Roasted Beets with Garlic, Thyme, and Balsamic Vinegar
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Roasted beets with garlic, thyme, and balsamic vinegar are rich and caramelized with a balance of earthiness with sweetness, and tang. Roasting vegetables transforms them from humble drab to elegant and fab!
Whether served warm, at room temperature, or even chilled, these roasted beets make a delicious addition to any meal. They’re easy to prepare, healthy, and bursting with bold, comforting flavors.
Why Roast Beets?
Roasting beets brings out their natural sugars and intensifies their flavor in a way that boiling or steaming simply can’t match. It also gives them a tender yet hearty texture that holds up well in salads, bowls, or served on their own.
Adding garlic to the roasting packet infuses them with savory depth, while thyme and balsamic vinegar provide aromatic and acidic contrast that enhances every bite.
Beets are packed with nutrients like folate, fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants, making them not only tasty but also a powerhouse for your health. Roasting them keeps their nutrients intact while deepening their natural taste.
Roasted Vegetables
You can roast vegetables in the oven or in the air fryer. Here are some more delicious roasted vegetable ideas:
- Roasted Summer Squash Soup for a light summer soup that is sure to please.
- This Garlic Parmesan Roasted Broccoli is our go to recipe and has been for years. The daycare kids love it, my family loves it, it’s the best!
- This Oven Roasted Tomato Sauce will make you break up with canned tomato sauce forever! There is no comparison in flavor with this delicious masterpiece.
- You can roast in the air fryer. Check out this Air Fried Vegetables with Garlic Bread Seasoning recipe to change the way you seek flavor!
Roasted Beets Recipe
This dish is made with just a few pantry staples but delivers incredible depth.
Roasted Beets with Garlic, Thyme, and Balsamic
Ingredients
- 3 beets
- 3 cloves garlic
- 3 teaspoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- A few sprigs of thyme
Instructions
- Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Wash the beets well to remove any dirt, and then trim off the leafy tops and the root ends. You don’t need to peel them before roasting, which saves time and helps retain moisture during cooking. Once the beets have roasted and cooled slightly, the skins will slip off easily.
- Lay out a piece of parchment paper and place the whole beets and garlic cloves in the center. Drizzle the beets with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, then season with salt, pepper, and a few sprigs of fresh thyme.
- After seasoning, wrap the parchment packet inside a sheet of aluminum foil and seal it well. This double-layer wrap creates a steam-roasting environment, which softens the beets while enhancing their flavor through slow caramelization.
- Place the packet on a baking sheet or directly on the oven rack and roast for 30 to 40 minutes.
- Once roasted, remove the foil packet from the oven and allow the beets to cool for about 10 minutes. Be careful opening the foil, it will release hot steam.
- When they’re cool enough to handle, rub the skins gently with your hands or a paper towel. The skins should come off effortlessly, leaving you with smooth, tender beets ready to be cut into bite-sized chunks.
Nutrition
The garlic cloves will be soft, golden, and slightly sweet from the roasting. You can either mash them and toss them in with the beets or save them as a spread for toast or sandwiches.
Serving Suggestions
Cut the peeled beets into quarters or bite-sized pieces and serve them warm or at room temperature. They make a gorgeous side dish on their own or can be added to a variety of meals. Try them:
- On top of leafy green salads with goat cheese and walnuts
- Mixed into a grain bowl with quinoa or farro
- Layered in a sandwich or wrap with hummus and greens
- Served with roasted meats or grilled fish
- Tossed with additional balsamic vinegar and fresh herbs for a quick salad
If you’re meal prepping, roasted beets store well in the fridge for up to five days and can be served cold or gently reheated. Their bold color and rich flavor add variety to any weeknight meal.
Tips for the Best Roasted Beets
- Choose small to medium beets for quicker, more even roasting
- Use parchment paper inside the foil to prevent sticking and preserve flavor
- Let the beets cool before peeling to avoid burning your hands and to loosen the skins
- If using pre-cooked beets, you can still toss them in garlic, herbs, and balsamic vinegar and warm them in the oven for added flavor
A Flavorful, Earthy Side Dish
Roasted beets with garlic, thyme, and balsamic vinegar offer a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tart flavors in every bite. They’re rustic yet refined, comforting yet fresh. Whether you’re looking for a colorful side dish, a nutritious salad topping, or a unique addition to a plant-based meal, this easy recipe brings out the best in a seasonal vegetable with minimal effort and maximum reward.
