Beets are one of those vegetables that don’t always get the spotlight, but once you find the right recipe, it’s easy to see why they’re worth cooking with regularly. Earthy, sweet, and packed with color, beets work in everything from salads to desserts. Here are eight recipes to help you get more out of your beets, whether they’re fresh from the garden or straight from the freezer.
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Tasty Roasted Beets
Roasting brings out the natural sweetness in beets better than almost any other method. This one is simple, hands-off, and pairs with just about any main dish. A few peeled, cubed beets, some olive oil, and a hot oven are all it takes to get deeply caramelized edges and a tender center.
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Beet and Goat Cheese Salad
A restaurant favorite that’s easy to recreate at home. Layers of roasted beets, tangy goat cheese, and toasted walnuts over a bed of arugula come together in minutes, with a light vinaigrette tying the sweet and savory flavors together.
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Borscht
This classic Eastern European soup puts beets front and center. Simmered with cabbage, carrots, potatoes, and a touch of vinegar, it’s hearty and comforting, and it works just as well made with frozen beets as it does with fresh ones.
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Beet Hummus
Blending cooked beets into your favorite hummus recipe gives you a vibrant pink dip that tastes as good as it looks. It’s a great way to use up frozen beets, and the subtle sweetness adds a new dimension to a familiar snack.
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Pickled Beets
A tangy, crunchy way to preserve beets for weeks in the fridge. Sliced beets simmer in a mixture of vinegar, sugar, and spices, then cool and marinate into a bright, versatile topping for sandwiches and salads.
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Beet and Chocolate Cake
Beets add natural moisture and a subtle sweetness to chocolate cake, similar to how carrots work in carrot cake. The beet flavor mostly disappears once baked, leaving behind a rich, moist dessert that’s a fun surprise for guests.
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Beet Smoothie
Blend cooked or frozen beets with berries, banana, and a splash of orange juice for a naturally sweet, nutrient-packed smoothie. The bold color alone makes it a fun addition to a morning routine.
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Beet Fries
Cut beets into thin strips, toss with oil and seasoning, then roast or air fry until crispy on the edges. A colorful, slightly sweeter alternative to regular fries that still hits that crunchy craving.
