Description
This easy Roasted Beets recipe offers a simple, delicious, and naturally sweet side dish that brings out the earthy flavor of beets through roasting. With minimal prep and just a handful of ingredients, it delivers tender, flavorful beets with slightly caramelized edges perfect for any meal. It’s nutrient-rich, versatile, and ideal for cooks at any skill level looking for a healthy and vibrant addition to their plate.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 4 medium-sized fresh beets, firm
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Optional Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary or thyme (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon chili flakes or smoked paprika (for spicy twist)
- 1 teaspoon orange or lemon zest (for citrus flavor)
- 1 tablespoon balsamic reduction or maple syrup (for vegan glaze)
- 2–3 whole garlic cloves (for garlic infusion)
- 2 tablespoons toasted walnuts or pecans (for nutty crunch garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure the right temperature for roasting, allowing the beets to develop a caramelized exterior while becoming tender inside.
- Prepare the Beets: Wash the beets thoroughly to remove dirt. Trim off tops and tails, then peel if desired, or leave the skin on for easier preparation and added nutrients.
- Cut Into Even Pieces: Slice the beets into 1-inch chunks or wedges to ensure even roasting and a consistent texture throughout.
- Toss with Olive Oil and Seasonings: In a bowl, mix the cut beets with olive oil, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Toss well to coat every piece evenly.
- Roast Until Tender: Spread the beets evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper in a single layer. Roast for 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway through, until beets are tender and slightly caramelized.
- Add Fresh Herbs and Serve: Optionally, toss the roasted beets with fresh rosemary or thyme just before serving to add aromatic depth. Garnish as desired with feta, parsley, or balsamic glaze.
Notes
- Cut beets into uniform pieces to cook evenly.
- Use parchment paper on the baking sheet to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet to allow hot air circulation for even roasting.
- Check tenderness with a fork around 30 minutes to avoid overcooking.
- Allow roasted beets to rest slightly to let flavors settle before serving.
- Peeling beets before roasting is optional; skin adds nutrients and can be peeled off after roasting if preferred.
- Roasted beets can be stored refrigerated in airtight containers for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Reheat gently in a skillet or oven to maintain texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 90 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 230 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 11 g
- Fiber: 3.5 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg