Easy Roasted Beets

Name: Easy Roasted Beets
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 75 min
Ingredients: 8 medium size red beets

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Easy roasted beets are the perfect way to bring out the natural sweetness and earthy flavor of this humble veggie. Whether you're a longtime fan or still on the fence, this simple method might just make you a beet believer. Give it a try you’ll be surprised how delicious and versatile they are. So get ready for a flavor sensation that you won't be able to resist! Let me know how you serve yours!

If you’ve never fallen in love with beets, this might be the moment. These easy roasted beets come out of the oven with lightly caramelized edges and a perfectly tender texture sweet, earthy, and totally irresistible. Whether you're making a classic roasted beet salad, a vibrant roasted red beet salad, or simply serving them as a healthy beet side dish, this recipe brings out the very best in beets.

And I’ll be honest—I rarely make it to the table without sneaking a few straight from the pan (okay, more than a few). With just 15 minutes of prep and about an hour in the oven, this is one of the easiest ways to enjoy roasted vegetables. You can even dress them up with fresh herbs for lemon herb roasted beets or a garlicky twist for lemon garlic beets.

This recipe pairs well with my ROASTED BEETS AND ORANGE SALAD WITH CAESAR DRESSING

Jump to:

Facts about Beets
How to Pick Beets (Like a Pro!)
Why roast beets?
Flavors that pair well with roasted beets:
How to Serve Roasted Beets?
Roasted Beets Recipe Variations
Expert tips for cooking with beets
Storage tips
FAQs about Roasted Beets
Recipe

Facts about Beets

Let’s take a moment to appreciate beets these gorgeous, ruby-red roots aren’t just pretty to look at, they’re also bursting with health benefits and flavor. Whether you're new to cooking with beets or already a fan, there's so much to love.

Beets (or beetroot, if we're getting fancy) are naturally gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan, making them a welcome guest at almost any table. They’re low in calories but packed with good-for-you nutrients like fiber, potassium, iron, and plant-based nitrates, which may help support healthy blood pressure and keep you energized.

One of my favorite things about beets? That vibrant deep red-purple color! It makes every dish feel a little more special. Just a friendly heads-up: that same bold color can stain your hands or clothes, so maybe don’t wear white while prepping. Been there!

Beets are super versatile in the kitchen you can roast, boil, steam, or even bake them, depending on your mood and recipe. And if you’re wondering how to add more to your diet, here are a few delicious ideas to get you inspired:

Don’t toss the greens they’re great sautéed or stirred into soups!
Toss them into a roasted beet salad
Blend into a creamy beet dip or hummus
Add to smoothies for a nutrient-rich boost
Sip on fresh beet juice

How to Pick Beets (Like a Pro!)

Choosing fresh, flavorful beets doesn’t have to be tricky—here’s how I always pick the best ones when I’m at the market or grocery store. Whether you’re planning to make a batch of easy roasted beets or tossing them into a salad, these tips will help you bring home the good stuff.

✔️ Size & Shape

Look for medium-sized beets that are round and feel firm when you give them a gentle squeeze. Skip the really large or oddly long ones they can be a little woody or tough once cooked.

✔️ Smooth Skin

The skin should look smooth, unwrinkled, and free from blemishes or soft spots. A few dirt smudges are totally fine (they did come from the ground, after all!), but avoid anything that looks bruised or mushy.

✔️ Beet Greens

If your beets come with the tops still attached bonus! Fresh, vibrant beet greens are a sign that the beets were recently harvested. They’re also totally edible and delicious sautéed, added to soups, or tossed into salads.

✔️ Color Counts

From deep ruby reds to golden yellows and even candy-striped Chioggia beets, go for rich, vibrant color. While color doesn’t always affect taste, it’s usually a good sign of freshness.

✔️ Weight

Give them a quick feel heavier beets mean more moisture and a juicier bite after roasting. If they feel light or hollow, they might be past their prime.

Why roast beets?

If you’ve ever wondered how to get the most flavor and tenderness out of beets, roasting is the secret. Sure, you can enjoy raw beets thinly sliced in salads, but roasting transforms them into something truly special.

When you roast beets in a hot oven, their texture changes from crunchy to silky, tender, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Plus, roasting brings out their natural sweetness in a way boiling or steaming just can’t match. It’s like magic those earthy, rich flavors get beautifully intensified and concentrated, turning simple beets into a standout side dish or salad star.

Flavors that pair well with roasted beets:

Roasted beets have a rich, earthy sweetness that shines when paired with the right flavors. Here are some of my favorite ingredients to mix and match:

Peppery greens like arugula or collard greens add a nice bite.
Creamy avocado brings buttery smoothness.
Tangy vinegars, balsamic, red wine, or apple cider balance the sweetness perfectly.
A sprinkle of black pepper adds a subtle kick.
Carrots pair well for extra sweetness and color.
Creamy cheeses like feta, goat cheese, or ricotta add tang and richness.
Fennel’s mild anise flavor is a refreshing touch.
Fresh herbs dill, basil, mint, parsley, and thyme add bright, herbal notes.
A drizzle of honey or maple syrup enhances natural sweetness.
Lemon or orange zest and juice bring a bright, citrusy lift.
Lentils make a hearty, protein-packed partner.
Crunchy nuts and seeds (walnuts, pistachios, pecans, pepitas) add texture and nutty flavor.
Onions, especially green, red, or shallots, bring a mild sharpness that complements beets beautifully.

How to Serve Roasted Beets?

Enjoy roasted beets on top of a salad, protein bowls, Buddha bowls, blended into hummus, smoothies. Serve roasted beets marinated with salt and drizzle of oil and vinegar as a side dish near meat and mashed potatoes dish. The options are endless!

Try this full of flavor Roasted beets and orange salad with Caesar dressing.

Roasted beets and orange salad on a plate

Roasted Beets Recipe Variations

Roasted beets are such a versatile superstar especially when tossed into fresh, vibrant salads. One of my favorite combos is mixing them with peppery arugula or tender spinach for a bright, leafy base.

Add a sprinkle of crumbled goat cheese or feta to bring in creamy, tangy notes that beautifully balance the natural sweetness of the beets. For that satisfying crunch and extra flavor, toasted walnuts or pecans are absolute game-changers.

Finish it all off with a simple, tangy vinaigrette that lifts every bite and ties the flavors together perfectly. Whether you’re making a light lunch or a show-stopping side, these easy tweaks turn roasted beets into something truly special.

Salads:

Toss roasted beets with arugula or spinach
Add crumbled goat cheese or feta for creaminess
Sprinkle toasted walnuts or pecans for crunch
Drizzle with a tangy vinaigrette
Try a citrus twist with orange or grapefruit segments

Sandwiches & Wraps:

Layer sliced roasted beets with avocado and fresh greens
Spread goat cheese or hummus on bread or wraps
Make roasted beet and goat cheese crostini with fresh herbs
Roll a beet and hummus wrap with cucumber and mixed greens

Creamy Dips & Spreads:

Puree beets with Greek yogurt, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic
Blend with chickpeas and spices for vibrant beet hummus
Serve with pita or fresh veggies

Flavor Boosters & Variations:

Drizzle beets with honey before roasting for sweetness
Toss with balsamic vinegar for a tangy glaze
Roast with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary
Add citrus juice for brightness before serving
Sprinkle warm spices like cumin and paprika for extra flavor

Pairings with Cheese, Meats & Veggies:

Pair roasted beets with soft cheeses like goat, blue cheese, or feta
Serve alongside grilled meats, chicken, or fish
Combine with other roasted veggies like carrots and Brussels sprouts

Soups & Grain Bowls:

Blend roasted beets into creamy soups with broth and herbs
Build grain bowls with quinoa, roasted veggies, and tahini dressing

Smoothies:

Blend roasted beets with orange juice, banana, spinach, and almond milk for a nutritious smoothie

Expert tips for cooking with beets

Choosing beets: Pick beets that are firm with smooth skin and bright color. Avoid any that are soft, wrinkled, or spotted.
Storing beets: Trim the greens, leaving about an inch of stem. Store unwashed beets in a plastic bag in the fridge they’ll keep up to two weeks. Greens last about three days when stored separately.
Preparing beets: Scrub beets under cold water to remove dirt. Trim stems and tails, but keep the skin on to lock in color. You can peel after cooking it’s easier and keeps the beets vibrant.
Roasting beets: Roasting brings out their natural sweetness. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Drizzle cleaned beets with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast 45–60 minutes until tender. Let cool before peeling or slicing.
Steaming beets: Steam cut beets over boiling water for 15–20 minutes until soft. This method keeps nutrients and color bright.
Boiling beets: Boil whole or trimmed beets for 30–45 minutes until tender. Cool before peeling.
Pairing flavors: Beets pair beautifully with tangy citrus, creamy goat or feta cheese, crunchy walnuts or pecans, fresh herbs like dill or parsley, and balsamic vinegar. These combos balance sweet, tangy, creamy, and nutty flavors perfectly.
Using beet greens: Don’t toss the greens! Sauté them with garlic and olive oil, add to salads, or stir into soups for extra nutrition.
Prevent staining: Beets have intense color that can stain skin and nails. Wear gloves when handling or peel quickly. To clean stains from boards, scrub with baking soda paste.
Get creative: Use roasted beets in salads, soups, grain bowls, smoothies, or even bake them into cakes for a nutritious twist.

Storage tips

Storing beets: Keep your cooked beets fresh by placing them in an airtight container. Store them in the fridge, where they’ll stay delicious for 3 to 4 days.

Reheating beets: When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, gently warm them in the oven at 350°F on a baking sheet or pop them in the microwave for a quick heat-up.

Freezing beets: Want to keep beets on hand longer? Freeze them in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When it’s time to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture and flavor.

FAQs about Roasted Beets

How do I know beets are done cooking?

To determine if beets are done cooking, you can use a fork or a small knife to test their tenderness. Insert the fork or knife into the thickest part of the beet. If it goes in easily and the beet feels tender, they are likely done cooking. Alternatively, you can gently squeeze the beet. If it feels soft and yields to slight pressure, it is cooked.

Do you have to peel beets before roasting?

No, peeling beets before roasting is not necessary. Interestingly, the skin of beets is edible and becomes tender when roasted.

Why are my roasted beets bitter?

Roasting beets is a fantastic method for intensifying their natural sweetness and creating a rich, caramelized flavor. However, it's important to be mindful of the cooking time to prevent the beets from becoming bitter. Overcooking can cause the sugars in the beets to caramelize excessively, leading to a bitter taste.

Do you have to peel beets before roasting?

No, you do not have to peel beets before baking as the skin peels off easily after baking. However make sure to scrub the beets to remove all of the dirt from them.

Let me know in the comments—what’s your favorite way to use fresh beets? Roasted, juiced, or something totally creative? I’d love to hear how you enjoy them! ❤️

Recipe