Making roasted beetroots
Discover the best method to roast beets with their skin on for the most vibrant, flavorful, and sweet result. Easy step-by-step recipe.
How to Roast Beets for Maximum Flavor and Color
Roasting beets is one of the easiest and most delicious ways to bring out their earthy sweetness. If you’ve ever found beets a bit too ‘earthy’ or even intimidating to cook, this method might just change your mind. Roasting transforms their flavor into something mellow, rich, and slightly caramelized.
Beets are a powerhouse of nutrition. Packed with fiber, folate, manganese, potassium, iron, and vitamin C, they support everything from digestion to heart health. Cooking them with the skin on helps preserve these nutrients, and it makes cleanup easier too. You don’t need any fancy tools—just fresh beets, an oven, and a bit of time.
Serves:
8 people
Time to Prepare:
8 people
Time to cook or cure:
8 people
Skill
Fermentation & Baking
Serves:
4 people
Time to Prepare:
10 min
Time to cook or cure:
1 hour
Skills:
Basic roasting, knife skills
Ingredients & Tools
Ingredients
- 500g (1 lb) fresh beets, peeled and trimmed
- Water to cover
- 1 tbsp vinegar (optional)
- Salt to taste
Tools
500g (1 lb) fresh beets
2 tbsp olive oil (optional)
Salt to taste
Useful guidelines
- Use similar-sized beets to ensure even cooking
- Don’t overcrowd the baking tray—leave space for hot air to circulate.
- Cover tightly with foil to trap steam and help loosen the skin of the beet.
- Peel the skin off while the beets are still warm (not hot) for easier handling.
- Let roasted beets cool fully before storing to avoid condensation in the container.
- Wash your hands with some cold water and soap to remove red stains or wear gloves
Directions
Simply follow these steps in order to make roasted beets
1. Preheat your oven to 220°C (428°F).
2. Thoroughly wash and scrub the beets under cold running water to remove dirt and debris.
3. Trim off any long roots or tops, but leave the skin on.
4. Arrange the beets in a single layer on a baking tray and cover tightly with aluminium foil.
5. Roast for about 1 hour, or until a toothpick slides through them easily. Larger beets may take longer.
6. Remove from the oven and allow to cool with the aluminium foil still on. Just until they can be handled comfortably.
7. Peel the skin off by rubbing gently with your fingers or a paper towel.
8. Slice, cube, or enjoy whole.
9. If you want to save them for alter use, just coat them in a little olive oil and store in the fridge up to a week. Or vacuum bag and freeze for up to 6 months.
Perfect for salads, soups, or as a side dish.
Storage
– Store peeled, roasted beets, coated in a little olive oil, in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
– For meal prep, slice or cube the beets before storing.
– Roasted beets freeze well—place them in a vacuum-sealed or freezer-safe bag and store for up to 6 months.
– Label containers with the date so you can keep track of freshness.
Frequently asked questions
Q: Do you have to peel beets before roasting?
A: No, it’s best to roast beets with the skin on. It helps preserve flavor and nutrients, and the skins slip off easily once they’re cooked.
Q: Can I roast beets without foil?
A: Yes, but covering them helps retain moisture and prevents them from drying out. If you roast them uncovered, check for doneness sooner and consider brushing them with oil.
Q: How do you know when roasted beets are done?
A: Test by inserting a knife or skewer—if it slides in easily, they’re done. Don’t overcook them, as they can become too soft and lose texture.
Q: What can I do with roasted beets?
A: They’re incredibly versatile! Add them to salads, serve alongside cheese, blend into hummus, or toss with grains like quinoa or farro.
Q: Can I roast beetroot with other vegetables?
A: Absolutely. Beets pair beautifully with carrots, sweet potatoes, and parsnips. Just make sure the veggies are cut to similar sizes for even cooking.
Q: Why do beets stain everything?
A: Beets contain a pigment called betalain, which gives them their vibrant red-purple color. This pigment can stain hands, cutting boards, and clothes, so take precautions if needed.
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