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Show-Stopping Grilled Beet and Goat Cheese Flatbread: The Ultimate Holiday Appetizer

Prepare to impress your guests this holiday season with a truly show-stopping appetizer: our Grilled Beet and Goat Cheese Flatbread. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into an explosion of flavors and textures, making it the perfect addition to any festive menu. What makes it even better? It’s cooked entirely on the grill, freeing up your valuable oven space for other holiday dishes and infusing every bite with a delightful smoky aroma.

Topped generously with sweet, caramelized grilled butternut squash and tender, earthy beets, this flatbread is a vibrant celebration of fall and winter produce. Creamy, tangy goat cheese melts perfectly, while salty prosciutto adds a savory depth. A sprinkle of fresh thyme and a drizzle of irresistible balsamic glaze complete this culinary masterpiece, guaranteeing it will become a cherished tradition on your holiday table for years to come.

The Irresistible Allure of Grilled Butternut Squash and Beets

If you’ve never experienced the magic of grilled butternut squash, prepare for a revelation. Unlike roasting or boiling, grilling brings out an unparalleled sweetness and nutty complexity in the squash. The high heat of the grill caramelizes its natural sugars, creating tender edges with a slight char that adds an incredible depth of flavor. Once you try it this way, you might find it hard to go back to any other method!

Inspired by this success, we wondered if the same transformative effect could be achieved with beets. And indeed, it can! Grilling beets mellows their inherent earthiness, enhancing their natural sweetness and giving them a beautifully tender, slightly smoky finish. The vibrant color of the beets also intensifies, adding visual appeal to your dish. This method truly elevates beets from a simple side to a star ingredient.

The combination of these perfectly grilled vegetables creates the foundation for our phenomenal flatbread. Paired with the creamy tang of goat cheese, the aromatic freshness of thyme, and the savory notes of prosciutto, then finished with a sweet and tangy balsamic glaze, you have an appetizer that is truly unparalleled. This Beet and Goat Cheese Flatbread is destined to be a holiday favorite, gracing your menu year after year.

Grilling: Your Holiday Kitchen Lifesaver

The holiday season, especially Thanksgiving, often presents a unique challenge: limited oven space. With multiple dishes vying for prime real estate in your oven, finding alternative cooking methods becomes essential. This is where your grill shines as an absolute holiday lifesaver!

Utilizing the grill for appetizers like this Beet and Goat Cheese Flatbread, or even certain side dishes, frees up your oven for the turkey, casseroles, and pies. This strategic use of all your cooking appliances – oven, slow cooker, and grill – allows you to prepare and serve a variety of hot, delicious dishes simultaneously. Entertaining like a pro means less stress and more time enjoying your guests, knowing everything is coming together perfectly and efficiently.

Preparing Your Star Ingredients: Grilled Beets and Butternut Squash

The journey to an exquisite Beet and Goat Cheese Flatbread begins with perfectly grilled vegetables. We start by grilling both beets and butternut squash. You’ll likely have some delicious leftovers, which is fantastic! These grilled veggies are incredibly versatile and can be added to salads, pizzas, wraps, nourishing bowls, or simply enjoyed as a healthy snack. We absolutely adore having extra grilled vegetables on hand!

How to Grill Beets to Perfection

Grilling beets creates a tender texture and enhances their natural sweetness. Follow these simple steps for perfectly grilled beets:

Trim the Beets: Begin by carefully cutting off the leafy tops of the beets. Don’t discard the greens – they are nutritious and delicious! You can save them for other recipes like sautéed greens or added to a stir-fry. Also, trim the root end.
Peel Thoroughly: Using a vegetable peeler, remove the outer skin of each beet. This ensures a smoother texture and prevents any tough bits in your flatbread.
Slice Evenly: The key to even grilling is consistent slicing. Aim for 1/2-inch thick rounds. Uniform slices will cook at the same rate, preventing some pieces from being undercooked or overcooked.
Coat with Flavor: In a small bowl, whisk together a generous amount of olive oil with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Brush this mixture liberally over all sides of the sliced beets. The oil helps with charring and seasoning, while salt and pepper enhance their natural taste.
Grill Until Tender: Preheat your grill to a medium-high temperature. Once hot, use tongs to carefully place the seasoned beet slices directly onto the grill grates. Grill for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork and show beautiful grill marks.

Quick Tip: Handling Beets

Beets are known for their vibrant color, which can easily stain hands and lighter surfaces. Consider wearing gloves when peeling and slicing them to protect your hands. Additionally, use a dark plastic cutting board rather than wood or light-colored boards, as beet juice can leave lasting stains. If using a cloth kitchen towel, opt for a dark red one specifically for handling beets to avoid discoloration.

How to Grill Butternut Squash for Maximum Flavor

Grilling butternut squash brings out its inherent sweetness and creates a lovely caramelized exterior. Here’s how to prepare it for grilling:

Prepare the Squash: Start by cutting off both the stem and bottom ends of the butternut squash. Then, carefully peel the entire squash using a sturdy vegetable peeler or a sharp paring knife.
Halve and Seed: Where the thinner neck of the squash begins to widen into the bulbous end, cut the squash in half. For the seeded section, use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and stringy bits.
Slice Consistently: Cut the entire squash into 1/2-inch thick slices. For the bulbous end, continue slicing into 1/2-inch pieces and then use a paring knife to cut around and remove the seeds from the center of each slice. Ensuring even thickness across all slices is crucial for uniform cooking on the grill.
Season and Coat: Just as with the beets, brush the butternut squash slices generously with a mixture of olive oil, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. This coating helps achieve beautiful grill marks and prevents sticking while enhancing the flavor.
Grill to Tenderness: Place the seasoned squash slices directly onto preheated grill grates (medium-high heat). Grill for approximately 4-5 minutes per side, or until they are tender and have developed attractive grill marks. Once cooked, remove and chop into smaller, bite-sized pieces perfect for your flatbread.

Quick Tip: Slicing Butternut Squash Safely

Cutting a butternut squash can be challenging due to its hard exterior. Always use a very sharp, sturdy knife to prevent slipping and potential injury. A dull knife requires more force, increasing the risk of accidents. Taking your time and using proper technique will make the process much easier and safer.

Expert Tips for the Best Beet and Goat Cheese Flatbread

Crafting the perfect Beet and Goat Cheese Flatbread on the grill is simple with a few insider tricks. These tips will help you achieve a beautifully cooked flatbread with delicious, caramelized edges and perfectly melted cheese.

Generously Oil Your Grill Grates: This crucial step prevents the flatbread from sticking and helps create those coveted crispy, browned edges. A simple method is to roll up a few paper towels, drench them in a high smoke point oil (like canola or vegetable oil), and, using long tongs, rub the oiled towels across the hot grill grates several times. This ensures a beautifully even sear and easy removal.
Watch the Flatbread Closely: Grilled flatbread cooks very quickly! The bottom can go from perfectly golden-brown to burnt in mere seconds. Stay near the grill and check the underside frequently by gently lifting an edge with your spatula. Once you get a feel for your specific grill’s heat, you’ll know exactly how long it takes.
Invest in the Right Tools: Transferring raw flatbread to a hot grill and cooked flatbread back to a platter can be tricky. A wide metal spatula or, even better, a pizza peel is invaluable. These tools provide the necessary surface area to support the flatbread, making transfer smooth and preventing your toppings from spilling.
Embrace Fresh Thyme: While it might seem like a minor detail, fresh thyme adds an incredible aromatic complexity and brightness to these flatbreads that dried thyme simply can’t replicate. Its earthy, slightly peppery notes complement the beets and goat cheese beautifully. If fresh isn’t available, a light sprinkle of dried thyme can work in a pinch, but prioritize fresh for the best flavor.

The Finishing Touch: Balsamic Glaze

No Beet and Goat Cheese Flatbread is complete without a luscious drizzle of balsamic glaze. This sweet and tangy condiment acts as the perfect counterpoint to the rich flavors of the cheese and vegetables, bringing all the elements together in harmonious balance. We’ve experimented with various balsamic glazes, and the key is to use one you truly love. You can opt for a high-quality store-bought glaze for convenience, or easily make your own homemade version for a fresher taste – here’s a great recipe to get you started.

Recently, we were particularly enchanted by a white balsamic reduction glaze, especially a raspberry-infused one! The lighter color allows the vibrant hues of the beets and squash to pop even more, and the subtle fruitiness adds another layer of intriguing flavor. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different types of balsamic glazes or infused reductions to find your personal favorite. The beauty of this dish is its adaptability.

We typically like to drizzle a generous amount of balsamic glaze over the entire flatbread immediately after it comes off the grill. Then, as we slice it into individual servings, we often add an extra touch of glaze to each piece, ensuring every bite gets that perfect sweet-tart finish. This final step is non-negotiable for elevating your flatbread from delicious to truly unforgettable.

More Festive Holiday Recipes to Explore

If you loved this grilled flatbread and are looking for more delicious dishes to complete your holiday spread, check out these other fantastic recipes:

Pistachio Crusted Cheese Ball – A delightful appetizer featuring creamy goat cheese and crunchy pistachios.
Beet and Goat Cheese Salad – A refreshing salad with a vibrant orange vinaigrette, perfect for a lighter side.
Crockpot Mashed Potatoes – Incredibly creamy slow-cooked potatoes that save you stovetop space.
Roasted Vegetables – A simple yet flavorful side dish with a delicious seasoning blend.
Green Bean Casserole – A comforting, made-from-scratch version of a classic holiday favorite.

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Beet and Goat Cheese Flatbread

By Chelsea Lords

Beet and Goat Cheese Flatbread is a stunning and flavorful holiday appetizer topped with grilled butternut squash.

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Servings: 2 servings

Equipment

Grill

Ingredients

2 full-sized Stonefire naan flatbreads
Olive oil, for brushing
Salt and pepper, to taste
4 ounces goat cheese
1 small butternut squash (see Note 1)
1 pound beets
1 ounce prosciutto, thinly sliced
Toppings as desired: fresh thyme and balsamic glaze

Instructions

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, aiming for 400–450°F. Clean the grill grates thoroughly and then grease them well by rubbing with a paper towel drenched in vegetable oil.
To prepare the butternut squash: Cut off both ends and peel the squash. Using a very sharp knife, slice the squash into 1/2-inch-thick rounds. If using the bulbous, seeded end, cut out the seeds from each slice. In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of olive oil with about 1/4 teaspoon each of salt and pepper. Brush this oil mixture over all sides of the squash slices. Place the greased squash slices directly onto the preheated grill grates. Grill for 4–5 minutes per side, or until the squash is tender and has appealing grill marks. Remove from the grill and chop into smaller, bite-sized pieces.
To prepare the beets: Cut off both ends and peel the beets. Using a sharp knife, slice them into 1/2-inch-thick rounds. In a separate small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of olive oil with about 1/8 teaspoon each of salt and pepper. Brush this oil mixture over both sides of the beet slices. Place the greased beet slices directly onto the preheated grill grates. Grill for 6–8 minutes per side, or until the beets are tender. Remove from the grill and chop into smaller, bite-sized pieces.
Assemble the flatbreads: Remove naan from its packaging. Drizzle about 1 teaspoon of olive oil over each flatbread. Evenly spread about 2 ounces of goat cheese on each, followed by 1/2 an ounce of thinly sliced prosciutto. Distribute the grilled beets and butternut squash evenly over the cheese and prosciutto. Using a metal pizza peel or a large metal spatula, carefully transfer the assembled flatbreads to the clean and greased grill grates. Grill for 3–5 minutes, or until the flatbread crust is lightly browned and crispy around the edges, and the goat cheese is softened and warm.
Serve and enjoy: Carefully remove the flatbreads from the grill to a large plate or platter. For an extra touch of richness, give the flatbreads a quick drizzle of olive oil. Generously top with fresh thyme and additional salt and pepper if desired. Finally, drizzle your favorite balsamic glaze over the flatbreads before slicing and serving.

Recipe Notes

Note 1: This recipe will likely yield leftover grilled beets and butternut squash. These are fantastic additions to salads, other pizzas, wraps, or nourish bowls. Enjoy these versatile leftover grilled veggies!

Nutrition Note: The provided calorie count does not include any extra grilled beets and butternut squash beyond what’s used on the two flatbreads.

Storage: This flatbread is best enjoyed fresh for optimal flavor and texture. If you have any leftovers, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in an air fryer, on the grill, or in a conventional oven until warmed through.

Nutrition

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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