If you want a showstopping side dish that’s healthy, vibrant, and unbelievably easy, Roasted Baby Beets are the answer. In just under one hour and with a handful of simple ingredients, you can transform humble baby beets into earthy-sweet perfection. I adore how roasting intensifies their natural flavors, leaving you with beets that are tender on the inside and slightly caramelized on the outside. Whether you’re new to beets or already love their cheerful color, this dish guarantees a pop of flavor (and nutrition) that’s right at home on any table.

Roasted Baby Beets Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of my favorite things about Roasted Baby Beets is the short ingredient list. Each one lends a special touch, from the silky olive oil to the fragrant thyme, making every bite delicious. Embrace the simplicity, because the real magic is in how these elements come together!

Baby beets (1 1/2 pounds): Choose a mix of red and golden for maximum visual appeal; just make sure they’re trimmed and scrubbed clean.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Adds richness and helps the beets roast up glossy and flavorful.
Sea salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances the beets’ sweetness and brings out their earthiness.
Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): A gentle kick that perks up the flavor without overwhelming the beets’ natural taste.
Fresh thyme leaves (1 teaspoon, optional): If you love herbs, thyme gives an aromatic lift that complements the sweet beets beautifully.

How to Make Roasted Baby Beets

Step 1: Prep Your Beets

Thoroughly scrub your baby beets under cool running water to remove any dirt and trim off the tops and tails. Keeping the skins on during roasting actually helps the beets retain moisture and amps up the flavor, plus you’ll remove them easily after they’re cooked.

Step 2: Season and Toss

Lay the cleaned beets on a baking sheet and drizzle them with olive oil. Sprinkle over the sea salt, black pepper, and fresh thyme leaves if using. Don’t be shy—toss them well so each beet is delightfully coated and ready to soak up all those flavors while roasting.

Step 3: Roast to Tender Perfection

Cover your baking sheet tightly with foil (this steams the beets just a bit, making them incredibly tender). Slide them into a preheated 400°F oven and roast for 35–45 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a knife glides in with no resistance. Take in that amazing aroma—it’s worth the wait!

Step 4: Cool and Peel

Let the roasted baby beets cool just enough to handle. Then, gently rub the skins off with a paper towel or your hands—they’ll slip off easily, revealing jewel-toned bites beneath. This part feels like unwrapping a present!

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Slice, quarter, or leave your beets whole depending on your desired presentation. Serve them warm for a comforting side or let them come to room temperature for an elegant addition to any meal.

How to Serve Roasted Baby Beets

Garnishes

A simple shower of fresh herbs, such as dill or more thyme, makes Roasted Baby Beets look instantly chic. For a little creaminess, a dollop of tangy goat cheese or a sprinkling of toasted nuts like walnuts or pistachios brings contrast and crunch to the table.

Side Dishes

Pair your Roasted Baby Beets with a crisp green salad, creamy risotto, or hearty grain bowls. They’re also a natural match for grilled meats, roasted chicken, or whatever main you love—expect lots of compliments on the color alone!

Creative Ways to Present

Try layering sliced Roasted Baby Beets with orange segments and a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a stunning starter. Or, toss them into wraps, blend into vibrant beet hummus, or float atop crostini with ricotta for Instagram-worthy snacks.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Simply cool the Roasted Baby Beets completely and stash them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep their flavor and tender texture for up to five days, making them ideal for meal planning or snacking straight from the fridge.

Freezing

If you find yourself with extras, you can freeze Roasted Baby Beets! Peel and slice them, then store in freezer bags or containers for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator and enjoy in salads, soups, and even smoothies.

Reheating

To bring out their best, warm Roasted Baby Beets gently in a skillet over low heat or in a 325°F oven until just heated through. Avoid microwaving for too long, as it can make them a bit too soft.

FAQs

Can I use larger beets instead of baby beets?

Absolutely! Just cut larger beets into 1-inch pieces to mimic the size of baby beets, and keep an eye on the roasting time since they may take a bit longer to become fork-tender.

Do I have to peel the beets before roasting?

No need! Roasting with the skins on keeps the beets juicy and flavorful. The skins peel off effortlessly after roasting, making prep and cleanup a breeze.

Are Roasted Baby Beets healthy?

Yes, Roasted Baby Beets are packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants while being low in calories and fat. It’s a guilt-free side that’s as nourishing as it is beautiful.

How do I avoid staining my hands with beet juice?

Beets can leave a vibrant mark, so use gloves when peeling or rub your hands with lemon juice afterward to remove any lingering pink.

Can I add other seasonings or vegetables?

Feel free to play around! Roasted Baby Beets love a dash of balsamic vinegar, a hint of smoked paprika, or roasting alongside carrots and shallots for extra flavor.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a beet enthusiast or just curious to try something new, Roasted Baby Beets are destined to steal the show at your table. Give them a go and watch them disappear—trust me, they’ll become a regular request in your kitchen!

Roasted Baby Beets Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 16 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegan

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Description

Enjoy the earthy sweetness of Roasted Baby Beets with this simple and flavorful recipe. Perfect as a side dish or addition to salads, these tender beets are seasoned with olive oil, herbs, and spices for a delightful dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Baby Beets:

1 1/2 pounds baby beets, trimmed and scrubbed

Seasoning:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Heat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Prepare the beets: Place cleaned baby beets on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, pepper, and thyme. Toss to coat.
Roast: Cover the baking sheet with foil. Roast for 35–45 minutes until tender.
Cool and peel: Let beets cool, then remove skins.
Serve: Enjoy warm or at room temperature.