Name: Roasted Beets Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Ingredients: 4 beets; 1 tbsp olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste

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Say goodbye to canned beets and hello to this vibrant roasted beet recipe! Roasting beets unlocks their full flavor, adding a touch of sweetness and an irresistible caramelized texture. Whether you’re a beet lover or a newbie, this easy recipe makes it simple to enjoy beets as a wholesome side or salad topping.

Roasted beets are so easy to make, healthy and delicious! If you think you don’t like beets, try them roasted and you’ll change your mind!

Why You’ll Love Roasted Beets

Rich in Flavor and Texture: Roasting beets enhances their natural sweetness and gives them a caramelized exterior, making each bite deliciously tender and flavorful.
Simple and Few Ingredients: This recipe uses only three ingredients—beets, olive oil, and seasoning—keeping it easy, affordable, and perfect for beginners.
Healthy and Nutritious: Beets are packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals, like potassium and manganese, making this side dish as nutritious as it is tasty.
Versatile Serving Options: Serve these roasted beets warm or cold as a colorful side dish, or add them to salads for a flavorful twist.
Meal Prep Friendly: Roasted beets store well in the fridge, letting you prepare them ahead of time to enjoy throughout the week in various meals.

Do you usually not eat beets? Were you traumatized by trying the beet rounds from the can? Do you wonder who on Earth buys beets at the grocery section? If that’s the case, you haven’t tried roasted beets!

Ingredients for Roasted Beets

Beets – Fresh, raw beets are perfect for roasting and give a naturally sweet flavor.
Olive Oil – Helps the beets caramelize and enhances their rich, earthy taste.
Salt and Pepper – Simple seasonings that bring out the natural sweetness of the beets without overpowering their flavor.

For exact measurements, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.

Roasting is the best way to bring out flavor in most vegetables, including beets. Roasted beets have a deep flavor with a hint of sweetness. Baking the beets in the oven caramelizes the natural sugars inside the beets – so yummy!

Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Roasted Beets

Baking Sheet – Provides a flat surface for even roasting, helping the beets caramelize perfectly.
Parchment Paper – Keeps the beets from sticking to the baking sheet, making cleanup easy.
Mixing Bowl – Perfect for tossing the beet pieces with olive oil for even coating.
Knife – A sharp knife is essential for peeling and cutting the beets into uniform pieces.
Measuring Spoons – For accurately measuring the olive oil and seasonings.

If you are bought the beets with the leaves still attached, do not throw out the leaves – they are perfectly edible! See my beet greens recipe for a tasty way to incorporate healthy beet leaves into your diet. Also see my guide on how to store beets to keep them fresh the longest.

Beets are really good for you – they are full of fiber and a great source of vitamins C and B, potassium and manganese. With this tasty roasted beets recipe, adding more beets into your diet is really easy!

How To Make Oven Roasted Beets

Making roasted beets is really easy, it really works the same way as making roasted potatoes. First, peel the beets and cut into 1-inch pieces, then toss in olive oil, put on a baking sheet in a single layer and bake in the oven at 425F for 45 minutes, or until the beets are tender.

When the beets are done roasting, remove them from the oven and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.

You can serve roasted beets hot or cold. They keep very well in the refrigerator and taste great the next day. In fact, I actually prefer them cold :)

Serving Suggestions for Roasted Beets

Add these roasted beets to your favorite kale and quinoa salad or tomato zucchini salad for a pop of color and earthy sweetness.
Serve alongside roasted chicken or broiled fish for a nutritious, vibrant side.
Pair with quinoa, farro, or rice, along with other roasted veggies for a wholesome grain bowl.
Sprinkle with parmesan cheese or feta for a creamy, tangy complement.
Layer on toast with a smear of hummus or in a ricotta toast for a unique, tasty appetizer or snack.

You can serve roasted beets as a healthy side dish, or add them to salads. They are so healthy and delicious!

Tips for Success

Choose Fresh Beets: For the best flavor, pick fresh beets that are firm and free of blemishes. If you find beets with greens still attached, you can even use the greens in another recipe.
Uniform Cutting for Even Cooking: Cut the beets into uniform 1-inch pieces to ensure even roasting. This will prevent some pieces from overcooking while others are still underdone.
Protect Your Hands: Beet juice can stain, so it’s a good idea to wear gloves while peeling and cutting. If you get beet stains on your hands, try washing with lemon juice or a bit of vinegar.
Don’t Skimp on Olive Oil: Coating the beets with olive oil helps them caramelize and enhances their flavor. Make sure each piece is well-coated for the best texture.
Single Layer on the Baking Sheet: Spread the beets out in a single layer on the baking sheet without crowding them. This helps them roast rather than steam, giving a caramelized, flavorful finish.
Season After Roasting: Adding salt and pepper after roasting allows you to adjust the seasoning to taste and helps avoid over-salting before they shrink in size.
Serve at Any Temperature: Roasted beets taste delicious warm, cold, or at room temperature, making them a versatile dish. Store leftovers in the refrigerator and enjoy as a chilled snack or salad topping.

Variations and Substitutions

Herbed Roasted Beets: For a fresh, aromatic touch, toss the beets with chopped rosemary, thyme, or oregano before roasting. Fresh herbs will add extra depth of flavor and pair well with the beets’ natural sweetness.
Citrus Zest and Juice: Add a bright, zesty flavor by sprinkling orange or lemon zest over the roasted beets right before serving. A squeeze of citrus juice can also enhance the sweetness and create a nice balance with the earthy flavors.
Spicy Roasted Beets: If you like a bit of heat, add a dash of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the olive oil before coating the beets. This adds a subtle warmth that pairs nicely with the sweet, caramelized flavor.
Honey or Maple Glaze: For a sweeter twist, drizzle a small amount of honey or maple syrup over the beets after roasting. The natural sugars will add extra caramelization and make the beets even more appealing as a snack or dessert topping.
Vinegar Splash for Tartness: Add a splash of balsamic or apple cider vinegar to the beets right before serving to add a tangy contrast. This is especially nice if you plan to use them in salads, as the vinegar adds a bit of brightness.
Swap with Golden Beets: If you’re looking for a different flavor, try golden beets. They have a milder, slightly sweeter flavor than red beets and won’t stain as much, making them perfect for salads or elegant presentations.

Storage and Reheating

Storage: Place any leftover roasted beets in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Their flavor and texture hold up well, making them ideal for meal prep.
Freezing: If you want to keep them longer, roasted beets can be frozen. Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To reheat, place the beets in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes or in a 350°F oven until warmed through. Alternatively, you can enjoy them cold or at room temperature, as they’re delicious straight from the fridge.
Serving from Frozen: If frozen, thaw the beets in the refrigerator overnight before reheating or adding to salads and grain bowls.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I roast beets without peeling them?

Yes, you can roast beets with the skin on, and many people prefer this method. Just scrub them thoroughly before roasting. Once cooked, the skins will loosen and can be easily peeled off if desired.

What can I do if I don’t want my hands to stain while handling beets?

Beet juice can stain hands, so wearing gloves is a good option. If you don’t have gloves, rubbing a bit of lemon juice or vinegar on your hands after handling beets can help remove any stains.

How do I know when the beets are done roasting?

The beets are done when they are fork-tender. Insert a fork or skewer into a beet piece; it should slide in easily without resistance. This usually takes about 45 minutes at 425°F, but larger pieces may take a bit longer.

Can I add other vegetables to the pan with the beets?

Absolutely! Just be mindful that beets take longer to cook than many other vegetables. Try adding carrots or sweet potatoes, which have similar cooking times. If adding quicker-cooking veggies like bell peppers or zucchini, add them halfway through the roasting time.

What is the best way to reheat roasted beets without losing flavor?

Reheat roasted beets in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes to keep their flavor intact. Microwaving can make them mushy, so reheating on the stovetop or oven is preferred if you want to preserve texture.

Can I use this recipe with other types of beets, like golden or striped beets?

Yes! Golden and Chioggia (striped) beets can be roasted the same way as red beets. They have slightly different flavors—golden beets are milder and less earthy, while Chioggia beets have a beautiful striped appearance.

If you like roasted beets, you will also like these easy yummy recipes:

Russian Beet Salad “Vinegret” – authentic Russian salad recipe made with shredded beets and sauerkraut!

Russian Beet Borscht – delicious healthy soup that’s made with beets! That’s the first recipe that comes to mind when I think of beets :)

Roasted Balsamic Brussels Sprouts – these brussels sprouts are baked in the oven with cranberries and almonds, they are so yummy!

Whole Roasted Cauliflower – bake the head of cauliflower whole to make impressive-looking vegan roast!

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