How to Roast Beets in the Oven (2 Ways)

Roasting beets in the oven brings out their earthy sweetness and turns them into the perfect base for salads, sides, and dips. In this post, you'll learn two easy ways to roast beets - with foil and without foil - plus how to peel, store, and serve them.

Roasting beets in the oven is one of the simplest ways to bring out their deep, natural sweetness. Whether you're roasting them whole in foil or peeled and cut into wedges, the result is tender, flavorful beets that add color and earthy richness to any meal.

If you prefer a faster stovetop method, check out our How to Boil Beets (Plus Storing and Nutritional Information) guide.

Jump to:

• When Are Beets in Season?
• Beet Nutrition Facts
• Ingredients You'll Need
• How to Roast Beets in the Oven
• How to Buy and Store Fresh Beets
• How to Store Cooked Beets
• How to Peel Beets: 2 Methods for Peeling Beets
• What Goes Well with Beets
• FAQ's
• How to Roast Beets in the Oven (2 Ways)

When Are Beets in Season?

Beets are a cool-season crop that's in season from late fall through winter and early spring, with peak flavor in the cooler months. They thrive in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres when temperatures drop - making them ideal for hearty, roasted dishes like this one.

Want to learn more about when your favorite fruits and veggies are in season? Check out the USDA's Seasonal Produce Guide.

Beet Nutrition Facts

Beets aren't just delicious - they're packed with nutrients that make them a powerhouse for everyday cooking. Here are some of the key benefits:

• Rich in Folate (Vitamin B9): Supports healthy cell growth and is especially important for heart and brain function.
• High in Manganese: Contributes to bone health and helps your body process amino acids, cholesterol, and carbohydrates.
• Good Source of Potassium: Aids in regulating blood pressure and muscle function.
• Naturally High in Nitrates: Can help improve blood flow and boost athletic performance by supporting oxygen delivery to your muscles.
• Contains Antioxidants (like Betalains): These plant compounds give beets their vibrant color and help fight inflammation.
• Low in Calories, High in Fiber: Promotes healthy digestion and keeps you full longer.

Beets are a simple way to add color, nutrients, and natural sweetness to your meals. Learn more about their health benefits in this comprehensive guide from Healthline.

Ingredients You'll Need

You only need a few simple ingredients to make perfectly roasted beets at home.

• Fresh Beets: Choose medium-sized beets that are firm, smooth, and heavy for their size. 
• Olive Oil: Helps the beets roast evenly and enhances their flavor while promoting caramelization. 
• Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing the beets' natural sweetness. 

See the recipe card for quantities.

How to Roast Beets in the Oven

How to Roast Beets in Foil

Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°

Prepare the Beets (Peel After Roasting)
Rinse and scrub the beets well to remove any dirt, but do not peel. Trim off the leafy tops (if still attached), leaving about 1 cm (½ inch) of the stem.
Using a fork or skewer, gently prick each beet in a few places to help steam escape during roasting.

Wrap the Beets
Place each beet on a square of aluminum foil. Drizzle with a little olive oil and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Wrap each beet tightly in the foil and place on a baking tray to catch any drips.

Roast the Beets
Roast in the oven for 45-60 minutes, depending on the size of the beets. Start checking the beets after 30 minutes of roasting. They're ready when a knife slides easily into the center.

Cool and Peel the Beets
Let the beets cool slightly. Once cool enough to handle, rub the skins off using your fingers or a paper towel. The skins should slip off easily.

Chef's Tip: Wrapping beets in foil locks in steam, making them tender and easy to peel once roasted. It's the best method for keeping them moist, their color vibrant and flavor naturally sweet.

How to Roast Beets without Foil

Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

Prepare the Beets
Peel the beets using a vegetable peeler. Cut them into even-sized wedges, slices or chunks.

Season and Toss
Place the beet wedges in a mixing bowl. Drizzle with 1-2 tablespoon olive oil and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Toss to coat.

Roast the Beets
Spread the seasoned beets out in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Roast for 30-40 minutes, flipping once halfway, until fork-tender and lightly caramelized on the edges.

Chef's Tip: This method gives caramelized edges and works beautifully for salads and meal prep.

How to Buy and Store Fresh Beets

Here's how to choose, store, and know when your beets are past their best:

• How to Choose Beets: Look for firm, smooth, and heavy bulbs with vibrant greens if still attached. Smaller beets are usually sweeter and more tender than large ones. Avoid soft spots, cracks, or shriveled skin.
• How to Store Fresh Beets: Trim the greens, leaving about 2 cm (1 inch) of the stem to prevent bleeding. Store unwashed beets in a plastic bag in the fridge crisper drawer for up to three weeks. Keep beet greens separately wrapped in a damp paper towel and refrigerate for 3-4 days.
• How to Tell If Beets Have Gone Bad: Discard beets that feel soft or spongy, smell off, or show signs of mold or slimy texture.

How to Store Cooked Beets

Once your beets are perfectly roasted, you can easily store them for meal prep or future recipes. Here's how to keep them fresh and flavorful:

How to Store Beets in the Refrigerator

Store roasted beets in an airtight container or reusable glass jar for up to 5 days. Let them cool completely before sealing to prevent condensation. You can store them whole, sliced, or cubed - just add a drizzle of olive oil to keep them from drying out.

How to Freeze Beets

For longer storage, slice or cube the beets, then spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to freezer bags or containers and store for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before using.

Chef's Tip: Roasted beets freeze beautifully and hold their texture well - just avoid freezing them whole, as they can become slightly watery when thawed.

How to Reheat Beets

Warm gently in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10-15 minutes or enjoy them cold in salads, grain bowls, or dips like roasted beet hummus.

How to Peel Beets: 2 Methods for Peeling Beets

Peeling beets is easy once you know when and how to do it. You can peel them before roasting, or after roasting - both methods work beautifully depending on your recipe.

How to Peel Beets Before Roasting

Use a vegetable peeler to remove the skins from raw beets. This method is ideal when cutting beets into wedges or cubes since it allows you to season and roast them evenly. Be sure to work on a cutting board you don't mind staining, as raw beet juice can leave marks.

How to Peel Beets After Roasting

Once the beets have cooled slightly, gently rub the skins off with your hands or a paper towel - they'll slip off easily. This method helps retain more flavor and color inside the beet.

Chef's Tip: Wear kitchen gloves to prevent staining your hands, or use a paper towel to rub the skins away effortlessly. If you're working with both red and golden beets, peel the golden ones first to avoid color transfer.

What Goes Well with Beets

Roasted beets pair beautifully with fresh, tangy, and nutty flavors. Try these simple combinations:

• Cheese: Creamy goat cheese or feta balances the beets' natural sweetness.
• Citrus & Fruit: Add orange slices, grapefruit, or pomegranate for brightness.
• Nuts & Seeds: Top with walnuts, hazelnuts, or pumpkin seeds for crunch.
• Herbs: Fresh dill, mint, or parsley give a Mediterranean touch.
• Dressings: Drizzle with balsamic glaze or lemon vinaigrette for acidity and shine.

Try this next: Use your roasted beets in our Roast Beet Salad or Roasted Beet Hummus for easy, colorful dishes.

FAQ's

These oven-roasted beets are everything we love about cooking vegetables - simple, colorful, and naturally sweet. Whether you roast them whole in foil or as caramelized wedges, they're perfect for salads, sides, and meal prep.

Give them a try and let us know in the comments how they turned out! Don't forget to Pin it for later or share it with a friend who loves fresh, seasonal recipes.

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The nutrition is an estimate only. It was calculated using Nutrifox, an online nutrition calculator.