Beet Napoleons with Prosciutto Roses

Beet Napoleons with Prosciutto Roses are a stunning appetizer that combines earthy roasted beets, creamy cheese, and savory prosciutto for an elegant dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Layers of thinly sliced beets are stacked with creamy goat cheese or ricotta, creating a visually striking “napoleon” effect. Topping it off, delicate prosciutto roses add a touch of artistry and rich, salty flavor to balance the sweetness of the beets.

I first made these Beet Napoleons for a dinner party when I wanted to impress my guests with something both creative and delicious. The vibrant beet layers and the delicate prosciutto roses made for a show-stopping presentation, and the combination of flavors was perfectly balanced. What I love most about this recipe is its versatility—you can drizzle the stacks with balsamic glaze, add fresh herbs like thyme or basil, or even sprinkle on some toasted nuts for crunch. Whether for a holiday appetizer or an elegant starter, Beet Napoleons with Prosciutto Roses are guaranteed to wow your guests!

Perfect for:

Dinner parties
Romantic dinners
Holidays and special occasions
Beet and charcuterie lovers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are 10 reasons why this Beet Napoleons with Prosciutto Roses recipe will become your go-to appetizer:

Gorgeous Presentation: These layered napoleons and artful roses are show-stoppingly beautiful.
Balanced Flavors: The earthy beets, creamy goat cheese, and salty prosciutto create a harmonious flavor profile.
Versatile Appetizer: Ideal for casual dinners or elegant events.
Seasonal Ingredients: Highlight fresh, seasonal beets for the best taste.
Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe with different cheeses or herbs.
Light and Refreshing: A perfect way to start a meal without feeling too heavy.
Simple Elegance: Easy to make but looks like a restaurant-quality dish.
Nutrient-Packed: Beets are rich in vitamins and minerals, making this a nutritious choice.
Prep Ahead: Roast the beets and assemble just before serving for convenience.
Impress Your Guests: This appetizer adds a touch of sophistication to any table.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 1 hour
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories per serving: Approximately 200-250 calories

Ingredients

For the Beet Napoleons:

4 medium-sized beets (red or golden)
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

The Prosciutto Roses:

6 slices prosciutto
1 teaspoon honey or balsamic glaze

For the Goat Cheese Filling:

4 oz goat cheese, softened
2 tablespoons heavy cream
1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped

For Garnish:

Fresh thyme sprigs
Microgreens or baby arugula

Ingredient Highlights

Fresh Beets: Choose firm, unblemished beets for the best flavor.
Goat Cheese: Provides a creamy, tangy contrast to the sweet and savory elements.
Prosciutto: Adds a delicate, salty richness to the dish.
Herbs: Fresh thyme elevates the dish with its subtle aroma.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Roast the Beets:

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Prepare Beets: Wash and trim the beets. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
Wrap and Roast: Wrap the beets in aluminum foil and roast for 35-40 minutes or until tender. Allow to cool.

Prepare the Goat Cheese Filling:

Mix Cheese: In a small bowl, whisk together goat cheese, heavy cream, and thyme until smooth.

Assemble the Napoleons:

Slice Beets: Peel the cooled beets and slice into ¼-inch thick rounds.
Layer: Place a beet slice on a serving plate, spread a layer of goat cheese, and repeat with another beet slice. Top with goat cheese.

Create the Prosciutto Roses:

Form Roses: Roll each prosciutto slice into a rose shape by folding it lengthwise and rolling tightly.
Finish Roses: Drizzle honey or balsamic glaze over the prosciutto roses for added flavor.

Garnish and Serve:

Decorate: Place a prosciutto rose on top of each napoleon. Garnish with thyme sprigs and microgreens.
Serve Immediately: Present the dish at room temperature for optimal flavor.

How to Serve

Here are 9 serving suggestions for Beet Napoleons with Prosciutto Roses:

On a Charcuterie Board: Include as a centerpiece on a curated board.
With Balsamic Reduction: Drizzle extra balsamic for a tangy finish.
As a Plated Starter: Serve individually plated for an upscale feel.
With Crusty Bread: Offer alongside crostini for added texture.
As a Salad Alternative: Serve with mixed greens for a light first course.
Topped with Nuts: Sprinkle toasted walnuts or pistachios for crunch.
With Citrus Zest: Add a hint of orange or lemon zest for brightness.
On a Cheese Platter: Pair with soft and hard cheeses for variety.
For Holiday Tables: Include in festive menus for a colorful touch.

Additional Tips

Choose Fresh, High-Quality Beets: Fresh beets will provide a more vibrant color and a sweeter, earthier flavor.
Roast Beets for Extra Flavor: Roasting the beets enhances their natural sweetness and gives them a richer flavor compared to boiling.
Chill the Beets: For easier slicing and to enhance the texture, chill the roasted beets before assembling the Napoleons.
Use Thin, Even Slices: Ensure that the beet slices are uniformly thin to maintain a clean presentation and even layering.
Try Different Varieties of Beets: Golden or striped beets offer a unique color and flavor profile, adding variety to your dish.
Add Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle fresh herbs like thyme or basil between the layers of beets to introduce more aromatic flavors.
Make the Prosciutto Roses in Advance: Create the prosciutto roses ahead of time and let them rest in the fridge to hold their shape when assembling.
Use Creamy Goat Cheese or Ricotta: For a rich, creamy texture, swap out regular cheese for goat cheese or ricotta between the layers of beets.
Drizzle with Balsamic Reduction: A balsamic glaze or reduction adds a tangy contrast that pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the beets.
Serve with a Light Salad: Pair the Beet Napoleons with a refreshing arugula or spinach salad for a balanced meal with a touch of bitterness.

Recipe Variations

Vegetarian Delight: Substitute the prosciutto with thinly sliced smoked tofu or marinated eggplant for a plant-based twist.
Goat Cheese Swirl: Replace the usual cheese layer with a tangy goat cheese blended with honey and herbs for added creaminess.
Citrus Infusion: Add thin slices of orange or grapefruit between the beet layers to introduce a refreshing citrus zing.
Nuts for Crunch: Sprinkle crushed candied pecans or toasted walnuts between layers for texture and a hint of sweetness.
Herbaceous Layers: Incorporate fresh herbs like basil, dill, or tarragon between each layer for an aromatic boost.
Vegan Creaminess: Use cashew cream seasoned with nutritional yeast, lemon juice, and garlic instead of cheese.
Balsamic Drizzle: Finish with a reduction of balsamic vinegar for a tangy and slightly sweet garnish.
Spicy Kick: Add a layer of arugula or watercress for a peppery bite, or drizzle with chili oil for heat.
Avocado Accents: Include thin slices of ripe avocado to add a rich, buttery flavor to each layer.
Pickled Beet Layers: Swap fresh beets for pickled beets to infuse the dish with tangy and slightly sweet notes.

Special Equipment

Mandoline Slicer – For creating uniformly thin slices of beets.
Ring Molds – To shape and stack the beet layers neatly.
Vegetable Peeler – For peeling the beets before slicing.
Chef’s Knife – To cut other ingredients with precision.
Microplane Zester – For adding zest or fine garnishes.
Piping Bag – To apply soft cheeses or sauces decoratively.
Mixing Bowls – For preparing dressings or mixing fillings.
Paring Knife – For intricate cutting and shaping, like the prosciutto roses.
Food Processor – To make smooth purées or spreads if needed.
Silicone Mat or Parchment Paper – For assembling or baking components cleanly.

FAQ Section

Can I use pre-cooked beets?
Yes, but roasted beets provide better flavor and texture.
How long can I store the napoleons?
Best enjoyed fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 1 day.
Can I replace goat cheese?
Cream cheese or ricotta works as substitutes.
Can I skip the prosciutto?
Yes, for a vegetarian version, omit or replace with roasted peppers.
What herbs pair well with this dish?
Dill, basil, or parsley can be used instead of thyme.

Conclusion

Beet Napoleons with Prosciutto Roses are an elegant and artistic appetizer that combines the earthy sweetness of roasted beets with the savory richness of thinly sliced prosciutto. Layered with creamy goat cheese or ricotta between delicate beet slices and topped with beautifully crafted prosciutto roses, this dish is as stunning as it is delicious. It’s perfect for dinner parties, holiday gatherings, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests.

The preparation is surprisingly simple—thinly sliced roasted beets are stacked with a creamy filling, creating a visually striking napoleon effect. The prosciutto roses add a gourmet touch, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze or a sprinkle of fresh herbs elevates the flavors even further. You can serve these napoleons as a light starter or alongside a fresh green salad for a more complete dish.

I can’t wait to see how your Beet Napoleons with Prosciutto Roses turn out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your stunning creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made this dish your own!