There’s something magical about watching a pan of Braised Baby Beets transform from their humble, scrubbed beginnings into glossy jewels bursting with color and flavor. This dish celebrates the naturally sweet, earthy essence of baby beets, enhanced with a gentle braise of olive oil, shallots, balsamic vinegar, and a hint of honey. Whether you’re looking for a simple yet sophisticated side, or a scene-stealer for your salad plate, Braised Baby Beets are about to become a top contender in your repertoire.

Braised Baby Beets Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list for Braised Baby Beets is refreshingly short, but every component plays a crucial role in creating that irresistible balance of sweet, savory, and tangy. Fresh beets provide deep color and earthy sweetness, while a few simple aromatics and a splash of broth create the perfect glossy glaze.

Baby beets (1 pound, trimmed and scrubbed): Seek out the freshest, smallest beets you can find; they cook tenderly, and their skin is delicate and mild.
Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Rich, fruity olive oil is the foundation of flavor for your braise, ensuring silky beets and aromatic shallots.
Shallot (1 small, finely chopped): A gentle allium kick that melds beautifully with the sweet and acidic components.
Vegetable or chicken broth (1/2 cup): The liquid that coaxes the beets into tender succulence; use veggie broth for vegan beets, chicken for extra savoriness.
Balsamic vinegar (2 tablespoons): Essential for balancing the sweetness and providing that craveable tangy glaze.
Honey (1 teaspoon): Just enough to highlight the beets’ natural sugars without overpowering their flavor.
Salt and black pepper (to taste): So important for rounding everything out; season generously to let the flavors sing.
Fresh thyme sprigs (optional, for garnish): A touch of herbal fragrance and pretty green contrast against the vivid beets.

How to Make Braised Baby Beets

Step 1: Sauté the Shallots

Start by heating the olive oil in a wide skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped shallots and let them cook gently, stirring occasionally, until they’re soft and translucent. This step is your flavor foundation—the shallots mellow as they cook, infusing the oil with just enough sweetness to balance the earthiness of the beets.

Step 2: Add and Coat the Baby Beets

Tumble the trimmed, scrubbed baby beets into the warm shallot oil. Using a wooden spoon or spatula, stir until all the beets are slicked and glowing with that flavorful oil. This quick coating helps them roast and braise evenly, ensuring every bite is luscious and well-seasoned.

Step 3: Braise with Broth, Balsamic, and Honey

Pour in the broth, balsamic vinegar, and honey, then season the pan with salt and black pepper. Stir gently, then bring the mixture to a simmer. As soon as bubbles appear, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let the Braised Baby Beets soften undisturbed. Stir from time to time, and if the liquid gets low, add a splash more broth. The beets are ready when a fork pierces them easily, usually after 30 to 40 minutes.

Step 4: Reduce and Glaze

Once the beets are tender, remove the lid and let them cook uncovered for an extra five minutes. This step allows the liquid to reduce and thicken slightly, glazing each beet with a shiny, flavorful coat. Keep an eye on the pan so the sugars don’t scorch—the goal is a syrupy sheen and concentrated flavor.

How to Serve Braised Baby Beets

Garnishes

Scatter fresh thyme sprigs or delicate thyme leaves over the Braised Baby Beets just before serving. The herbal aroma adds an elegant, earthy note and a beautiful color contrast. For an extra pop, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a bit of fresh crumbled goat cheese can work wonders if dairy is welcome at your table.

Side Dishes

Braised Baby Beets shine alongside roasted chicken, grilled salmon, or as a vibrant boost next to a hearty lentil salad. Their sweet acidity and soft texture pair seamlessly with creamy risotto or herbed couscous, and they can even hold their own as a star side at a holiday feast or potluck.

Creative Ways to Present

Take Braised Baby Beets to the next level by slicing or halving them, then layering with creamy cheeses, toasted walnuts, or citrus supremes for a breathtaking salad. For a rustic appetizer, serve them atop crostini smeared with whipped feta. They’re even lovely tossed into grain bowls or nestled into a simple green salad with a swirl of extra glaze.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let the Braised Baby Beets cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making them a wonderful make-ahead side or salad topper for weeknight meals.

Freezing

Braised Baby Beets freeze surprisingly well! Place cooled beets (with some of their braising liquid) in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture and flavor.

Reheating

To reheat, simply return the Braised Baby Beets (and any extra glaze) to a small saucepan or skillet over low heat, stirring gently until warmed through. If the sauce looks a bit thick, add a splash of broth to loosen things up and restore that glossy finish.

FAQs

Do I need to peel baby beets before braising?

No peeling necessary! Baby beets have tender, edible skins that become even softer during braising. Just scrub them well before cooking for the best flavor and appearance.

Can I use golden or candy-striped (Chioggia) beets for this recipe?

Absolutely! The braising technique and glaze work beautifully with any variety of baby beets, so feel free to mix colors for a truly stunning presentation.

Is this recipe vegan and gluten-free?

Braised Baby Beets are naturally gluten-free, and vegan if you use vegetable broth and substitute a plant-based sweetener for the honey (like maple syrup).

What’s the best way to prepare beets for this dish?

Trim off the greens (save them for sautéeing or salads), then scrub the beets thoroughly to remove any dirt or grit. There’s no need to peel, as the skins add flavor and lovely color.

Can I make Braised Baby Beets ahead of time?

Yes! These beets are fantastic for prepping in advance. Just store them with their glaze in the fridge, and gently reheat before serving—perfect for stress-free entertaining.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend Braised Baby Beets enough—there’s just something special about their jewel-like color and sweet, tangy flavor that turns even ordinary meals into memorable occasions. If you’ve never tried beets this way, now’s the time to start. Bring a little color, flavor, and healthy goodness to your table, and share the magic of Braised Baby Beets with friends and family!

Braised Baby Beets Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 6 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 50 to 55 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Enjoy the earthy sweetness of baby beets in this delicious braised dish. Perfect as a side or atop salads, these tender beets are infused with balsamic flavor and a touch of honey.

Ingredients

Scale

Braised Baby Beets:

1 pound baby beets, trimmed and scrubbed
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small shallot, finely chopped
1/2 cup vegetable or chicken broth
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon honey
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh thyme sprigs for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Heat olive oil: In a skillet over medium heat, sauté shallot until softened, about 3 minutes.
Add beets: Coat beets in oil and shallots. Pour in broth, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper. Simmer covered until tender, 30-40 minutes. Stir occasionally.
Reduce liquid: Uncover and cook for 5 minutes to thicken. Garnish with thyme before serving if desired.