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These easy Roasted Beets are made with beets, salt, and oil. It’s my go-to beet recipe, which is simple and never disappoints! If you’re searching for a healthy, simple vegetable side dish, these roasted beets are definitely contenders. 

A white plate holds several slices of roasted beets, arranged in overlapping layers. The deep purple, slightly glossy beets contrast beautifully against the light, textured background.


 

Quick Recipe Overview

pile of roasted beet slices on a white plate and in a white dish

WHAT: Sliced beets roasted until fork-tender with olive oil and kosher salt at high heat.

WHY: Brings out natural sweetness, creates caramelized edges, and requires minimal hands-on time for maximum flavor.

HOW: Cut beets into rounds, toss with olive oil, roast on a baking sheet for 10-15 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Roasted Beets Recipe

Melissa in her kitchen smiling in front of the starting ingredients for the chicken the quinoa salad and skillet chicken on the wood block in front of her

🩷 Melissa

Beets always get a bad rap. Some people harp on them and say they’re too difficult to make, while others complain about their flavor and texture.

I happen to love, love, love beets, and I’m pretty sure this recipe could change all those haters’ minds! If you ask me, roasting beets is the best way to cook them. It makes them candy-sweet and the perfect side to really any meal.

If you’ve ever said (or thought) that beets taste like dirt, olive oil, and kosher salt may do the trick and show you the light.

We have beets growing in droves in my garden, so I’ve learned to work with them and perfected this recipe. Even my kids love them hot off the pan when they’re just a little crispy around the edges.

Ingredient Notes

Beet Selection: Look for medium-sized beets that are firm with smooth skin. Smaller beets tend to be sweeter and more tender than larger ones.

Olive Oil Quality: Use a good-quality olive oil since it’s one of only three ingredients. The flavor comes through in the finished dish.

Kosher Salt: The coarse texture of kosher salt provides better control when seasoning. If using table salt, reduce the amount slightly as it’s more concentrated.

See the recipe card below for full information on ingredients and quantities.

skinned uncooked beets in round white bowl.

Amy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

September 6, 2021

Turned out perfecto 👌 I actually did it at 375° for 20 minutes. Delicious 😊

A white plate holds several slices of roasted beets, arranged in overlapping layers. The deep purple, slightly glossy beets contrast beautifully against the light, textured background.
4.78 from 9 votes

Perfect Oven Roasted Beets Recipe

These easy Roasted Beets are made with beets, salt, and oil. It's my go-to beet recipe, which is simple and never disappoints! If you're searching for a healthy, simple vegetable side dish, these roasted beets are definitely contenders. 
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 15 minutes
Total: 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
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Ingredients 

  • 4 to 5 beets
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • Kosher salt

Instructions 

  • Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Wash the beets and use a vegetable scrubber to wash the outside. Remove the stem and root end with a sharp knife. Use a vegetable peeler or paring knife to peel the beets. Slice the beets into 1/4-inch thick rounds and place them in a small bowl.
    4 to 5 beets
  • Drizzle the olive oil over the sliced beets and then toss to combine. Place the sliced beets in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet and sprinkle with kosher salt.
    4 to 5 beets, 3 tablespoons olive oil, Kosher salt
  • Roast in the hot oven until the beets are fork tender, 10 to 15 minutes. Enjoy hot with additional salt to taste.

Notes

Peeling Options: Use a paring knife or a vegetable peeler to remove the skin from the outside of the beet. Both are good options.
Stain Prevention: Cutting beets will stain your hands red and stain any curtains or clothes that might be nearby. Wear gloves if you don’t want red fingers and an apron to shield your clothes if needed.
Selecting Fresh Beets: When picking out beets at the store, choose ones that are firm to the touch and have nice, perky greens on top instead of droopy, wilted greens and soft beetroots.
Don’t Waste the Greens: Wash and eat the beet tops, too. They are pretty strong as far as greens go, and they are loaded with vitamins and minerals. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1 of 4 servings, Calories: 128kcal, Carbohydrates: 8g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 11g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 8g, Sodium: 64mg, Potassium: 267mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 6g, Vitamin A: 27IU, Vitamin C: 4mg, Calcium: 13mg, Iron: 1mg
Like this recipe? Rate and comment below!

How to Make Roasted Beets

a bowl of raw whole clean and peeled beets in ball shapes ready to be sliced and roasted
a bowl of piled up raw red beets sliced into thin rounds.

Step 1: Wash the outside and give the fresh beets a quick peel.

Step 2: Slice uniformly thin (the key to having them cook evenly!)

oil being poured onto raw beet slices.
top view of a baking sheet with slices of round and thin raw beets ready to be baked

Step 3: Toss with olive oil and then lay them out on a sheet.

Step 4: Sprinkle with salt, bake and enjoy!

top view of a baking sheet with slices of round thin roasted beet pieces

Substitutions & Variations

Oil Options

Swap olive oil for avocado oil, melted coconut oil, or vegetable oil if needed.

Seasoning Variations

Try adding black pepper, garlic powder, fresh thyme, or a drizzle of balsamic vinegar before roasting.

Sweetness Boost

Toss with a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup along with the olive oil for extra caramelization.

Herb-Roasted

Add fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs to the baking sheet for aromatic flavor.

Spiced Version

Sprinkle with cumin, coriander, or smoked paprika for a different flavor profile.

pile of roasted beet slices in a little white dish

FAQs for Roasted Beets

Can you use the green leafy parts of beets in anything?

Yes, you can wash and eat the beet tops too! They are pretty strong as far as greens go but are loaded with all kinds of vitamins and minerals. I use a little in my green smoothies or sauté them with olive oil and salt. Small leaves are good raw in salads, too.

Can I roast beets whole instead of sliced?

Yes, but whole beets take 45-60 minutes at 400°F wrapped in foil. Slicing them speeds up the cooking process significantly.

Can I use golden or Chioggia beets instead of red beets?

Yes! This recipe works perfectly with any beet variety. Golden beets have a milder, slightly sweeter flavor, while Chioggia (striped) beets offer beautiful visual appeal. Cooking time remains the same.

How do I prevent beets from staining my hands and cutting board?

Wear disposable gloves while handling raw beets to avoid staining your hands. Use a dedicated plastic cutting board or line your board with parchment paper. Beet stains on skin fade within a day or two with regular washing.

Do I have to peel beets before roasting them?

Yes, I recommend peeling beets before slicing and roasting them. The skin can be tough and chewy even after cooking. Use a vegetable peeler or paring knife to remove the skin easily after washing.

roasted beets in white ramekin.

My Best Tips for Making Roasted Beets

☞Choosing Quality Beets: When picking out beets at the store, choose firm ones with nice perky greens on top instead of droopy, wilted greens and soft beet roots (the part we eat).

☞Nutritional Benefits: Did you know that beets are high in fiber, potassium, vitamin C, and magnesium? Beets are great veggies to incorporate into your diet because they’re low-calorie and a wonderful source of nutrients.

☞Cleaning and Peeling: Just like potatoes, beets are grown underground and they have a tough skin on their surface. It’s important to scrub them well to remove excess dirt and peel the skin before cooking them because it’s pretty tough and unsavory to eat.

☞Don’t Overcrowd the Baking Sheet: Give beets space in a single layer to roast rather than steam, ensuring those delicious caramelized edges.

☞Check Doneness Early: Start testing at 10 minutes since oven temperatures vary. Better to check early than overcook them.

What to Serve With Roasted Beets

These roasted beets pair beautifully with grilled chicken, salmon, or steak as a vibrant side dish. Add them to grain bowls with quinoa or farro, goat cheese, and arugula. They’re wonderful in salads with walnuts and citrus vinaigrette, or served alongside roasted carrots and Brussels sprouts for a colorful vegetable medley. Try them with creamy hummus or whipped feta as an appetizer, or chop them into pasta dishes for earthy sweetness.

Storage & Reheating Tips

Room Temperature

Roasted beets are best enjoyed fresh but can sit at room temperature for up to 2 hours.

Refrigerator Storage

Store cooled beets in an airtight container for up to 5 days. They’re delicious served cold in salads.

Freezer Storage

Freeze roasted beets in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

Reheating

  • Oven: Spread on a baking sheet and reheat at 350°F for 8-10 minutes until warmed through
  • Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals until warm
  • Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a small drizzle of olive oil for 3-4 minutes

Make Ahead

Prep and slice beets up to 1 day ahead, storing them in water in the refrigerator to prevent browning. Drain and pat dry before roasting.

How to roast beets collage image.

More Side Dishes to Consider

About Melissa Griffiths

4.78 from 9 votes

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Recipe Rating




30 Comments

  1. Dr. Cowan's Garden says:

    5 stars
    I love beets so much. First time I came across to roasted beets recipe and this simple roasted beets look delicious. We can use this in the salad.

  2. Kalenafoxx says:

    5 stars
    Yummy mwah ur chef Foxx KalenaFoxx ?????

  3. Denise says:

    5 stars
    Soooo good !! Thank you ?
    I left out the oil & used salt only, they were lovely.

    1. Melissa says:

      So glad that they worked out for you even without the oil. I’m going to try that next time!

  4. Dawn says:

    If I did everything except peel, would the peeling come off easy after roasting them? I’m not a huge fan of peeling things.

    1. Melissa says:

      I know people that do that and I think it would work but I haven’t tried it. If you do, will you let me know?!

    2. Amy says:

      I leave the peels on. Just scrub good.

  5. Nakkia says:

    5 stars
    Your recipe was perfect for my salad (steak, spinach, goat cheese, and pecans).
    You came through in a clutch, as I remembered the beets last minute; an hour of roasting wasn’t going to cut it.

  6. Jules says:

    I LOVE beets! Maybe this simple recipe can make my husband love them, too — thanks so much for sharing!

  7. Nicole @ Bento Momentos says:

    I love beets. They’re one of the first things I look for when checking out salad bars. They’re so sweet — this recipe for roasted beets seems like it’ll bring out even more sweetness in the beets!

  8. Paula says:

    I don’t care for beets, but made them for hubby & FIL…they loved them…and even I enjoyed their sweet, rich flavor! Used red & yellow beets, and will certainly be making again!

  9. Marseille says:

    We spent it throwing up. The older boys had the stomach bug earlier in the week, so Thursday night/Friday the rest of us took a turn. Glad we didn’t go anywhere for thanksgiving this year! We didn’t infect anyone.

  10. Christina says:

    I love roast beets! We like to add some Italian seasoning and garlic powder to them and then cook them on the BBQ. I love the little chard bits.