Simple Oven Roasted Beets: No Peeling Required

If you’re a beet lover or simply looking to add a delicious side dish to your favourite vegetables, roasting beets in the oven is one of the best ways to enjoy their earthy sweetness. Whether you have fresh beets from your local farmers’ market or picked up a bunch at the grocery store, roasting beets is a great idea. In this blog post, I’ll walk you through the easiest ways to prepare perfect roasted beets using the foil method.

Why Is Roasting the Best Way to Cook Beets

Roasting is the best way to cook beets because it enhances their natural sweetness and earthy flavour while preserving their nutritional value. The high heat caramelizes the sugars in beets, resulting in a richer taste and tender texture.

Additionally, roasting beets in foil packets helps retain moisture, making them succulent and delicious. This method is simple, requires minimal preparation, and brings out the best in these root vegetables, making them a delightful addition to various dishes.

Is It Better to Peel Beets Before or After Roasting

It’s generally better to peel beets before roasting, if you’re planning on removing the skin. Peeling them beforehand allows for even roasting, as the skin can become tough when cooked. Plus, peeling before roasting helps the beets absorb flavours and seasonings more effectively, resulting in a tastier dish.

Although, peeling the beets before or after roasting is not necessary. The skin of the beet is perfectly edible once roasted!

Suggested: How To Freeze Beets

Does it Matter What Color Beets I Use

No, it doesn’t matter what colour beets you use when roasting them. Whether you choose red, golden, or any other variety, the roasting method remains the same, and all types of beets can be delicious when prepared this way. It’s a matter of personal preference and can add a vibrant variety of colours to your dishes.

Ingredients and Tools You’ll Need:

• Fresh beets (red, golden, or any kind of beet you prefer)
• Aluminum foil
• Baking sheet
• A sharp knife
• A vegetable peeler (optional)
• Cutting board
• A piece of foil for each beet
• Olive oil for drizzling (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste (optional)

How to Roast Beets in the Oven

How to Prepare Beets

• Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
• While the oven is heating up, wash your beets thoroughly under cold water to remove any excess dirt. If your beets still have their greens attached, cut them off, leaving about an inch of the stems. Beet greens can be saved for another use or discarded.

Trim the Beets

• Using a sharp knife, trim both ends of the beets. If you’re dealing with larger beets, you can cut them into smaller, equally sized pieces for more even roasting.
• Optional: With a vegetable peeler or a paring knife, peel the beets to remove the skin. Wear gloves if you want to avoid staining your hands with beet juice.

Wrap the Beets in Foil Packets

• Place each peeled beet onto a piece of foil. Drizzle a little olive oil over each beet, then sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add your favourite herbs or spices for extra flavour.
• Wrap each beet tightly in its foil packet. Ensure that the foil is sealed securely to trap the steam and natural sugars while roasting.

Roasting Beets in the Oven

• Arrange the foil-wrapped beets on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. This ensures that they cook evenly.
• Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast the beets for 45-60 minutes, depending on the size of the beets. Smaller beets will cook more quickly, while larger ones may need a bit more time. Check for doneness by piercing a beet with a fork or knife; it should offer little resistance when done.

Unwrap and Enjoy

• Once the beets are tender, remove them from the oven. Carefully unwrap the foil packets (watch out for hot steam) and let the beets cool for a few minutes.
• Once they’re cool enough to handle, you can easily rub off any remaining beet skin. Slice, dice, or leave them whole, depending on your preference.

How to Tell When Beets Are Done Roasting

You can tell when beets are done roasting by using a fork or a knife to pierce them. If the fork or knife slides easily into the beet with little resistance, they are done. Another way to check is to press gently on the beet; it should yield slightly but not feel mushy.

Roasting times can vary depending on the size of the beets, but typically, small to medium-sized beets take about 45-60 minutes at 400°F (200°C). Larger beets may require more time. It’s essential to keep an eye on them and adjust the roasting time accordingly to achieve your desired level of tenderness.

What to Do with Roasted Beets

Roasted beets are a perfect addition to salads, grain bowls, or as a healthy side dish for your favourite protein. They’re packed with vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C and dietary fibre. In fact, a 3.5-ounce (100-gram) serving of cooked beets contains only about 44 calories and can contribute significantly to your daily values of essential nutrients.

How to Store Roasted Beets

To store roasted beets, let them cool to room temperature, then place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days.

Can You Freeze Roasted Beets

Yes, you can freeze roasted beets. Place them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag, remove as much air as possible, and store in the freezer. Frozen roasted beets can last for 8-12 months.

Learn more on how to freeze beets in more detail here!

How to Enjoy Roasted Beets: Popular Recipes Using Roasted Beets

• Oven Roasted Spice Vegetables on a Yogurt Tahini Sauce
• Roasted Winter Vegetable Winter Crumble
• Balsamic Roasted Beets
• Honey Roasted Beets
• Roasted Beet Salad
• Creamy Beet Soup

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long to Roast Beets in the Oven

Roast beets in the oven for 45-60 minutes at 400°F (200°C), depending on their size.

Can You Bake Beets in the Oven?

Yes, you can bake beets in the oven. Roasting beets in the oven is a popular and delicious way to prepare them.

what temperature do i roast beets in the oven

Roast beets in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for best results.

Final Thoughts

So, whether you’re a dedicated beet fan or trying them for the first time, this easy roasted beet recipe is a great way to enjoy the deliciousness of these root vegetables. The foil method ensures that the beets cook to perfection, bringing out their natural sweetness and making them a fantastic addition to your meals.

Next time you find yourself with some fresh beets, don’t hesitate to try this simple recipe. You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to transform raw beets into a delicious, healthy side dish with just a little time in a hot oven. Happy roasting!