There’s something truly magical about the vibrant colors and earthy flavors of Balsamic Glazed Roasted Beets. I remember the first time I tried roasted beets at a family gathering. The rich, sweet glaze complemented their natural earthiness, turning a humble vegetable into a star of the meal. Ever since, I’ve been hooked! With the crisp autumn air, it feels like the perfect time to whip up this dish, especially as beets are abundant this season. They’re not just beautiful on the plate; the depth of flavor is remarkable. And let’s not forget, roasting beets is a cinch! Just a little prep, toss them in the oven, and you’ll be rewarded with a dish that’s both wholesome and satisfying.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
60 mins

Prep Time:
0 mins

Cook Time:
0 mins

Difficulty:
Easy

Calories:
110 kcal

Protein:
3 g

Diet:
Keto, Paleo, Whole30

Fat:
1 g

Tools Used:
Baking Sheet, Skillet, Frying Pan, Oven, Peeler

The Best Thing About This Balsamic Glazed Roasted Beets

1. Health Benefits

One reason I adore Balsamic Glazed Roasted Beets is their incredible health benefits. Beets are packed with essential nutrients, such as fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They’re known to help lower blood pressure and improve athletic performance. Who wouldn’t want a dish that’s not only delicious but also beneficial for their health?

2. Versatility

This recipe is wonderfully versatile! You can enjoy your roasted beets warm as a side dish or let them cool and toss them into salads. I love to incorporate them into a grain bowl, where their sweetness pairs beautifully with tangy dressings and other ingredients.

3. Simple Preparation

The simplicity of making Balsamic Glazed Roasted Beets is another reason I’m a fan. With just a few ingredients, you can create a dish that looks like you put in hours of work. The roasting process enhances their natural sweetness, and the glaze adds a finishing touch that’s hard to resist.

4. Stunning Presentation

Let’s talk about presentation! The vibrant colors of roasted beets are visually striking. Plating them with the glossy balsamic glaze creates a beautiful contrast that’s sure to impress guests. They’re perfect for holiday feasts or special occasions.

5. Budget-Friendly

Lastly, beets are a budget-friendly vegetable that doesn’t skimp on flavor. You can often buy them in bulk for a great price, making Balsamic Glazed Roasted Beets an economical choice for feeding a crowd without compromising quality.

What Goes Into Balsamic Glazed Roasted Beets

The ingredients for Balsamic Glazed Roasted Beets are simple yet remarkably flavorful. Each component plays a crucial role in elevating the beets. The earthy sweetness of the beets, combined with the rich, tangy notes of balsamic vinegar, creates a harmonious balance that’s both comforting and sophisticated.

6 medium beets (2 bunches; about 3½ pounds/1.3 kg) – The star of this dish, beets are naturally sweet and earthy, providing a beautiful base for the glaze.
1 teaspoon kosher salt – Elevates the flavors of the beets, enhancing their natural sweetness.
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil – Adds richness and aids in roasting, helping achieve that perfect tender texture.
⅓ cup inexpensive balsamic vinegar – The key ingredient for the glaze, it imparts a sweet yet tangy flavor that beautifully complements the beets.
1 tablespoon maple syrup – A touch of sweetness that balances the acidity of the balsamic, creating a luscious glaze.
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste – Enhances the overall flavor profile, giving a subtle kick to the dish.

Making This Balsamic Glazed Roasted Beets

Preparing Balsamic Glazed Roasted Beets is an enjoyable and straightforward process. With just a few steps, you’ll have a delicious dish that’s ready to impress. Let’s dive into the steps to bring this vibrant recipe to life!

Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C). This ensures that your beets will roast evenly and develop that wonderful caramelized flavor.
Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. This makes for easy cleanup later on, as roasted beets can be a bit messy.
Remove the leafy stems and roots of the beets. Make sure to use a sharp vegetable peeler to carefully peel each one, as the skin can be tough.
Cut the beets into 1½ inch (4-cm) chunks. Uniformity in size ensures they roast evenly, getting that perfect texture.
Place the cut beets on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle them generously with olive oil and sprinkle with kosher salt. Toss them well to ensure every piece is coated.
Roast the beets for 35 to 40 minutes. Toss once halfway through with a spatula to help them brown evenly. They should be tender when pierced with a thin-bladed knife, signaling they’re ready.
Meanwhile, combine the balsamic vinegar and maple syrup in a small, shallow sauté pan. Cook over medium heat until the mixture thickens slightly and coats the back of a metal spoon. Watch this closely to avoid over-reducing it, as it can go from sweet and syrupy to burnt very quickly.
Once the beets are done roasting, toss them with the glaze, ensuring they are well-coated. This step adds an extra layer of flavor and shine.
Serve your Balsamic Glazed Roasted Beets hot or allow them to cool for a refreshing salad addition. Enjoy!

Things Worth Knowing

Roasting Temperature: The ideal roasting temperature for beets is 400°F (205°C) as it balances cooking time and caramelization, enhancing their natural sweetness.
Peeling Technique: Use a vegetable peeler to ensure that you remove only the skin without losing too much of the beet itself.
Monitoring Glaze: When reducing the balsamic glaze, keep an eye on it. It will thicken quickly and can burn if left unattended.
Storage: Roasted beets can be stored in the fridge for up to a week. They taste even better the next day as the flavors develop.

Make It Your Own

Creating the perfect Balsamic Glazed Roasted Beets is not just about following the recipe; it’s about making it your own! Here are some tips to customize this dish:

Storage: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll last up to a week, making them perfect for meal prep!
Freezing: Yes, you can freeze roasted beets! Place them in a freezer-safe container, and they’ll be good for up to three months.
Pairing: These roasted beets pair beautifully with goat cheese and walnuts for a delicious salad. Consider adding them to a grain bowl for added flavor and texture.
Color Variations: Try using different types of beets like golden or candy stripe for a visually stunning dish.
Herbs and Spices: Enhance the flavor by adding fresh herbs such as thyme or rosemary before roasting for an aromatic twist.

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving Balsamic Glazed Roasted Beets, the possibilities are endless. Here are some ideas to inspire you:

Salads: Serve warm over a bed of mixed greens with crumbled feta or goat cheese. The sweetness of the beets contrasts beautifully with tangy cheeses.
Grain Bowls: Incorporate roasted beets into your favorite grain bowls. They add color and flavor, making your meal visually appealing and hearty.
Side Dishes: Pair these beets with a protein such as grilled chicken or fish. They make an excellent side for any main course.
Occasions: Perfect for holiday dinners, potlucks, or a simple weeknight meal. Their vibrant color makes them a showstopper!
Storage Tips: If you have leftovers, store them in the fridge for up to a week. They can be enjoyed cold or reheated!

FAQ

The beets are properly roasted when they are tender and can be easily pierced with a fork or a thin-bladed knife. They should have a slight caramelized exterior, which indicates that the natural sugars are coming out during the roasting process. If you find that they’re still firm inside, continue roasting them for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, checking regularly.

Absolutely! You can roast the beets a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator in an airtight container. This actually allows the flavors to develop further. Just reheat them gently before serving, or enjoy them cold in a salad. This makes them a great option for meal prep or entertaining.

Yes, there are several types of beets you can experiment with! While red beets are the most common, you can also find golden beets, which are sweet and have a milder flavor, as well as candy stripe beets, which have beautiful maroon and white rings. Each type offers a unique flavor profile and adds a stunning visual element to your dish.

Roasted beets are incredibly versatile! They can be served warm as a side dish to proteins like chicken or fish, or chilled as part of a salad. They pair wonderfully with goat cheese, walnuts, or mixed greens. Additionally, you can incorporate them into grain bowls for a filling and nutritious meal!

Conclusion

Balsamic Glazed Roasted Beets is a standout dish that beautifully marries simplicity with flavor. Whether you’re preparing them for a family dinner or a festive gathering, they are sure to impress your guests with their vibrant color and delicious taste. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—you might just find a new favorite!

Balsamic Glazed Roasted Beets

Experience the earthy sweetness of Balsamic Glazed Roasted Beets, a colorful and healthy side dish! This easy recipe transforms beets into a gourmet delight with a rich balsamic glaze. Perfect for any occasion, you won't want to miss this vibrant dish on your table tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Course Side Dishes

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 110 kcal

Equipment

Baking Sheet
Skillet
Frying Pan
Oven
Peeler

Ingredients

6 medium beets 2 bunches; about 3½ pounds/1.3 kg
1 teaspoon kosher salt
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
⅓ cup balsamic vinegar inexpensive
1 tablespoon maple syrup
to taste Freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400°F (205°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Remove the leafy stems and roots of the beets and peel each one with a vegetable peeler. Cut the beets in 1½ inch (4-cm) chunks.
Place the cut beets on the prepared baking sheet and toss with the olive oil and salt. Roast for 35 to 40 minutes, tossing once with a spatula midway through, until the beets are tender when pierced with a thin-bladed knife.
Meanwhile, combine the balsamic vinegar and maple syrup in a small, shallow sauté pan. Cook over medium heat until the liquid is just slightly thickened and lightly coats the back of a metal spoon. It should be reduced by about half (or to about 3 tablespoons). Pay close attention and be sure not to over-reduce it; it goes from sweet and syrupy to burnt and hard very quickly.
Toss the glaze with the roasted beets. Serve hot or cold.

Notes

Storage: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll last up to a week, making them perfect for meal prep!
Freezing: Yes, you can freeze roasted beets! Place them in a freezer-safe container, and they’ll be good for up to three months.
Pairing: These roasted beets pair beautifully with goat cheese and walnuts for a delicious salad. Consider adding them to a grain bowl for added flavor and texture.
Color Variations: Try using different types of beets like golden or candy stripe for a visually stunning dish.
Herbs and Spices: Enhance the flavor by adding fresh herbs such as thyme or rosemary before roasting for an aromatic twist.