Name: Sweet Potato & Beet Stacks with Pesto, Burrata & Walnuts Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Vegetarian
Ingredients: 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced into ½-inch rounds; 2 medium beets, peeled and sliced into ½-inch rounds; 2 tablespoons olive oil; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; ½ cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade); 2 balls burrata cheese; ¼ cup chopped toasted walnuts; Microgreens or fresh basil for garnish (optional)

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If you adore dishes that delight your eyes and your palate, the Sweet Potato & Beet Stacks with Pesto, Burrata & Walnuts Recipe is an absolute must-try. This vibrant tower of roasted sweet potatoes and earthy beets layered generously with creamy burrata, herby basil pesto, and crunchy toasted walnuts delivers a symphony of flavors and textures that feels both indulgent and nourishing. Whether you’re entertaining friends or simply treating yourself, this recipe offers a fresh, colorful way to enjoy seasonal veggies that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The dish is a small, round stack with four distinct layers placed on a dark surface. The bottom layer is made of thin orange slices stacked tightly together, smooth and slightly shiny. Above it is a thick, white, soft and creamy layer with a textured surface. The next layer is a deep red, smooth and thin slice wrapped around the creamy layer. Another thick, white, soft creamy layer sits on top of this, similar in texture to the one below. The top layer is a rough-textured green pesto spread evenly, crowned with several whole light brown walnuts. Drops of golden oil surround the base, giving a slight shine. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients come together in a wonderfully straightforward way, letting each element shine through while complementing the others perfectly. Each plays a vital role—from the sweetness and earthiness of the vegetables to the rich creaminess and the satisfying crunch of the nuts.

Sweet potatoes (2 medium, peeled and sliced into ½-inch rounds): The natural sweetness and creamy texture make a perfect base for the stacks.
Beets (2 medium, peeled and sliced into ½-inch rounds): Their earthy depth and vivid color balance the sweetness and add stunning visual appeal.
Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Helps roast the vegetables to caramelized perfection without overpowering flavor.
Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the natural flavors in the dish.
Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Adds subtle warmth and depth.
Basil pesto (½ cup, store-bought or homemade): Brings herbal brightness and a luscious texture that ties the stacks together.
Burrata cheese (2 balls): The creamy, dreamy filling adds a luxurious richness that’s hard to resist.
Chopped toasted walnuts (¼ cup): Delivers a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor contrast.
Microgreens or fresh basil (optional): Adds a fresh, peppery finish and beautiful garnish.

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

Step 1: Roast the Sweet Potatoes and Beets

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Toss the sweet potato and beet rounds with olive oil, salt, and black pepper to coat them evenly. Spread them out on the baking sheet in a single layer and roast for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping halfway, until they are tender and slightly caramelized. This roasting step intensifies their natural flavors and softens them just enough to stack beautifully without falling apart.

Step 2: Prepare the Basil Pesto and Burrata

If you’re using store-bought pesto, give it a taste and adjust if necessary by adding a splash of lemon juice or extra olive oil to freshen it up. Tear the burrata cheese into creamy pieces that will melt slightly as the stacks are assembled. This freshness contrasts so well with the roasted vegetables and pesto’s herbal punch.

Step 3: Assemble the Sweet Potato & Beet Stacks with Pesto, Burrata & Walnuts Recipe

Now here comes the fun part. Start arranging your stacks on serving plates by layering one slice of sweet potato followed by a beet slice, then spread a spoonful of pesto over each beet layer. Continue alternating until you have a tower about three or four layers high. Top each stack generously with torn burrata pieces and sprinkle with chopped toasted walnuts, which add wonderful texture. For a finishing touch, add microgreens or fresh basil for a burst of color and freshness.

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

The dish shows a stack of five thick slices of roasted vegetables on a white plate; the bottom and third layers are bright orange sweet potato slices with a slightly crispy edge, the second and fourth layers are deep purple beet slices with shiny, smooth surfaces. On the top layer, there is a dollop of creamy white cheese with a soft texture, drizzled with dark green pesto sauce that also drips down the sides of the vegetable stack. The white plate is set on a white marbled surface with some pesto scattered around. The focus is close up, showing the texture and colors clearly. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate this dish even further, consider drizzling some balsamic glaze gently across the stacks. The sweet tang of the glaze complements the earthiness of the beets and sweet potatoes perfectly. Fresh herbs or edible flowers can also add elegance and a pop of fresh flavor.

Side Dishes

This dish is flexible enough to serve as a light vegetarian main or an appetizer. Pair it with a crisp green salad or a bowl of warm soup for a balanced meal. A crusty baguette or rustic bread also makes an excellent companion, soaking up any extra pesto or melted burrata.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, assemble the stacks individually on slate boards or in shallow bowls to showcase their colorful layers. You can also build mini stacks on skewers for a playful finger-food version perfect for parties. Mixing golden beets along with the red variety adds a stunning color contrast that always impresses guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store the roasted sweet potatoes and beets separately from the burrata and pesto in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This keeps everything fresh and ready to assemble quickly when you’re ready to eat again.

Freezing

While roasting the vegetables ahead and freezing is possible, the burrata and pesto don’t freeze well. Freeze only the veggie slices in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to freezer bags. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating gently.

Reheating

Reheat the roasted sweet potatoes and beets in a warm oven or microwave until heated through but still firm enough to stack. Add fresh pesto and burrata just before serving to keep the textures vibrant and fresh.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese instead of burrata?

Absolutely! Fresh mozzarella or ricotta can be great substitutes, though burrata’s creamy interior really makes the dish special by adding a rich, luscious texture that standard cheeses don’t quite match.

Is this recipe suitable for vegans?

This recipe includes burrata cheese, so it’s not vegan as written. However, you can use a plant-based cheese alternative and make your own vegan pesto to keep it entirely plant-based and just as delicious.

How long do the stacks stay fresh once assembled?

It’s best to assemble just before serving to maintain the texture of the veggies and freshness of the burrata. If you must prepare early, keep the stacks covered and chilled, and add pesto and burrata just before serving.

Can I add other nuts instead of walnuts?

Yes! Toasted pecans, almonds, or pine nuts all work well. Each brings its own unique flavor profile, so feel free to experiment and find your favorite combination.

What makes this Sweet Potato & Beet Stacks with Pesto, Burrata & Walnuts Recipe so special?

The combination of textures and flavors is what truly sets it apart: sweet, earthy roasted veggies meet herbaceous, nutty pesto, silky burrata, and crunchy walnuts—making every bite a delicious surprise. Plus, the stunning presentation always wows!

Final Thoughts

This Sweet Potato & Beet Stacks with Pesto, Burrata & Walnuts Recipe is one of those dishes that feels both sophisticated and comfortingly simple. The layers of flavor and texture come together naturally, making it an elegant choice for any meal. I encourage you to give it a try—you’ll quickly see why it’s such a treasured favorite. Happy cooking, and enjoy every vibrant bite!

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

Ingredients You’ll Need

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

Step 1: Roast the Sweet Potatoes and Beets

Step 2: Prepare the Basil Pesto and Burrata

Step 3: Assemble the Sweet Potato & Beet Stacks with Pesto, Burrata & Walnuts Recipe