Roasted Beets with Labneh and Herb Breadcrumbs

This bright winter recipe from Cheff Brett provides a combination of fiber and beneficial plant compounds that support heart and digestive health. Beets are rich in fiber, folate, and natural nitrates that help support healthy blood flow and blood pressure, while labneh contributes protein, probiotics, and calcium to support gut and bone health. This dish also reflects the Mediterranean approach to eating, where vegetables, cultured dairy, and fresh herbs come together to create meals that are both nourishing and satisfying.

Serves 6-8 people

Beets 

  • 1 1/2-2 pounds clean mixed baby or medium beets (red, golden, or chioggia) 
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil 
  • Salt & pepper 
  • Splash sherry vinegar or red wine vinegar (optional finish) 

Labneh 

  • 1 1/2 cups labneh  
  • Zest of 1/2 lemon 
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice 
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil 
  • Pinch salt 

Herb Breadcrumbs 

  • 3/4 cup coarse fresh breadcrumbs (or panko) 
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter 
  • 1 small garlic clove, finely grated 
  • 2 tablespoons chopped parsley 
  • 1 tablespoon chopped chives  
  • 1 tablespoon chopped dill or mint 
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest 

Your choice for finishing: olive oil to drizzle; flaky salt; extra herbs; honey to drizzle; cracked pepper

Roast the Beets 

Heat oven to 400°F  

Trim beet stems and roots. Cut medium-sized beets into wedges. Toss with olive oil, salt, pepper. 

Roast on sheet tray (or wrapped foil packet): Baby beets: 30–40 minutes; medium cut wedges: 40–50 minutes. 

Cool slightly, peel off skins. 

Halve or quarter. Toss with splash of vinegar and additional salt and pepper to taste. 

Make the Herb Breadcrumbs 

Heat oil or butter in skillet over medium. 

Add breadcrumbs and toast until golden and crisp. They should not be greasy. Stir in garlic for last 30 seconds. 

Remove from heat, fold in herbs, zest, salt. 

Season the Labneh 

Mix labneh with lemon zest, juice, olive oil, and salt. 

Adjust acidity to your preference. 

Plate 

Spread labneh in swoosh or circle. 

Arrange warm or room-temperature beets on top. Sprinkle generously with herb breadcrumbs. 

Play with different finishes each time you make the dish, and discover how each one enhances the flavors: olive oil drizzle; flaky salt; extra herbs; honey drizzle; cracked pepper