Exquisite Beet and Burrata Tart with Crispy Phyllo Dough

Discover the ultimate vegetarian delight with this stunning beet and burrata cheese tart. Featuring layers of beautifully roasted golden and vibrant purple beets, creamy burrata cheese, and a perfectly crisp phyllo dough crust, this recipe is a true showstopper. Whether served as an elegant appetizer, a light main course, or a delectable side dish, it promises to impress with its rich flavors and vibrant colors.

This recipe is more than just a dish; it’s an experience. It’s a harmonious blend of simple yet sophisticated ingredients, resulting in a tart that is both beautiful to behold and incredibly delicious to savor. Imagine the delicate crunch of flaky phyllo dough, the earthy sweetness of balsamic-roasted beets, and the luxurious creaminess of fresh burrata cheese—all coming together in one unforgettable bite.

Inspired by Farmers Market Freshness

My culinary inspirations often begin with the serene charm of a Saturday morning. There’s something truly special about waking early, stepping onto the balcony, and soaking in the peaceful quiet of downtown before the city fully awakens. It’s a moment of calm, a perfect prelude to one of my favorite weekly rituals: a visit to the local farmers market.

My journey typically starts with a leisurely stroll through the picturesque streets of Little Italy, leading me to my beloved Italian coffee shop, Pappalecco. Here, the warm greeting of a “Ciao” and a friendly smile are as inviting as the aroma of freshly brewed coffee. A comforting Soy Chai Tea Latte paired with a delectable Ham and Cheese Croissant, enjoyed at a small sidewalk table under the gentle San Diego sunshine, sets the perfect tone for the day.

From there, it’s just a couple of blocks north to “my happy place”: the Little Italy Mercato. This isn’t just any farmers market; it’s one of Southern California’s largest, boasting over 150 vendors. Lined with swaying palm trees, bathed in almost perpetual sunshine, and offering stunning views of the bay, the Mercato is a vibrant hub of activity. Live music graces every corner, creating a festive atmosphere as you explore countless booths brimming with fresh produce, artisanal foods, and fragrant flowers. It truly is a sensory delight and a source of endless inspiration.

During a recent Saturday visit, while gathering my usual vibrant purple beets—a staple for my weekly beet hummus obsession—I was drawn to the beautiful golden beets. Their subtle color and earthy flavor promised a delightful contrast. My next stop was inevitably The Cheese Store of San Diego booth, where the word “Burrata” proudly displayed on their chalkboard sign beckoned.

For those unfamiliar, burrata is a fresh Italian cheese, a true culinary gem. It features a solid mozzarella exterior that encases a creamy, luxurious blend of mozzarella and cream. This unique composition gives burrata a soft, almost buttery texture that melts in your mouth, delivering a burst of pure indulgence. It’s a little bit of sunshine and happiness, all wrapped up in a delightful cheese form!

Bringing home these exquisite finds—the dual-colored beets and the divine burrata—I was inspired to create something truly special. The idea of combining their distinct textures and flavors on a crisp, flaky phyllo dough crust quickly took shape. And thus, the Farmers Market Beet and Burrata Tart was born: a celebration of fresh, seasonal ingredients and simple elegance.

Crafting Your Own Beet and Burrata Masterpiece

This vegetarian beet tart is surprisingly simple to make, yet its visual appeal and incredible taste make it perfect for any occasion. The key lies in selecting fresh, high-quality ingredients and following a few straightforward steps to ensure each component shines.

Ingredients for Your Farmers Market Beet and Burrata Tart

• Beets: 6-8 small to medium beets (a mix of red and gold for visual appeal), approximately 1 ½ pounds total. Their vibrant colors and earthy sweetness are central to this tart.
• Olive Oil: 4 tablespoons, divided. A good quality olive oil enhances the flavors of the beets and ensures a crispy phyllo crust.
• Balsamic Vinegar: 2 tablespoons. This adds a delightful tang and helps to caramelize the beets during roasting.
• Fresh Rosemary: 1 tablespoon, chopped. The aromatic piney notes of fresh rosemary perfectly complement the earthy beets.
• Phyllo Dough: 10 sheets. This delicate pastry provides the wonderfully flaky and crispy base for our tart.
• Burrata Cheese: 8 ounces. The star of the show, offering a rich, creamy texture that contrasts beautifully with the roasted beets.

Step-by-Step Instructions for a Perfect Beet and Burrata Tart

Achieving this elegant beet and burrata tart is easier than you think. Follow these clear steps for a delicious result:

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This ensures the beets roast evenly and the phyllo dough becomes golden and crisp.
2. Carefully peel and thinly slice all the beets. For uniform slices, which are crucial for even cooking and presentation, a mandolin slicer is highly recommended if you have one. If not, a sharp knife and a steady hand will work perfectly.





3. In a large bowl, toss the thinly sliced beets with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, the balsamic vinegar, and the chopped fresh rosemary. Ensure the beets are well coated to infuse them with flavor.



4. Spread the seasoned beet slices in a single, even layer on a baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding, as this helps the beets roast rather than steam, developing a richer flavor.



5. Roast the beets in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until tender-crisp. Remove them from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.
6. While the beets are roasting, prepare your phyllo crust. Lay two sheets of phyllo dough onto a clean baking sheet. Lightly brush the top sheet with a small amount of the remaining olive oil. Repeat this process, stacking and brushing, until all 10 sheets of phyllo dough are layered, creating a sturdy yet flaky base.



7. Gently fold the edges of the stacked phyllo dough inward to create a slightly raised crust around the perimeter of your tart. This adds structure and a beautiful rustic edge. Brush these folded edges with the remaining olive oil for extra crispness and golden color.



8. Arrange the roasted beet slices in an even layer over the phyllo dough base, spreading them out to cover the surface up to the crust.



9. Place the tart in the oven and bake for 10 minutes. After this initial baking, remove the tart and artfully scatter pieces of the burrata cheese across the top. The warmth will help it soften beautifully.



10. Return the tart to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the phyllo crust is golden brown and the burrata is warm and slightly melted.

Voila! Your spectacular Farmers Market Beet and Burrata Tart is ready to be admired and enjoyed. The contrast of the vibrant beets, the delicate crunch of the phyllo, and the creamy indulgence of the burrata makes this dish an absolute triumph.

This exquisite tart is ideal for a variety of gatherings. Imagine it as a sophisticated appetizer at your next summer party, a colorful addition to a bridal shower brunch, or a memorable dish for a birthday celebration. Its captivating colors and gourmet presentation are guaranteed to impress your guests and spark conversation. Serve it warm, perhaps with a light drizzle of extra balsamic glaze or fresh herbs for an added touch of elegance.

Explore More Delicious Beet Recipes

If you’ve fallen in love with the vibrant flavors and nutritional benefits of beets through this tart, you’ll be thrilled to discover more ways to incorporate this incredible root vegetable into your diet. Beets are incredibly versatile, lending their unique sweetness and earthy notes to a wide range of dishes. From savory dips to refreshing salads and hearty pasta dishes, there’s a beet recipe for every palate and occasion. Expand your culinary repertoire with these other delightful beet creations:

Farmers Market Beet and Burrata Tart Recipe Card

This vibrant vegetarian beet and burrata cheese tart combines layers of roasted gold and purple beets with creamy burrata on a phyllo dough crust, perfect for any occasion.

Servings: 4 people

Prep Time: 15 mins

Cook Time: 35 mins

Total Time: 50 mins

Author: Whitney Bond

Course: Appetizer, Main Course, Side Dish

Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

• 6 purple & gold beets, small to medium in size (about 1.5 lbs total)
• 4 tbsp olive oil, divided
• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
• 10 sheets phyllo dough
• 8 oz burrata cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Peel and thinly slice the beets.
3. Toss the beets with 2 tbsp olive oil, balsamic vinegar and rosemary.
4. Place on a baking sheet in a flat layer.
5. Roast in the oven for 20 minutes.
6. Remove from the oven and set aside.
7. Take two sheets of phyllo dough, lay on a baking sheet and brush with olive oil. Repeat until all 10 sheets of phyllo dough are stacked up.
8. Fold the edges of the dough over to make the crust.
9. Brush with the remaining olive oil.
10. Place the roasted beets in a layer on top of the phyllo dough.
11. Place in the oven and bake for 10 minutes. Then, randomly sprinkle the burrata cheese across the top of the tart.
12. Place back into the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes.

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 2 servings

• Calories: 468 kcal (23% DV)
• Carbohydrates: 38g (13% DV)
• Protein: 15g (30% DV)
• Fat: 31g (48% DV)
• Saturated Fat: 10g (50% DV)
• Cholesterol: 40mg (13% DV)
• Sodium: 327mg (14% DV)
• Potassium: 443mg (13% DV)
• Fiber: 4g (16% DV)
• Sugar: 9g (10% DV)
• Vitamin A: 440mg (9% DV)
• Vitamin C: 6mg (7% DV)
• Calcium: 325mg (33% DV)
• Iron: 2.6mg (14% DV)