Sweet Potato & Beet Stacks with Pesto, Burrata & Walnuts Recipe

There is nothing quite like the vibrant colors and mouthwatering flavors of Sweet Potato & Beet Stacks with Pesto, Burrata & Walnuts to brighten up your dinner table. This dish brings together earthy roasted vegetables layered with creamy burrata, fresh herbaceous pesto, and crunchy toasted walnuts, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. Perfectly portioned and visually stunning, these stacks make a wonderful centerpiece for any meal, impressing guests and satisfying comfort food cravings all at once.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is the secret to making Sweet Potato & Beet Stacks with Pesto, Burrata & Walnuts truly shine. Each component contributes essential flavor, color, and texture, ensuring every bite is a delightful experience.

• Sweet potatoes: Peeled and sliced into ½-inch rounds for a naturally sweet and tender base layer.
• Beets: Also peeled and sliced thinly, adding earthiness and a gorgeous ruby-red contrast.
• Olive oil: Used to drizzle and roast, helping caramelize the vegetables and bring out their natural sweetness.
• Salt and black pepper: Basic seasoning to enhance the flavors and balance the dish.
• Dried thyme or rosemary: A fragrant herb punch that complements the root veggies beautifully.
• Burrata cheese: Creamy and luscious, this cheese melts slightly when placed over the warm stacks, adding decadence.
• Basil pesto: Pungent and fresh, pesto layers between the vegetables and crowns the stacks with herbaceous zest.
• Walnuts: Toasted and chopped for a satisfying crunch and subtle nutty aroma.
• Fresh basil leaves: Used as a bright, aromatic garnish to finish the dish elegantly.

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

Step 1: Roast the Vegetables

Begin by heating your oven to 200°C (400°F) and lining two baking trays with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Lay out your sliced sweet potatoes and beets in a single layer on the trays, making sure they don’t overlap so they roast evenly. Drizzle generously with olive oil, then sprinkle with salt, black pepper, and either dried thyme or rosemary to enhance their natural aroma. Roast these vibrant slices for about 30 to 35 minutes, turning once halfway through, until they become tender and develop a lovely caramelized edge.

Step 2: Assemble the Stacks

Once roasted, let the vegetables cool just enough so they are warm but manageable. This step is crucial as it helps the burrata melt just a little when it hits the stacks. Start by layering a sweet potato slice, then a beet slice, repeating these alternations to create neat little towers. Between each layer, spoon a small dab of the fresh basil pesto; this not only adds flavor but keeps the stacks moist and flavorful all through.

Step 3: Add Burrata and Walnuts

Now comes the truly indulgent part. Tear the burrata cheese into generous chunks and place them atop each stack, letting the creamy cheese soften against the warm veggies. Finish by sprinkling with the toasted walnuts for a crunchy contrast and scatter fresh basil leaves over everything. These simple garnishes bring a burst of freshness and a nutty finish to the dish.

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

Garnishes

Enhancing your stacks with a few additional garnishes can elevate the dish even further. Fresh basil leaves add a peppery twist and vibrant green color, but feel free to toss on some microgreens or a sprinkle of cracked black pepper for added texture and flavor complexity.

Side Dishes

Sweet Potato & Beet Stacks with Pesto, Burrata & Walnuts make for a fantastic centerpiece but pair beautifully with crisp salads or light grain bowls. Consider serving with a tangy arugula salad or a quinoa pilaf to add freshness and wholesome grains, balancing the richness of the burrata and the earthiness of the root vegetables.

Creative Ways to Present

Presentation is key with these stacks – try arranging them on a rustic wooden board for a cozy, family-style affair, or plate individually on elegant white dishes for a sophisticated vibe. You can drizzle extra pesto or a balsamic reduction around the plate to add a pop of color and complementary acidity to the dish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Sweet Potato & Beet Stacks with Pesto, Burrata & Walnuts can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To preserve the freshness, store the burrata separately and add it fresh when ready to eat.

Freezing

Due to the creamy burrata and delicate texture of roasted vegetables, freezing this dish is not recommended. The cheese tends to break down, and veggies can become watery upon thawing, which affects both texture and flavor.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm your stacks in a low oven (about 150°C/300°F) for 10 minutes or until warmed through. Add torn burrata fresh on top after reheating to preserve its creamy texture and mild tang.

FAQs

Can I use different types of cheese?

Absolutely! While burrata offers a creamy and luxurious touch, you can substitute fresh mozzarella or ricotta for a lighter or more affordable option, keeping in mind they won’t melt as indulgently.

How thick should I slice the vegetables?

Slicing your sweet potatoes and beets into ½-inch rounds is key. This thickness allows them to roast evenly and hold their shape, perfect for stacking without crumbling.

Is there a vegan alternative for this recipe?

Yes, you can omit the burrata and replace pesto with a vegan version made from nuts and herbs. Add a dollop of cashew cream on top for similar richness.

What type of walnuts work best?

Raw walnuts that are lightly toasted bring out the best flavor and crunch. Avoid pre-salted nuts to keep the harmony of seasoning in your stacks.

Can this dish be served cold?

Sweet Potato & Beet Stacks with Pesto, Burrata & Walnuts can be enjoyed at room temperature, making them a versatile option for picnics or buffets, though the burrata is best added just before serving.

Final Thoughts

I wholeheartedly encourage you to give Sweet Potato & Beet Stacks with Pesto, Burrata & Walnuts a try soon. This recipe not only dazzles with stunning colors and textures but also fills your kitchen with inviting aromas and your heart with cozy satisfaction. Whether for a special occasion or a nourishing weeknight meal, these stacks are destined to become a beloved favorite in your culinary repertoire.