Imagine transforming humble beets into a culinary masterpiece that will have your dinner guests begging for the recipe! Our Roasted Beets with Balsamic Glaze is not just a side dish – it's a gourmet experience that turns these earthy root vegetables into a sweet, tangy, and utterly addictive delicacy. With a perfect balance of caramelization and glossy balsamic reduction, this recipe will elevate your cooking game and impress even the most discerning palates.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 medium beets, peeled and diced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Wash the beets thoroughly under cool running water. Carefully peel the beets using a vegetable peeler, wearing disposable gloves to prevent staining your hands.
- Dice the peeled beets into uniform 1-inch cubes to ensure even roasting. Try to keep the pieces roughly the same size for consistent cooking.
- In a large mixing bowl, toss the diced beets with olive oil, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Spread the seasoned beet cubes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are not overcrowded to allow proper roasting and caramelization.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes, stirring once halfway through cooking time to ensure even browning and prevent burning.
- While beets are roasting, prepare the balsamic glaze by combining balsamic vinegar and honey in a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Simmer the balsamic mixture, stirring occasionally, until it reduces and becomes slightly thickened, about 5-7 minutes. The glaze should coat the back of a spoon.
- Remove the roasted beets from the oven when they are tender and have caramelized edges. They should be easily pierced with a fork.
- Transfer the roasted beets to a serving dish and drizzle the warm balsamic glaze over the top, tossing gently to coat evenly.
- Let the beets rest for 2-3 minutes to absorb the glaze, then serve hot as a side dish or over a bed of mixed greens.
Tips
- Always wear disposable gloves when handling beets to prevent staining your hands and cutting boards.
- For the most even roasting, cut beets into uniform 1-inch cubes and ensure they're not overcrowded on the baking sheet.
- Use high-quality balsamic vinegar for the most flavorful glaze – the difference in taste is remarkable.
- Don't skip the step of stirring beets halfway through roasting to ensure even caramelization and prevent burning.
- If you want extra depth of flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of fresh thyme or rosemary before roasting.
- Let the beets rest for a few minutes after glazing to allow them to absorb the balsamic reduction fully.
- These roasted beets are incredibly versatile – serve them as a side dish, on top of salads, or even as a unique appetizer.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
