when ready to eat.
• Pesto Variations: Try experimenting with different herbs for your pesto—dandelion greens, spinach, or even arugula make delicious, slightly different versions of this sauce.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use other types of cheese instead of burrata?
A1: Yes! You can use goat cheese, feta, or even mozzarella if you prefer. Burrata adds a creamy texture, but any cheese you like will work.

Q2: Can I make the pesto ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! You can make pesto up to a week ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Just drizzle it on the stacks when you’re ready to serve.

Q3: How do I know when the sweet potatoes and beets are fully roasted?
A3: They’re ready when they’re tender to the touch and slightly caramelized around the edges. A fork should easily slide through the sweet potatoes and beets.

Q4: Can I use pre-cooked beets?
A4: Yes, if you’re short on time, you can use store-bought cooked beets. Just slice them and use them as you would the roasted ones.

Q5: How can I make this dish spicier?
A5: You can add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the pesto or drizzle a bit of hot sauce over the top of the stacks to give it a kick.

Q6: Can I add other vegetables to the stacks?
A6: Absolutely! Roasted carrots, parsnips, or even thinly sliced zucchini would make great additions to the stacks.

Q7: Can I prepare these stacks in advance?
A7: You can prepare the sweet potatoes and beets ahead of time, but I recommend assembling the stacks and adding the burrata just before serving to keep the textures fresh.

Q8: Can I make the pesto nut-free?
A8: Yes, you can make pesto without nuts by substituting sunflower seeds or using more herbs and olive oil.

Q9: Can I use a different type of nut instead of walnuts?
A9: Yes! You can use toasted pecans, almonds, or pine nuts for a different crunch and flavor.

Q10: How can I make this dish gluten-free?
A10: This dish is naturally gluten-free! Just make sure that the pesto you use doesn’t contain any gluten-based ingredients (some store-bought versions may have hidden gluten).

Conclusion

Sweet Potato & Beet Stacks with Pesto, Burrata & Walnuts are a perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly spectacular. The combination of sweet, earthy vegetables, creamy burrata, fresh pesto, and crunchy walnuts is not only delicious but also visually stunning. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or as a showstopper at a gathering, this dish is sure to win everyone over. Enjoy the flavors, the textures, and the beauty of this plate—it’s a treat from start to finish!

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