The Best Homemade Roasted Beets Recipe
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
Roasted beets are a simple, flavorful dish that will quickly become a family favorite. Packed with natural sweetness and a tender bite, they’re perfect for any meal. You’ll love how easy it is to prepare, with just a few basic ingredients and minimal effort. The caramelized edges add a delicious depth of flavor that’s hard to resist. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile—toss them in salads, pair them with proteins, or enjoy them on their own!
Recipe
Beets are a versatile and nutritious vegetable that can be transformed into a delicious side dish with minimal effort. Roasting them brings out their natural sweetness and enhances their earthy flavor. This simple recipe requires only a few ingredients and steps, making it an easy addition to any meal.
Ingredients:
- 4 medium-sized beets (about 1 pound)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: fresh herbs (such as thyme or rosemary) for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Wash the beets thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt. Trim the tops and roots, but do not peel them.
- Place the beets on a large piece of aluminum foil. Drizzle with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper. If desired, add fresh herbs for extra flavor.
- Wrap the beets tightly in the foil to create a packet. Place the packet on a baking sheet.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 45 to 60 minutes, or until the beets are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Remove the packet from the oven and carefully open it, allowing the steam to escape. Let the beets cool for a few minutes until they are safe to handle.
- Using a paper towel or your fingers, gently rub the skins off the beets. The skins should slip off easily.
- Slice or cube the beets as desired and serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes:
- Roasting times may vary depending on the size of the beets. Larger beets may take longer to cook.
- Wear gloves or use paper towels when handling beets to avoid staining your hands.
Equipment:
- Aluminum foil
- Baking sheet
- Knife
- Cutting board
Time:
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 45 to 60 minutes
Cuisine:
American
Serving:
Serves 4 as a side dish
Nutrition
Roasted beets are a nutritious and flavorful side dish. Here’s the nutritional breakdown per serving (1 cup, cooked):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 58 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 13 g |
| Fiber | 3.8 g |
| Sugars | 9.2 g |
| Protein | 2.2 g |
| Fat | 0.2 g |
| Vitamin C | 6.7 mg |
| Folate | 148 mcg |
| Potassium | 442 mg |
| Manganese | 0.4 mg |
What To Serve With It
I love pairing roasted beets with fresh, crisp salads or creamy goat cheese for a tasty contrast. They’re also fantastic alongside roasted chicken or grilled salmon, adding a sweet, earthy flavor to the meal. If you’re feeling adventurous, try tossing them with quinoa or farro for a hearty, colorful side dish.
Complementary Side Dishes
You can’t go wrong pairing roasted beets with dishes that balance their earthy sweetness. I love serving them with a tangy arugula salad, tossed with goat cheese and a lemon vinaigrette—it’s a match made in heaven. Another favorite of mine is roasted carrots and parsnips; their natural sugars complement the beets perfectly. For something creamy, mashed potatoes or hummus add a smooth contrast that’s hard to resist. And don’t forget grains like quinoa or wild rice—they’re hearty and soak up all the flavors. These sides make the meal feel complete without overpowering the star of the show—your delicious roasted beets.
Perfect Pairing Proteins
While sides add a lot of flavor, pairing roasted beets with the right proteins can turn them into a full meal. I love topping them with crumbled goat cheese and walnuts for a light lunch, or serving them alongside grilled salmon for a heartier dish. Chicken thighs, roasted with herbs, balance the beets’ sweetness, while a seared steak adds richness. For a vegetarian option, try lentils or chickpeas—they soak up the earthy flavors beautifully. Don’t forget soft-boiled eggs; their creamy yolks mingle perfectly with the beets’ crisp edges. Each pairing brings something special, making every bite satisfying.
