Roasted beets are a vibrant, earthy delight that bring both color and flavor to your table. With just 15 minutes of prep and 45 minutes in the oven, these ruby gems transform into tender, caramelized bites.
Their natural sweetness deepens, complemented by a hint of smokiness from the roasting process. The result is a dish that’s as satisfyingly hearty as it is visually stunning.
Perfect as a side or a star ingredient, roasted beets offer a delightful contrast of textures—crisp edges with a velvety interior.
Their rich, earthy flavor pairs beautifully with tangy goat cheese, crunchy nuts, or fresh herbs. Whether you’re a beet enthusiast or a curious newcomer, this simple yet elegant recipe is sure to become a favorite.
What You’ll Need
- 6 medium beets (tops removed and scrubbed well)
- Extra-virgin olive oil (for drizzling)
- Sea salt (to taste)
- Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
How to Make Roasted Beets
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the beets: Place each beet on a piece of foil. Drizzle generously with olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt and black pepper.
- Wrap and roast: Wrap the beets tightly in the foil, place them on a baking sheet, and roast for 35 to 60 minutes, or until they are fork-tender. (Timing depends on the size and freshness of the beets.)
- Cool and peel: Remove the beets from the oven and carefully unwrap the foil. Let them cool until they are safe to handle. Hold the beets under running water and slide the skins off with your hands.
- Slice and serve: Cut or slice the beets as desired. Drizzle lightly with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, toss, and serve. (Check the blog post for more serving ideas!)
Creative Serving Suggestions
Roasted beets are incredibly versatile! Try them tossed in a salad with arugula, goat cheese, and walnuts for a classic combo.
For a warm side dish, pair them with roasted carrots and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. You can also blend them into a vibrant beet hummus or serve them as a colorful addition to a charcuterie board.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftover roasted beets in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes or microwave them for 30-60 seconds. Pro tip: Roast a big batch and keep them on hand for quick meals throughout the week!
Time-Saving Tricks
If you’re short on time, try pre-cutting the beets into smaller pieces before roasting—they’ll cook faster! Alternatively, use pre-cooked beets from the store and simply warm them in the oven with olive oil and seasoning. This cuts the cooking time in half while still delivering great flavor.
Recipe Variations to Try
Switch up the flavors by adding garlic cloves or fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the foil packets before roasting. For a sweet twist, drizzle the beets with honey or maple syrup before serving. You can also experiment with different vinegars, like apple cider or red wine vinegar, for a tangy finish.
Equipment Guidance
For this recipe, you’ll need heavy-duty aluminum foil to wrap the beets securely and prevent leaks. A rimmed baking sheet is also essential to catch any drips.
If you’re peeling the beets, wearing gloves can help avoid staining your hands—though running them under water works wonders too!
Roasted Beets
Ingredients
- 6 medium beets, tops removed, scrubbed well
- Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Place each beet on a piece of foil. Drizzle generously with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Wrap the beets in the foil, place on a baking sheet, and roast for 35 to 60 minutes, or until fork-tender. The timing will depend on the size and freshness of the beets.
- Remove the beets from the oven, remove the foil, and set aside to cool. When the beets are cool to the touch, peel off the skins. I like to hold them under running water and slide the skins off with my hands.
- Cut or slice the beets and drizzle lightly with olive oil. Season to taste with salt and pepper, toss, and serve. Find more serving suggestions in the blog post above.