Roasted beets in foil are a game-changer! It’s one of the easiest and most delicious ways to enjoy this vibrant root vegetable! Just wrap them in foil with a drizzle of oil and a sprinkle of salt and pepper, then pop them in the oven. That’s it! This foolproof method makes roasting beets effortless and mess-free. Whether you add them to a nourishing salad or enjoy them as a side, you’ll be amazed at how simple and delicious they are. If you’ve ever wondered how to roast beets in foil, this simple guide will walk you through every step to get perfect results each time.
Why You Will Love Roasting Beets In Foil
- Effortless Method: Roasting beets in foil is an easy, hands-off cooking technique.
- Great For Meal Prep: You can roast the beets at once and store them in the fridge to enjoy throughout the week!
- Mess-Free Peeling: Once roasted, the skins slide right off, making prep even easier.
- Minimal Cleanup: Cleanup afterward is quick and easy!
- Simple Ingredients: All you need are beets, olive oil, salt, pepper, and aluminum foil.
- Sweet and Tender: Roasting the beets brings out their natural sweetness, which creates a rich, caramelized flavor with a perfectly tender texture.
- Versatile: Add roasted beets to salads, grain bowls, and more!
Ingredients Needed
- Beets: For this recipe, use 3-4 medium-sized beets.
- Olive Oil: Drizzle olive oil over the beets in the foil before roasting.
- Salt and Pepper: Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Fresh Herbs: Add optional fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for added flavor.
What Type Of Beets To Use
Any variety of beets can be used for roasting, including red, golden, or striped beets. For this recipe, we opted for red beets, which are the most commonly used and offer a deep, earthy flavor. Golden and striped beets provide a slightly milder taste and vibrant color, but they all roast beautifully. Feel free to choose your favorite variety based on flavor preference.
How To Roast Beets In Foil
Step 1: Trim off the thin, stringy part of the root. Also, trim the greens, leaving about 1 inch of the stems attached.
Step 2: Wash and scrub the beets to remove any dirt. Next, pat them dry with a paper towel.
Step 3: Place the beets on a large piece of aluminum foil. Drizzle the olive oil over the beets and rub to evenly coat them. Then, season them with salt, pepper, and optional herbs to taste.
Step 4: Add another piece of aluminum foil over the beets and wrap them in the foil packet.
Step 5: Place the foil-wrapped beets on a baking sheet. Then, bake them in the oven.
Step 6: Once done, let the beets cool slightly. Then, rub off the skins using your hands or a paper towel.
Step 7: Leave the beets whole or chop them into small pieces.
How Long To Roast Beets In Foil
Roast beets in foil at 400°F for 50-60 minutes, depending on the size of them. They are done when tender and easily pierced with a fork, knife, or skewer.
Serving Suggestions
There are so many ways to serve roasted beets, here are some of our favorite ways to enjoy them.
- Salads: Chop them and add them to salads. They are delicious in our kale pomegranate salad! They would also be wonderful in a salad with crumbled goat cheese, chopped pecans, and arugula.
- Balsamic Glaze: Drizzle with balsamic glaze and sprinkle with chopped nuts such as walnuts.
- Bowls: They are a great addition to grain bowls with quinoa or farro.
- Side Dish: Serve these roasted beets with other roasted vegetables like carrots and sweet potatoes for a colorful side dish.
- Beet Hummus: Blend the roasted beets with chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic for a vibrant beet hummus.
Expert Tips
- Trim The Greens: Trim the beet greens, leaving about 1-2 inches of the stems attached. This helps prevent the beets from “bleeding” too much juice while roasting.
- Sauté The Greens: You can save the greens to chop and sauté in a pan with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper for a delicious side dish.
- Root End: Trim off just the thin, stringy part of the root, leaving most of it intact. Similar to the stems, this minimizes juice loss during roasting and helps the beet retain its natural shape and moisture.
- Trim and Clean: Cut off the greens and scrub the beets well to remove any dirt. There is no need to peel the beets before roasting, the skins will slip off easily afterward.
- Test If Done: Pierce through a beet with a knife, fork, or skewer to check if it is done. If it slides in easily, the beet is done.
Storage Instructions
Store leftover roasted beets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. They are great for meal prep and can be enjoyed throughout the week!
Variations
- Golden Or Striped Beets: If using different types of beets, roast golden or striped beets in separate foil packages from red beets to prevent color bleeding.
- Add Herbs: Add herbs like thyme or rosemary to the foil packets for extra flavor.
- Leave Whole or Chop: Once roasted, serve these beets whole or chopped. You can cut them into bite-sized pieces on a cutting board to use in other recipes.
- Citrus Flavor: Add orange or lemon zest, along with a squeeze of fresh orange juice, before wrapping the beets in foil for a burst of citrus flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is It Better To Peel Beets Before Or After Roasting?
It’s much easier to peel beets after roasting them. The skin will easily peel off once cooked. There is no need to peel the beets before roasting.
Can I Freeze Roasted Beets?
Yes, you can freeze roasted beets! Let them cool, then peel and slice them. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze them for up to 3 months. When ready to use them, thaw them in the fridge overnight or use them straight from the freezer in soups or smoothies.
Can I Eat The Beet Greens?
Yes! You don’t have to discard the beet greens, they are edible and can be sautéed, steamed, or used in salads. They have a mild, slightly bitter flavor and are packed with nutrients.
How Long Do Roasted Beets Last?
Roasted beets will last up to five days when stored in an airtight container in the fridge. Or, you can freeze them for longer storage.
More Recipes To Try Next!
- Kale Pomegranate Salad
- Roasted Tomato Sauce
- Oven Roasted Tomatoes
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts
- Roasted Carrot Ginger Soup
- Oven Roasted Brined Turkey Breast
If you try this recipe please be sure to leave us a comment and star rating ★★★★★ letting us know how it turns out for you.
Nutrition Facts
4 servings per container
- Amount Per ServingCalories64
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat
2.5g
4%
- Saturated Fat 0.4g 0%
- Cholesterol 0mg 0%
- Sodium 77mg 4%
- Total Carbohydrate
10g
4%
- Dietary Fiber 2g 8%
- Sugars 8g
- Protein 1.7g 2%
* The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.