How to Cook Beets

A beginner-friendly guide to roasting tender, naturally sweet, nutrient-rich beets — ideal for salads, bowls, meal prep, or homemade beet hummus.

Beets are one of the most underrated vegetables in the kitchen. They’re naturally sweet, earthy, vibrant, and packed with nutrients that support circulation, healthy skin, glowing energy, and even endurance. When cooked the right way, they become tender, buttery, and incredibly versatile.

Whether you’re making beet hummus, adding roasted beets to your salads, or prepping them for a veggie bowl, this method is the easiest way to cook them perfectly — every single time.

Below is the exact method I used to prepare my beets before blending them into a creamy, gorgeous pink beet hummus.

Why Roast Beets Instead of Boiling?

There are several ways to cook beets, but roasting is the best. Here’s why:

• Keeps the nutrients: Boiling leaches minerals into the water. Roasting keeps everything inside the beet.

• Concentrates the flavor: The high heat caramelizes the natural sugars, making beets taste sweeter and richer.

• Better texture: Roasted beets become soft but not mushy, with a velvety texture perfect for blending.

• Minimal prep: No peeling beforehand, no cutting, no babysitting the stove.

Roasting is truly the easiest, most hands-off method.

What You’ll Need

• Fresh whole beets (any size)

• Cold water

• Foil

• A baking tray or foil pan

• Optional: olive oil, salt, pepper (not required for hummus — plain works best)

How to Prep Beets Before Baking

Before roasting, it’s important to clean the beets properly. This helps remove dirt while keeping the skin intact (the skin locks moisture inside as they cook).

Here’s exactly how I prepared mine:

1. Rinse the beets under cold water.

   
   

   Use your hands or a vegetable brush to gently scrub off any dirt.

2. Do NOT peel or cut them yet.

   
   

   The skin protects them while baking and keeps them moist.

3. Dry them lightly with a towel.

4. Wrap each beet tightly in foil.

   
   

   This traps steam and helps them bake evenly and become super soft.

   
   

5. Place the wrapped beets in a foil pan or on a lined baking sheet.

   
   

   This catches any juices and keeps your oven clean.

How to Bake Beets (Perfect Every Time)

Bake your beets at 400°F for 60 minutes — This is for medium-sized beets (you may have to adjust depending on the beet size).

Roasting Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C).

   
   

   This is the ideal temperature to soften beets without drying them out.

2. Place your foil-wrapped beets into your foil pan or onto a baking tray.

3. Bake for 60–75 minutes.

   
   

   • Small beets → 45–55 minutes

   • Medium beets → 60 minutes (yours were perfect!)

   • Large beets → 75–90 minutes

4. 
   

5. Check for doneness by inserting a fork or knife.

   
   

   If it slides in easily, they’re ready.

6. Let them cool slightly, then unwrap.

   
   

   Careful — steam is hot!

7. Rub the skins off with your fingers or a paper towel.

   
   

   They slide off effortlessly once cooked.

Your beets are now tender, juicy, and ready for anything — salads, bowls, smoothies, or your delicious beet hummus.

Why This Method Works So Well

This roasting method intensifies the beet’s natural sweetness, creating bold color and full-bodied flavor. Because you cooked them whole and wrapped them securely, moisture stayed inside, leaving the interior soft and easy to blend.

If you’re making beet hummus, roasted beets blend more smoothly than boiled ones, giving your hummus that silky, creamy texture.

Health Benefits of Roasted Beets

• High in antioxidants (especially betalains — supports detox + skin clarity)

• Boosts circulation thanks to natural nitrates

• Supports healthy blood pressure

• Great for athletic performance & endurance

• High in fiber for digestion

• Rich in folate, potassium, vitamin C, and manganese

Beets are one of the most nutritious vegetables you can add to your cooking routine.

Storage Tips

Refrigerator

• Store whole roasted beets in an airtight container for 4–5 days.

Freezer

• Slice or cube the cooked beets and freeze for up to 3 months.

This makes meal prep incredibly convenient.

Ways to Use Your Roasted Beets

• Blend into beet hummus

• Add to salads with avocado and greens

• Toss into grain bowls

• Mix into smoothies for color + nutrients

• Turn into a beet dip with yogurt or tahini

• Slice into wraps or sandwiches

• Add to soups and roasted vegetable platters

Final Thoughts

Cooking beets doesn’t have to be complicated. With the simple roasting method you used — wash, scrub, wrap in foil, bake at 400°F for 60 minutes — you’ll get perfectly tender, flavorful beets every time.

They’re vibrant, healthy, and easy to add to your meals… and absolutely perfect for your homemade beet hummus.

If you’re ready for a gorgeous, creamy plant-based dip full of color and nutrients, roasted beets are the perfect base.

Allergy Notice:

Please avoid this recipe if you are allergic or think you may be allergic to any of the listed ingredients.