Roasted Beets are a healthy and nutritious side dish that is easy to make and bursting with flavor. This earthy vegetable is simply seasoned which brings out the delicious natural flavor of the beets. Serve this vegan side dish as a healthy appetizer with a drizzle of balsamic glaze, or as a side dish alongside roasted or grilled meats.
With just 4 ingredients and few simple steps, these roasted beets are a quick and easy way to add some color and variety to your dinner while keeping your meal nutritious and tasty. Plus, they are a great source of fiber, folate, and potassium, making them a healthy addition to any diet.
Why You'll Love these Roasted Beets
- Quick and easy to make. Roasted beets are a simple side dish that can be made with minimal prep time. Just wash and chop the beets (no peeling required!), season, and roast in the oven for about 35-40 minutes.
- Delicious and flavorful. Roasting beets brings out their natural sweetness and gives them a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Plus, you can experiment with different seasonings to create a variety of flavors. Keep it simple with salt and pepper or try adding herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra depth of flavor.
- A healthy vegetarian side dish. Roasted beets are a great vegetarian option that is both delicious and satisfying. They are also naturally gluten-free and vegan-friendly, making them a great option for anyone with dietary restrictions.
- Nutritiously packed with health benefits. Beets are packed with essential vitamins and minerals, including folate, potassium, and vitamin C. Roasting them is a healthy way to cook them as it retains most of their nutrients while enhancing their natural sweetness.
- Pairs well with many entrees. Serve roasted beets as a delicious side dish to complement almost any meal. They pair well with roasted meats, grilled vegetables, or can be added to salads for a pop of color and flavor.
Ingredient Notes
To make this delicious Roasted Beets, you will need the following ingredients (full measurements in recipe card below):
- beets - we used medium beets because they tend to be more tender and sweeter than larger beets. When picking out beets, look for firm, unblemished beets that are relatively similar in size so that they cook evenly. You can use your favorite variety of beets such as red beets (as we did here) , golden beets, or even striped Chioggia beets.
- olive oil - use a good quality extra-virgin olive oil for the best flavor. Make sure to toss the beets well so that they are compleltey coated with oil so that they roast evenly and don't dry out.
- salt - a little bit of salt goes a long way in bringing out the natural sweetness of the beets. You can use table salt, kosher salt, or sea salt in this recipe.
- black pepper - freshly ground black pepper adds a subtle heat and depth of flavor to the roasted beets. Use already ground pepper or grind the pepper with a pepper mill right before roasting for the best flavor.
You will also need measuring spoons, a mixing bowl, and large baking sheet.
How to Make the Best Roasted Beets
- Chop beets. Cut the ends of the beets and chop into 1 ½-inch pieces (no peeling required!).
- Season beets. In a large mixing bowl, add beets, oil, salt, and pepper and toss well to coat.
- Bake. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread beets in the lined baking sheet and bake until fork tender, about 35 to 40 minutes.
- Serve. Serve warm or cold.
Recipe Variations
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze. Give these beets a sweet and tangy flavor with a drizzle of balsamic glaze. You can use store-bought balsamic reduction or make your own by simmering balsamic vinegar until thickened. See our Tomato Bruschetta with Balsamic Glaze for full instructions.
- Top with fresh herbs. Serve these roasted beets with your favorite chopped herbs. Try it with chopped parsley, dill, or mint.
- Add extra sweetness. Toss your beets with honey, olive oil, and thyme before roasting for a sweet and savory flavor. Finish with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for extra texture.
- Mediterranean style. Add some Mediterranean flair to your roasted beets by seasoning them with olive oil, garlic, oregano, and lemon zest. Top with crumbled feta cheese and fresh parsley for a bright and zesty finish.
- Add goat cheese and walnuts. Crumble some creamy goat cheese (or feta) on top of your roasted beets and sprinkle with chopped walnuts for a rich and nutty flavor.
How to Serve
Roasted Beets are a delicious side dish that you can serve alongside your main course entree at dinner. There are also a variety of different ways that you can serve these roasted beets including:
- As an appetizer. Serve roasted beets as an appetizer with a drizzle of balsamic glaze or a sprinkle of goat cheese. You can also serve it with a dipping sauce of your choice. Try it with Tzatziki Sauce, Whipped Feta, or a Spicy Mayo.
- In a salad. Add roasted beets to your favorite salad for a sweet and earthy flavor. They are delicious in our Peach Arugula Salad, Goat Cheese and Tangelo Salad, and Sweet Kale Salad.
- Make a dip. Use roasted beets as a base for a delicious and healthy dip. Use it to make delicious Beet Hummus.
- As a toast topping. Top your favorite toast with roasted beets and goat cheese for a tasty breakfast or snack. Try it on Avocado Toast with Poached Egg.
- In a bowl. Add roasted beets to a grain bowl or Buddha bowl for a colorful and nutritious addition.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- Cut the beets evenly. To ensure that your roasted beets cook evenly, it's important to cut them into similar sizes.
- Use parchment paper. To prevent the beets from sticking to the baking sheet, line it with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Cover with foil if needed. If you find that your beets are getting too dark on top but aren't cooked through yet, cover them with aluminum foil and continue roasting until tender.
- Serve warm or cold. Roasted beets can be served warm or cold, depending on your preference. If serving cold, allow the beets to cool completely before tossing with your desired toppings or dressing.
- Turn leftovers into a beet and citrus salad. Allow the beets to cool completelty to room temperature or refrigerator until chill. Then, toss with mixed greens, segments of juicy citrus, and a citrusy vinaigrette.
Storing and Freezing Instructions
How to Store
Allow the roasted beets to cool down to room temperature. Then, transfer them to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
How to Reheat
Reheat leftover beets in a 350F preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, covered loosely with aluminum foil. You can also reheat roasted beets in the microwave. Transfer them to a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat for 30-60 seconds until warmed through.
How to Freeze
Allow the roasted beets to cool down to room temperature. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe airtight container or a freezer bag. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months. I recommend labelling the container or bag with the date and contents for easy reference. Allow the beets to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving or reheating.
More Roasted Vegetable Recipes
- 40 Best Vegetable Sides
- Roasted Carrots
- Oven Roasted Vegetables
- Balsamic Roasted Broccoli
- Roasted Corn on the Cob
- Roasted Asparagus and Mushrooms
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Recipe
Roasted Beets
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Roasted Beets are a healthy and nutritious side dish that is easy to make and bursting with flavor. This earthy vegetable is simply seasoned which brings out the delicious natural flavor of the beets. Serve this vegan side dish as a healthy appetizer with a drizzle of balsamic glaze, or as a side dish alongside roasted or grilled meats.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds medium beets, ends trimmed and cut into 1 ½ inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, add beets, oil, salt, and pepper and toss well to coat.
- Spread beets in the lined baking sheet and bake until fork tender, about 35 to 40 minutes.
- Serve warm or cold.
Notes
How to store: Allow the roasted beets to cool down to room temperature. Then, transfer them to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
How to reheat: Reheat leftover beets in a 350F preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, covered loosely with aluminum foil. You can also reheat roasted beets in the microwave. Transfer them to a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat for 30-60 seconds until warmed through.
How to freeze: Allow the roasted beets to cool down to room temperature. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe airtight container or a freezer bag. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months. I recommend labelling the container or bag with the date and contents for easy reference. Allow the beets to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving or reheating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
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