How to Roast Beets in the Oven (Easy Step-by-Step Guide)
Learning how to roast beets doesn’t have to be complicated. This easy baking method keeps the skins on to lock in moisture and flavor, resulting in perfectly soft, naturally sweet beets every time.
Ingredients
- Beets as many as you like
- Water
- 1 teaspoon Baking soda
Instructions
- Wash the beets thoroughly to remove any dirt.
- Place the beets in a bowl and cover them with water. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of baking soda over the top and let them soak for 10–20 minutes.
- Drain the beets and give them a second rinse to remove any remaining baking soda.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, then cover it with aluminum foil. Place the beets on the lined baking sheet.
- Bake at 400°F for about 1 hour. If your beets are large, bake them for 1 hour and 20 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when you can easily poke them with a knife and they feel soft and caramelized.
Notes
Use uniform size: Choose similar-sized beets so they roast evenly and finish cooking at the same time.
Don’t skip the baking soda soak: It helps loosen dirt and makes the beets easier to clean, especially if they’re very earthy.
Roast with skins on: Keep the skins on while roasting to lock in moisture and preserve their natural sweetness. The skins will slide off easily once cooked.
Seal in moisture: Wrap beets well with foil to prevent drying out and encourage caramelization rather than burning.
Check doneness: Insert a knife or skewer into the center; it should go in smoothly with no resistance.
Allow to cool: Let beets cool slightly before handling, as this makes peeling and slicing much easier.